The inspiration for this margarita story was Robert Stanton's, Galveston: An Island of Firsts. Robert referenced Bob’s Galveston Island Reader, which was originally published in 1983. In Texas, Galveston had the first custom house, post office, opera house, and the list goes on and on.
But, what
about the Margarita?
I’ve
always heard that the Margarita was invented at The Balinese Room by Santos
Cruz for singer Peggy Lee.
Today,
I noticed this Facebook post that my friend Jack Morris, owner of Third Coast Gallery, shared that stirred up
the debate. What’s this about Paco’s in Taxco, Mexico?
Blasphemy!
So, I
did some Googling. We have lots of competition for that title!
Smithsonian
Magazine ran an article that discusses Carlos "Danny" Herrera, who
claimed to have created the drink in a Tijuana restaurant. They then referenced
another source that claims Dia Blue of Jose Cuervo Tequila fame invented it.
Even a Texan was mentioned: Margarita
Sames, a Dallas socialite. But, what about our Santos Cruz?
Feeling
hopeful, I found a story by Texas Monthly. Surely, they would get it right!
Right?
Nope.
They go on and on about some guy, Pancho Morales, who drives a milk truck in El
Paso. He claims to have invented it in
1942.
And,
then I stumpled upon Wikipedia. Woohoo! At least Santos Cruz from Galveston got
a mention.
I don't
know who this merry band of narcissists are, and why the tequila and lime laced
spotlight is on them. For me, the proof is clear. 110 proof like a good bottle of tequila.
As an
Islander, I will proudly boast that Santos Cruz of Galveston Island, Texas invented
the Margarita.
I dare
you to prove me wrong. Give me your best salty shot. There's a comment box
below.
