Don't cry because it's Monday. Smile because it's National Margarita Day! 

Yes indeed today, Monday February 22nd is National Margarita Day! The true history of the cocktail is unknown and there are several reputed accounts. No one can quite agree of the origins of the margarita, making its history a mysterious one. One version states that The Original Margarita was created by socialite, Margarita Sames, as she her favorite spirits Tequila & Cointreau for her guests to enjoy as she entertained them in her home. Another, and perhaps the earliest report, dates back to the 1930s when Iowa newspaper editor James Graham discovered a cocktail in Tijuana, Mexico which closely resembled the American drink, the Daisy. The Daisy was made with brandy as opposed to tequila.  A third version recounts a slow day in Orozco’s bar, Hussong’s Cantina, in Ensenada, Mexico. When the daughter of a German ambassador walked in Orozco was experimenting with new drink mixtures and he decided to serve her his most recent concoction. Her name was Margarita Henkel. And then there's the story of bartender “Danny” Herrera who created the drink in the Rancho La Gloria Hotel in Mexico for a Ziegfeld dancer. 

Today Tequila is as popular as ever with many varietals and artisanal versions on the market, each with a uniquely different quality. Today's tequila is often a very sophisticated cocktail.

Below you'll find a compilation of some of our favorite varieties from some of our favorite food bloggers. Sweet, salty or spicy, there's a tequila that will perfectly please your palate! 

One of my favorite places to stop by for a recipe, Gimme Some Oven, never fails to disappoint. Here's she offers up a version that delivers kick which seems to be garnering more and more attention. The cool cuke offers up the perfect the perfect antidote to the spicy jalapeno. A little bit sweet, a little bit salty, a little bit spicy, this version of the margarita has it all. (Top image)

For those preferring more bubble and a little less heat, hop on over to 40 Aprons, for this delicious and effervescent twist on an old favorite. And by all means, break out those champagne flutes or coupes if you wish! 

Maybe you prefer you prefer to "put de lime in de coconut"  and so if that's the case you'll want to hop on over to Foodie Crush to  check out her version of The Best Coconut Margarita Recipe. 

A fresh twist on an old classic with one of my most absolute favorite fruits, the blood orange. Known for it's rich, deep, blood-like color, this tart orange is as refreshing as it is beautiful. Add it to your margarita with a touch of triple sec for a fabulous cocktail. Full recipe at With Salt and Wit.

And then there's always the classic. Some people believe that one shouldn't meddle with a good thing, Averie Cooks offers up a 3 ingredient version. 

So you've decided to whip up a batch of Margaritas but you've run out of limes and you really don't want to head back out to the store... Or you've got a serious craving for the puckery, sourness of a Lemon Drop. You'll find both here, at The Taylor House.

In the mood to shake things up a bit? A spicy grapefruit margarita might be a good way to try. Half Baked Harvest gives us recipes for making individual servings and big batches. She also tells us how to control spice levels for those who want just a kick to those who want a whole lotta heat! 

Or maybe you love grapefruit but not the heat. Here's a recipe that replaces heat with fizz! Well Plated adds just a bit of seltzer to add enough fizz but not so much as to dilute the flavors. 

We tend to associate pomegranate with the Christmas holidays because, in part, of their bright red color. Their season typically runs from October through the end of February, so we're in luck, and can make the best of this fruit before their season ends. Their tartness lends itself perfectly for this cocktail! How Sweet it Is shares her recipe.

Are you a purist or do you prefer to mix things up a little?