For reasons beyond understanding, the powers that be who invent these drink-idays decided it would be a good idea to plant National Margarita Day — February 22 — during the darkest weeks of winter. Perhaps it’s a “light at the end of the tunnel” situation where these recipes will help us all get through the miserable weather and slush and welcome in spring and summer. Either way, here are a few recipes for you to check out on this most festivious of days.

Smoke and Fire Margarita
¾ part Ancho Reyes
¾ part Montelobos Mezcal
¾ part Milagro Silver Tequila
1 part fresh lime juice
½ part agave nectar

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice, shake, and double strain over fresh ice into the glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
(NOTE: This was the hands down winner of all the recipes we tried this year. Bravo!)

Perfect Pear Margarita
2 cups Sauza Signature Blue Silver Tequila
1 cup simple syrup
½ cup lime
½ cup lemon
2 peeled pears for garnish
8 rosemary sprigs for garnish

Add ingredients to a pitcher and stir. Pour over ice into margarita glasses. Garnish each with a pear slice and rosemary sprig. Serves 8.

The Twisted Margarita
(Created by Cody Goldstein)
2 parts Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila
¾ parts lime juice
½ part triple sec
½ part simple syrup
1 teaspoon mustard powder
mustard seed and sea salt rim

Rim glass with a slice of lime. Roll rim of glass in grounded mustard seed and sea salt mixture. Combine Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila, lime, simple syrup, triple sec and mustard powder into a shaking tin. Fill half way with ice and shake for 10 seconds. Strain over ice in a rimmed rocks glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and serve.

Chipotle Cocoa Margarita
3 slices of orange
1 slice of lemon
1/4 oz. light agave
2 oz. Avión Añejo
Unsweetened cocoa powder
Chipotle powder

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice, and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass that has been rimmed with a mixture of cocoa powder and chipotle powder, and garnish with an orange twist.