Austin Locals Swear These Margaritas Are Among the City’s Best

If you are chasing Austin’s most talked about margaritas, De Nada Cantina is where the buzz turns into your new favorite ritual. Set on East Cesar Chavez, this colorful taco haven pairs blue corn tortillas and tangy enchiladas with margaritas that locals call dangerously smooth. The patio hums, the vibe is lively, and happy hour has a way of stretching into stories.

Come thirsty, pace yourself, and let the bartenders guide your adventure.

1. Classic Frozen Margarita

The frozen margarita at De Nada Cantina hits that perfect Austin sweet spot: bright, tart, and unapologetically strong. You get a salt rim that crackles, a lime that perfumes every sip, and a frosty texture that rescues hot afternoons. Two of these, and conversation gets delightfully loose.

Sip it while you wait on the patio and you will understand why the line never scares locals. The blender hums, the music bounces, and the glass sweats like it was born here. Pair with chips and queso to keep pace.

It is classic for a reason, but it does not feel basic. The balance lands clean, never syrupy. You taste tequila, not sugar, and that is the point.

2. Spicy Margarita

If heat is your love language, the spicy margarita brings the flirt. Jalapeno slices float like green confetti while a chili salt rim sparks each sip. You get crisp citrus first, then a friendly burn that invites another pull.

This is the move when tacos arrive hot and fragrant. It slices through carnitas richness and wakes up barbacoa with a zesty snap. Keep water nearby, but do not dilute the fun.

The spice never bullies the tequila. Instead, it frames the agave, making every note pop. Order it large if you are settling in, small if you have errands after.

Either way, you will chase that tingling finish.

3. Strawberry Frozen Margarita

Strawberry at De Nada means ripe, not candy. The frozen pour feels luxurious, with real fruit brightness cut by a decisive squeeze of lime. It drinks like sunshine and sneaks up fast, so pace yourself.

Order this when the patio goes golden and the playlist turns nostalgic. The pink swirl photographs beautifully against the cantina’s vivid backdrop, so yes, you will take a pic. It loves crispy tacos and flautas.

Sweetness stays in check, never cloying. The tequila shines through, giving the drink a grown up backbone. If someone in your group says they do not like margs, start them here.

Expect a quick conversion and a second round.

4. Mango Margarita

The mango margarita drinks like a vacation without leaving East Cesar Chavez. Thick, golden, and fragrant, it wraps the tequila in tropical comfort while lime keeps everything snappy. A tajin rim adds sparkle and contrast.

This is the one to pair with shrimp or fish tacos. Mango and seafood are natural friends, especially with a squeeze of lime. The texture is plush but never heavy, so it disappears faster than intended.

When the table wants something playful yet balanced, this answers. You get grown up flavor with easygoing charm. Order a pitcher for the group, then guard your glass.

People will try to trade after the first sip.

5. Guava Margarita

Guava brings a silky, floral twist that feels tailor made for Austin evenings. In a rocks glass over a single cube, it is equal parts pretty and potent. The first sip lands soft, then bright, then confidently tequila forward.

Order this when you want something a little different without getting weird. It pairs beautifully with queso and blue corn tortillas, letting the corn’s sweetness shine. The finish lingers like a good song.

Guava’s gentle perfume keeps you reaching back for another taste. The rim kiss of chili salt is optional, but highly recommended. It adds pop without stealing the show.

Expect compliments from friends and maybe a request to share.

6. Prickly Pear Margarita

That electric magenta is not a filter. The prickly pear margarita turns heads the second it lands, then seals the deal with a clean, citrusy zip. It is refreshing, lightly floral, and slightly tart.

When friends ask for a showstopper, point here. The color pops in every photo, and the flavor backs it up. Pair it with chicken enchiladas or tangy lunch specials for perfect harmony.

Despite the drama, the drink stays balanced. The agave sings through the fruit without getting lost. If you are sensitive to sweetness, ask for a firmer lime push.

You will finish the glass and immediately consider another.

7. Smoky Margarita Twist

Craving depth without heaviness? Ask for a smoky twist, often done with a mezcal rinse or split base. You still get that bright margarita core, but with a whisper of campfire that lingers nicely.

This plays beautifully with barbacoa tacos and carnitas quesadillas. The smoke tucks into the savory notes and lifts the lime like magic. It is a savvy order that feels custom without being fussy.

Tell your bartender how smoky you want it and they will dial it in. The finish is long, the mood is relaxed, and conversation stretches effortlessly. One glass turns into stories that stick.

It is a quiet flex for seasoned margarita fans.

8. Happy Hour House Margarita

For value and vibes, the happy hour house margarita is the smart play. On the rocks, bright, and built to refresh, it pairs seamlessly with chips, salsas, and that fast arriving queso. You can settle in without wrecking your budget.

The pour is honest and the flavor balanced, never watered down. It is the kind of drink that makes the patio buzz feel extra friendly. Grab a seat, order a round, and let time slow.

If you are new here, start with this to set your baseline. From there, level up to spicy or fruit forward options. Either way, the house version keeps standards high and spirits higher.