BUSINESS NEWS
National Margarita Day 2021 brings drink specials and tequila deals for Margarita Monday at Chili’s and more
Kelly Tyko
| USA TODAY
National Margarita Day 2020 is February 22You don’t have to wait until 5 o’clock to kick off National Margarita Day.WochitNational Margarita Day also is Margarita Monday this year.But the spirited made-up holiday will look different than past years amid the coronavirus pandemic. More are expected to mix themselves a drink at home or get one to-go or delivered.Best-selling tequila brand Jose Cuervo is giving its fans a chance to win $8, the average cost of a margarita, if they thank Todd McCalla, who founded the holiday, which is held annually on Feb. 22. (See details below.)A recent study from Censuswide commissioned by Cointreau found nearly half of respondents said the pandemic and social distancing has allowed them more time to further learn about how to make cocktails at home.IHOP cancels National Pancake Day 2021: But the chain will still give away free pancakes. How to sign up for an IOU.Wing delivery: Cheetos-flavored wings are now a thing from new online concept Cosmic Wings via Uber EatsTraditional margaritas usually include tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice and are served with salt on the rim or sugar.Lander Otegui, senior vice president of marketing at Proximo Spirits, which imports and distributes Jose Cuervo, told USA TODAY that in the weeks and months since last Margarita Day, the brand has seen a large uptick in consumers buying tequila and ready-to-drink offerings at grocery stores and online.Many states have loosened liquor laws during the pandemic and have been allowing restaurants to sell cocktails to-go or for delivery.Margarita Day 2021 specials and dealsThe following deals are available Monday, Feb. 22 unless otherwise noted. Participation and offers can vary by location – sometimes because of state and local laws – so check with your closest location before heading out.Applebee’s: The chain doesn’t have a nationwide margarita deal Monday, but some franchise locations will have specials.Chili’s Grill & Bar: Chili’s has a variety of margarita deals Monday including $3 house margaritas, $5 Presidente and $7 premium margaritas. Also, the $5 Margarita of the Month is the Grand Romance.Chuy’s: All-day drink specials Monday include $1 floaters and for $2 extra make any regular House or Frozen Rita a Grande and keep the commemorative cup.Jose Cuervo: Enter the #ThanksTodd Sweepstakes by following the brand on social media and dropping a comment on the applicable post with the #ThanksTodd hashtag through Monday. Two-hundred people will receive $8 via PayPal. Miller’s Ale House: House margaritas are $2.22 Monday at participating locations in Delaware, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia. Hours vary and not valid in Georgia. Learn more and find participating locations at www.millersalehouse.com/national-margarita-day.O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar: The chain has a margarita special for $4, which is a daily special. For a limited time, it is also offering margaritas to-go where law permits.On The Border: Through Feb. 28, the 1800 Grande ‘Rita is $5.Tijuana Flats: The chain has a buy-one-get-one 50% off offer on its new Golden Agave Margaritas at its Florida locations with promo code MARG2424. Participating locations in North Carolina, Virginia and Indiana will be offering 50% off margaritas with the code MARG4554.Torchy’s Tacos: The chain has its “Damn Good Margarita” for dine-in, delivery or to-go Monday. In Texas and Colorado, Torchy’s has a new 32-ounce To-Go Rocks Margarita bottles, and you can make four large-size margaritas for $25.Twin Peaks: Get the House Margarita for $4 and Peaks Margarita for $6 Monday at corporate locations.More deals: Locally owned businesses and regional chains also may have specials for National Margarita Day. One of the easiest ways to find out is to check restaurants’ social media channels.Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko
