Given the fact that there are about as many different margaritas as there are golf carts on this island, I decided to put out an APB to the populous about where you all stand when it comes this refreshing cocktail. Just like you, I have favorites. I’ve had some-make that plenty- that I didn’t care for. I’ve been given bad intel on some and been very pleasantly surprised by others. All of that said, I’ve come to the conclusion that a lot of people like the margarita for a lot of different reasons. Some like them on the tangy side. Others like them on the tequila-y side (stronger is not always better, btw).

My favorite margaritas are the lightest margaritas. Not so much light as in ‘skinny’ margaritas which are so popular, but light as in -not heavy. A lot of places like to sweeten their margaritas with full blown orange juice. For me? In the true essence of a margarita? That’s a train wreck. It makes what should be a light and refreshing beverage essentially orange juice with tequila in it. I’ve seen those served out there with a straight face, and maybe you like it, but….. like Hall and Oates famously said….I can’t go for that.

The best ones are the most basic….Tequila, orange, lime, simple syrup, salt. It’s not that hard. When you start cutting corners, you begin to lose control of the caboose. The next thing you know, you are off the rails on a crazy train.

All of that as a backdrop, here are my results of a fair amount of ‘research’ invested into island margaritas. In all, over a dozen margaritas were consumed for this project. That research culminated with a weekday lightning round of sampling across the island. The results were hermetically sealed in a mayonnaise jar for a weekend of marination before I made this valuable intel public. Enjoy.

As always, this is not a ranking. It never is. Just a short list of banging island margas….

Cactus Street Cantina – Main Street

The ladies (and gentleman) behind Cactus Street are doing an exceptional job with this fairly small spot in a Harris Teeter Shopping Mall. There are no mariachis, there are velvet portraits of bull fighters on the wall. On the contrary, you order at the register and take a number. Your food and drink is then brought out to your table. All the food I’ve had there was very good. But for the purpose of this exercise, the margaritas I’ve had there have been “this doesn’t have to be this good-good.” This would be a perfect candidate to have a pre-mix flowing from a juice machine and call it a day. They don’t. The cocktails are great. Buyer beware: if you have 1 or 2 for lunch, you just burned off your afternoon’s productivity.

The Admiral- Hudson’s on the Docks

We’d been told the margaritas at Hudson’s were among the island’s best. I think the person who recommended to me used the word ‘legendary. I could drink them at 8am they are so good.’ she said. So I took a flyer. How could I not? I found the Classic Margarita at Hudson’s to be a good version of a classic margarita. But it wasn’t until Brighan Cornelius Dryer suggested on Facebook that I try The Admiral. Essentially their top shelf margarita. “Cadillac” if you will. This was exceptional. Perfectly made, more importantly perfectly balanced. Remember, stronger isn’t always better. The Admiral is a solid choice and-in my book-contender for the island’s best. Well done, chaps.

Java Burrito Company – Hilton Head Island and Downtown Savannah

A couple of years ago, this cocktail was named “Best Margarita in the State of South Carolina.” That is research I would have liked to have been in on, however, I mention it simply for the fact that this isn’t just my opinion. This cocktail is held in very high regard island-wide. And given the fact that it is not from a traditional ‘bar’ makes it even more deserving. Michael and Frederika Fekete are all about attention to detail with pretty much everything they offer, including that margarita. In fact, Frederika tells me their recipe is a very closely guarded secret. Fair enough. These things are damn near perfect every time. Add to that at happy hour they are 5 bucks? Come on now. If you’ve not tried one, you are missing out.

Chez Georges Bistro & Bar

This was another flyer that paid off. Gal pal Monica Collins (also head bartender at Chez Georges Bistro and Bar) challenged me to try their “Dancing Monkey.” It’s a beautifully crafted cocktail that is essentially their ‘spin’ on a classic margarita. It included ocho blanco tequila, velvet falernum, St. George spiced pear, yuzu syrup and orange peel.

larceny bourbon, herbal peach, earl grey tea, agave nectar, angostura bitters and an orange twist. I was admittedly a bit skeptical, but I always trust Monica to do right by me. She is one of the top talents on the island for good reason.

This beverage was not only beautiful, but simply delicious. Comparisons to a margarita? 100 percent accurate. Don’t ask me why, that science is well above my pay grade, but this was a wonderful drink. The kind of drink I’d enjoy all day by a pool in the Summer? Probably not. But in the right setting this was a wonderful twist on the classic. Highly recommend.

A couple of others that I have admittedly not tried but come highly recommended are: B.A.M at Skull Creek Boathouse and the Basil Margarita at Local Pie (yeah, Local Pie).

Got any under the radar that we missed? Give us a shout tips@ eatitandlikeit.com

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