Iconic Neon Margarita Signs Capture the Spirit of the Classic Cocktail

The Allure of Neon Margarita Signs

Neon signs have become iconic symbols of bars and restaurants for decades. Their glowing lights beckon visitors inside for food, drinks, and good times. One of the most popular neon signs is that of the margarita, the famous tequila and lime drink that has become a staple of Mexican restaurants and bars across the world.

The History of the Margarita

The origins of the margarita are widely disputed, with competing claims from the 1930s and 40s. One of the earliest stories attributes the drink's creation to Dallas socialite Margarita Sames, who invented it at her Acapulco vacation home in 1948. According to this tale, she mixed tequila with Cointreau and lime juice and served it to her guests, who loved the new cocktail. The drink was named after its inventor and quickly spread in popularity.

Other versions credit the margarita's birth to a Tijuana bartender named Danny Negrete in 1936. As the story goes, he concocted it for a customer named Margarita Henkel. Yet another account points to Carlos "Danny" Herrera of Rancho La Gloria near Tijuana, who purportedly created it in 1938 for customer and former Ziegfeld dancer Marjorie King.

Whatever its exact origin, the margarita had undoubtedly made its way north of the border to the US by the 1950s and 60s. Restaurants like the Tail o' the Cock in Los Angeles began selling their own versions, making the drink synonymous with Mexican cuisine and culture.

The Margarita's Rise in Popularity

By the 1970s, the margarita had become a sensation in the United States. Its popularity dovetailed with the growth of Mexican restaurants across the country, which increasingly featured margaritas on their menus. Frozen margarita machines were invented, making mass production of the icy drink possible. In 1971, the first mass-produced premixed margarita, Montezuma Triple Sec, was bottled and distributed to stores, allowing customers to make margaritas at home.

Drinking margaritas took on a life of its own by the 1980s and 90s. Cinco de Mayo saw a spike in margarita consumption nationwide. Jimmy Buffet released the song "Margaritaville" in 1977, immortalizing the cocktail and its ability to "take away all your cares." For many, the drink became synonymous with relaxation and escapism.

The margarita's popularity has only grown over recent decades. By 2015, it was the most commonly ordered drink in American restaurants. While flavors and variations have expanded, the classic margarita with lime remains iconic. Whether enjoyed at home, a restaurant, or on vacation, the margarita has secured its place as a beloved cocktail.

The Allure of the Margarita Neon Sign

Given the margarita's widespread fame, neon signs in its image quickly became symbols of the drink, as well as Mexican culture and hospitality. What began as signage on cantinas and bars became coveted decor pieces displayed proudly in restaurants, homes, and businesses.

Neon margarita signs harken back to mid-century designs that use the glow of neon lighting to amplify the bright green and yellow hues of limes and lemons. The floral motifs and flourishing script fonts are visual reminders of Mexican culture and add a festive accent. The bubbling drink and frosty salt-rimmed glass depicted ignite a sense of celebration, vacation, and the allure of a tropical getaway.

For Mexican restaurants, a neon margarita sign has become essential decor. It instantly signals a fiesta atmosphere to customers and conveys an establishment's commitment to tradition and authenticity. The eye-catching lighting illuminates interiors and exteriors with the neon colors of Mexico that diners have come to expect.

Beyond commercial enterprises, margarita signs have expanded to home decor and collectibles. Their nostalgic glow enlivens patios, kitchens, and rec rooms with the festive ambiance of an eternal Mexican holiday. For some, the sign pays homage to favorite vacation memories, while for others it transports them imaginatively to sandy Mexican beaches.

Custom and Vintage Neon Margarita Signs

Today, lovers of vintage bar decor and neon lighting can find a wide range of margarita signs to fit any aesthetic. Authentic mid-century pieces have become sought-after collector's items that command high prices due to their age, patina, and handcrafted artistry.

For more budget-friendly options, many companies now reproduce classic margarita sign designs. Custom neon sign shops can tailor everything from colors and dimensions to decorative flourishes. Personalized name plates or phrases can also be added to customize signs as one-of-a-kind gifts.

Smaller modern versions are also available as novelty items. Mini tabletop neon margarita signs can accent home bars or be gifted as kitschy presents. Retro-style tin signs are also popular for indoor use to infuse spaces with vintage character.

Whether as an artifact, decoration, or collectible, neon margarita signs continue to shine their alluring glow through the decades. Their enduring popularity pays homage to Mexican culture, mid-century aesthetic, and America's love affair with the margarita cocktail.

FAQs

Where did the margarita cocktail originate?

There are competing claims about the margarita's origin, but stories point to its creation at some point in the 1930s or 40s in Mexico. Different bartenders and socialites have been credited with inventing the now-famous combination of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur.

When did neon margarita signs become popular?

Neon margarita signs rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s as the drink grew popular in the United States. They became signature decorations for Mexican restaurants and bars and were manufactured to meet demand.

What makes vintage margarita signs valuable?

Authentic mid-20th century margarita signs handmade with neon lighting have become coveted collector's items. Their age, craftsmanship, and classic retro design drive up their value as decorative artifacts.

Where are custom margarita signs available?

Many neon sign companies today can create custom margarita designs with personalized names, phrases, colors, and dimensions. Tabletop novelty versions and retro tin signs are also sold online and in stores.

Why do people collect margarita signs?

For many, margarita signs evoke nostalgia for mid-century bars and classic Mexican cuisine. Their festive, neon glow captures the drink's sense of celebration and escapism.