March Into Margarita

Overview

When February passes its midway point each year, margaritas start being the hospitality industry's drink of choice. The reason? World Margarita Day on February 22. That date has been and gone for 2023 now, but the 'ritas will still be flowing in Fish Lane in March. In fact, the precinct is dedicating the entire month to margs — on menus in general, and at events dedicated to the cocktail.

The patch of South Brisbane and West End does already have celebrations devoted to rosé and negronis on its calendar, so consider this a case of pouring out some love for another tipple. Dubbed 'March Into Margarita', the tequila-fuelled event will run for the entire month — so, from Friday, March 1–Sunday, March 31, 2024 in its inaugural year — across venues such as Bar Brutus, Chu the Phat, Hello Please, Kiki Kiosk, Midtown, Southside and Saccharomyces Beer Cafe.

The special marg lineup spans classic versions everywhere that serves them, plus creative takes at a heap of places. Chu the Phat is taking its cues from Bangkok, El Planta's margs will involve grilled pineapple and rhubarb, and Midtown is doing both spiced lychee and passionfruit takes. You'll find find a smoked jalapeño sip at Saccharomyces, too, as well as a largerita — which  Chu the Phat is also serving.

If you're looking for a specific day to head along, take inspiration from shindigs such as the Margs-a-Million festival. Taking place on Sunday, March 3 across two two-hour sessions — from 12–2pm and 2–4pm — it'll see Southside serve up margaritas and mezcal-based cocktails. Also, Benny Lam and his chef team will collaborate with the crew from Mama Taco in West End on bites to match.

Midtown is hosting The Margarita Edit on Thursday, March 7, complete with marg flights instead of its usual martini spread, plus small plates to line the stomach. And Chu the Phat is throwing a laneway party called Phat Phiesta on Thursday, March 21, where there'll be sips, mariachi music and dishes with ample spice.

Or, each Friday and Saturday in March from 3–5pm, you can head to Hello Please for $15 margs and two tacos for $18. With all of this marg-centric fun, if you claim that you don't know what to drink to kick off autumn in Fish Lane, no one will believe you.

Images: Pixel Punk.