I LOVE a good margarita! A marg is always my go-to choice when at a restaurant, and I’ll even make them at home. While I like frozen margs, a classic marg on the rocks with a salted rim is my favorite. That said, I am picky. I do not enjoy overly sweet drinks nor do I like the taste of artificial flavoring. I do my best to avoid margs with pre-made mixes in favor of those made with fresh ingredients. With that in mind, I set out over the holiday break to try out some tequila drinks at some of my favorite local spots around Hyannis. With the help of my best friend, we put together a list of 5 must-try tequila cocktails near Hyannis. An added bonus to this list—each of these restaurants is open for most of the off-season so you don’t have to wait for summer.
1. La Casa Margarita, Anejo in Hyannis
Made with tequila blanco, Patron Citronge, organic sugar cane, and squeezed lime, this is my absolute favorite margarita on Cape Cod. Anejo offers a great-sized pour rimmed in salt, sugar, or nothing at all depending on your preference. The margarita has the perfect mix of sour and it always hits the spot. If you’re looking for an appetizer to pair nicely with your margarita, I highly recommend the Flautas de Pollo. They are delicious and come with three to an order, so it can be an entrée as well.
2. House Infused Anejo Coffee Tequila, Five Bays in Osterville
The house infused anejo coffee tequila at Five Bays in Osterville is a unique menu item that I hadn’t seen before at any restaurant on the Cape (or elsewhere). I chose to have it served shaken with espresso and a touch of Bailey’s, so it was more like an espresso martini. This drink did not disappoint! You can also have this served straight up or mixed into a different cocktail of your choosing. In general, I am a big fan of espresso martinis, which usually have vodka, but this was my first time trying one made with tequila. I was impressed.
If you’re longing for summer as we enter the coldest months of the year and prefer a fruitier tequila option, go with the pomegranate paloma. This drink is crisp and refreshing.
3. Paloma, West End in Hyannis
If you’re looking for specialty cocktails, the West End has an extensive menu from which you can choose. I chose the paloma made with tequila blanco, fresh grapefruit, lime, and agave, and it was delicious. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and it makes a difference. I also liked the attention to detail with a dried grapefruit placed on top as a garnish.
If you prefer something bubbly, I recommend the Dos Chicas made with Ancho Reyes Verde, Tequila Mi Campo, fresh lemon, and a Prosecco float.
4. Blanco Caliente, Pain D’Avignon in Hyannis
Espolon Blanco, Cointreau, lime, jalapeño, and agave shaken together make up this upscale margarita. I ordered mine without the jalapeño because I don’t like spicy drinks or food. This drink was very flavorful, and the atmosphere of the bar at Pain D’Avignon was enjoyable. The drink did not come with a salted rim, so if that’s something you prefer, make sure to include that in your order. I will definitely get this drink again and will ask for a salted rim next time.
5. Pineapple Coconut Margarita, Portside Tavern in Hyannis
I set out to try something different from Portside Tavern. My typical drink order here is a simple glass of sauv blanc at the outdoor bar over the summer. This time, I opted for the Pineapple Coconut Margarita made with 1800 Coconut, pineapple juice, triple sec, coconut puree, and sour mix. The drink is good and provided a taste of summer on a cold December night. I will say it’s on the sweet side for my taste, so if you enjoy coconut and pineapple then this drink is for you—you will be very impressed!
Do you have a favorite tequila drink on the Cape? If you do, we’d love to hear your recommendations.
If you try any of these drinks, feel free to tag @CapeCodMoms or me @Snfenlon.
