Are the winter chills making you cold? Keep yourself warm by celebrating National Margarita Day. Many are already enjoying the event, so don't miss it.

The Search for 2016's Margarita of the Year is On

Patron is taking advantage of this holiday to launch their search for 2016's Margarita of the Year. The competition will be grand and exciting because the company has seven bartenders that will take the challenge to come up with their recipe for the best cocktail. Voters can choose from different varieties, including classic, modern, smoky, savory, spicy, tropical and herbal.

If you are interested in the margaritas in the competition, here are three mixtures or concoctions from Laura Newman of New York, who is one of the competitors.

Classic

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces Patrón Silver Tequila
  • .5 ounces Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur
  • .5 ounces fresh lime juice
  • .25 ounces agave nectar
  • Lime wedge

Just combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Then, strain over fresh ice and pour into a glass. Garnish with lime wedge.

SAVORY

Ingredients

  • 1.5 ounces Patrón Silver Tequila
  • .75 ounces Patrón XO Cafe Liqueur
  • .5 ounces Patrón Citrónge Orange Liqueur
  • .75 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • 1 bar spoon (.125 ounces) toasted sesame oil
  • Slice of fresh kumquat

Combine all the ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Strain over fresh ice into a glass and garnish with fresh kumquat.

HERBAL

Ingredients

  • 1.75 ounces Patrón Reposado Tequila
  • .5 ounces Patrón Citrónge Mango Liqueur
  • 1 ounces fresh lemon juice
  • .75 ounces agave syrup
  • 6 sage leaves
  • Pinch of salt
  • Grilled mango slice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and shake with ice to chill. Double strain the drink and pour it into an ice-filled glass. Garnish it with two sage leaves and a grilled mango slice

You may also try these two concoctions as you celebrate the holiday.

Mojito Margaritas

Ingredients

  • Coarse salt + sugar for the rim
  • Lime wedges
  • A bunch of fresh mint for garnish
  • 2 1/2 ounces simple syrup [recipe below]
  • 1 1/2 ounces tequila [I prefer silver]
  • 1 ounce Grand Marnier
  • 1 ounce rum
  • 3 ounces lime juice
  • 2 ounces club soda
  • Syrup

Rub the rim of a chilled glass with a lime wedge and dip the rim into the mixture of salt and sugar. Add 1 ounce of syrup and mint leaves. Add ice to the glass and pour tequila, Grand Marnier, rum, lime juice and syrup. Stir well to combine and top with club soda.

Healthy Margarita

Ingredients

  • Premium tequila
  • Orange liquor
  • Lime
  • Salt

Just mix the ingredients and dress it up with a twist of lime, a lightly salted rim or fruit.