I have decided to keep track of the quality of the margaritas served in the various establishments around Tucson. I will list my criteria, which will be simple, then grade them somehow. Not sure how it will go, but right off the top of my head I can think of one at the moment. I usually drink half the drink within a few minutes, then see how it affects me. If I get a buzz, it's a plus. Taste matters too, but only on the first one if it's strong. :) I don't like the syrupy mixes that are sometimes used. I've tried a few at home out of a bottle, and have found none that suits my taste.

Anyway, I had one at BJ's Brewery, on Oracle. Drank the whole thing in about 20 minutes while waiting for a table. Taste was ok, but would have tasted better with more liquor.

Oregano's on Speedway - Their margarita was a little on the strong side. Good flavor though, not too syrupy. If you like to be buzzin after a few swallows, this was a good one.

Olive Garden on Broadway near Craycroft - Very good. Good flavor, close to perfect buzz.

Another try at BJ's Brewery on Oracle - The margarita I had here was lousy. They used too much mix, which made it taste syrupy. There was little alcohol, so it had little effect. No more margaritas from this place. The place was packed too, on a Friday night it wasn't surprising.

Went to Texas Roadhouse today and had a Margarita. A little too syrupy for me, but I got a good enough buzz. Ok, but I'm not sure I would buy another there.

On The Border on River - The mango passion margarita I had last night had no kick to it whatsoever. It is the first time that has happened there though, I think.

Laff's Comedy Club - I didn't have a margarita here, but my wife did. There was no liquor, so of course it tasted syrupy as hell. I had a black russian. They usually make my lips numb, this one did nothing.

Mosiac Cafe - The new one across from Foothills Mall. I've had the margaritas there twice. The first time my wife was driving, so I had to drink hers because they were so strong. She took hers down one finger, then had to give me the rest. I stumbled out after mine and the rest of hers. Taste was really good. The second time they weren't quite as strong, but the taste was good.

Fox n Hound. Asked for a 'Top Shelf', and got the house. The food sucked too. We eat at this restaurant quite a bit, but will probably stay away.

Went to Sam Hugh's on Campbell yesterday. The margaritas weren't very strong, but the mixer wasn't too syrupy. Palatable, but not strong enough for the $10 they charged.

March, 2009. I've been back to fox 'n Hound. I ordered a 'good' margarita, it was just as it was way back when. I wanted to see if they had fixed the problem of their bad drinks. I had asked for Petron in the margarita, there was so little alcohol in the drink I didn't feel a thing.

I think I have found ingredients that will lead me to the perfect margarita. I talk about it here.