- February 15, 2026
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This is the very best time of year to be a Floridian. The “cold” winter fronts have finally packed their bags, the windows are rolled down as you drive to work and that first real hint of Florida spring filters through our homes like a deep, cleansing breath.
It’s warm but not oppressive, breezy without being blustery and scented with salt air, sunscreen and the promise of afternoons that don’t require a plan. After months of recycled air and lingering colds, this is the season where our lungs and our moods finally reset.
Spring training is back, too, and with it comes the familiar crack of the bat echoing through town, somehow syncing perfectly with the soft, steady roll of Gulf waves not too far from the stadium.
The beaches haven’t yet been overrun by spring breakers from across the country. Everything feels calm, far from rushed and quietly special.
And come Feb. 22, there’s National Margarita Day, one of the most important "holidays" on the Floridian foodie calendar. It gives us a perfectly good excuse to lean back, sip slow and soak in the glory of living in the Sunshine State (or visiting often enough to claim it as home).
You’ll find me celebrating with salt on the rim, Bad Bunny on repeat and that familiar, confident mantra, "Oh, I guess one more won’t hurt."
1234 Benjamin Franklin Drive, Sarasota; 941-309-2577; RitzCarlton.com.
In Lime We Trust: This is not a wait-until-5 p.m. kind of margarita; this is a clear-your-afternoon margarita. Named in honor of our state-of-the-art aquarium, the Mote margarita ($24) mixes avión añejo with Cointreau, fresh lime, guava and Mote tea for a sip that feels breezy, a little luxe and very, “I don’t have to answer emails right now.”
Sip Happens: Go bold with the Lion’s Share ($23) with Casamigos blanco, Cointreau, fresh lime and a Grand Marnier floater. It practically dares you to order it. They say a midday weekday margarita hits different (I can’t confirm, yet), but I can say this one tastes like the kind of paradise you daydream about while pretending you aren't answering emails.
1289 N. Palm Ave., Sarasota; 941-536-9717; BarHana.com.
In Lime We Trust: I’m a sucker for a modern twist and the Mainland Margarita ($15) at Bar Hana gets it right. Blanco tequila meets Ume plum liqueur, agave and lime, finished with a li hing mui salt rim that’s equal parts sweet, tart and totally unexpected. It’s the kind of margarita that reminds you what this drink should taste like — not to mention, she’s easy on the eyes too.
Sip Happens: Gather your crew and commit to the Scorpion Bowl ($42). Designed for team drinking, this tropical beast blends vodka, pineapple rum, cachaça, cinnamon, pineapple juice, orange and lime. Think spring break in a bowl.
5704 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach; 941-896-8033; TheUglyGrouper.com.
In Lime We Trust: Batter up! The UG Perfect Margarita ($18) hits it out of the park with Patrón Silver, Patrón Citrónge, a filthy-good margarita mix and a Grand Marnier floater. Balanced, bold and easy to sip, it’s the kind of drink that pairs perfectly with your latest Bad Bunny obsession blasting in the background. Suddenly, the sun shines a little brighter, your hips don't lie and a margarita in paradise was the answer you never knew you needed.
Sip Happens: Skinny mana-rita ($18) hits you with two generous pours of Teremana Blanco with muddled limes and oranges, agave and soda, all crowned with a pineapple ring and a cheeky chili-lime rim. Feeling daring? Toss in a fresh jalapeño for a $2.
243 N. Cattlemen Road Sarasota; 941-477-8226; RoccosTacos.com
In Lime We Trust: Meet your new favorite sip, the Black Diamond margarita ($14). This isn’t your poolside, salt-rimmed afterthought of a margarita. It’s the kind of drink you savor, preferably before heading over to the diamond for an Orioles spring training game. If spring training in Sarasota had an official pregame ritual, this might just be it.
Sip Happens: If there’s a jalapeño margarita on the menu, the decision has already been made for me. Rocco’s spicy situation starts with Tanteo-infused tequila, triple sec and a house-made sour mix, then lets you choose your level of chaos: jalapeño, chipotle or habanero. Pick your pepper wisely; this one doesn’t just sip, it bites.
6644 Gateway Ave. Sarasota; 941-921-3133; Kolucan.com.
In Lime We Trust: According to the calendar, sring has hasn't yet officially sprung, but Floridians know better. Gulf Gate’s Kolucan is serving up a Tamarind Margarita ($14) that’s basically the season in a glass. Tequila meets house-made tamarind syrup, fresh lime and a show-stopping black lava tortilla salt rim that’s almost too pretty to sip. Trust me, you’ll sip anyway. Suddenly those winter woes are just a distant memory.
Sip Happens: Close out your National Margarita Day lineup with the Cucumber Jalapeño Margarita ($15). Tequila, house-made sour mix, fresh cucumber, a hint of jalapeño, agave and nectar come together with a salt rim and a dainty cucumber ribbon. It's the perfect gift to yourself on this perfect themed day.
