Diego Garcia's masterpiece, at Lobby Lounge, Mandarin Oriental, NY, NY
Sadly Diego no longer works there but take the recipe from this website and you can still enjoy Diego's amazing drink with THAT amazing view.
On my next trip to NYC I'll be attempting to track Diego down at his new place of work. I've had a tip off about where it might be.
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After several poor margaritas in a number of London bars I was forced to resorting to making one of my own at home.
Fabulous - even if I say so myself!
What is it with bartenders who refuse to/cannot follow a simple recipe?
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now Check out the reviews and keep scrolling to discover the magic of what's become known as 'Johnny D's Margarita'
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Oh my word! I struck GOLD! Hat's off to Lewis (or it could be spelt Luis or Louis) at the new bar called 601 Queens Rd, Wimbledon Town Centre (it's attached to the Centre Court Shopping Centre and was previously The Terrace under different management).
With a balcony view over the high street and a BRILLIANT bartender like this - it's a "must visit" place for margarita lovers in the area (don't forget to take the recipe from this website). The food's a funny old mix - but great, great bar service.
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They did it again! Same bar, 601 Queens Road, Wimbledon, SW London - this time it was a smashing bartender called Igor who did the necessary. Top, top bar!
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Johnny D’s ‘LazyBoy Low-cal’ Margarita:
OK, so sometimes you don’t feel in the mood to squeeze limes, oranges, or to take on any unnecessary extra calories.
It was great to discover that using good quality bottled lime juice (ingredients listed simply as “lime juice”), and replacing simple syrup with one (yes just one single) drop of Stevia Liquid (zero calories) still creates a better margarita than you can get in most bars in London (add 0.5oz of water also).
On one hand it’s heresy to mess with the best margarita recipe in the history of margarita-making...but sometimes it’s good to be a “LazyBoy” whilst cutting down on the “bad carbs”.
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Oh...my...word! It’s the “Picnic Johnny D’s LazyBoy LC Margarita” ready for transit baby!
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Simply...yeah. That’ll do nicely!
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A cracking Mexican Bar /Cafe/Restaurant in Moor St, SoHo, London. La Bodgea Negra. The barman was an absolute genius. Maciek - you make a mean one and I’ll correct your name spelling when I find my notes.
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Big shout for top drawer waiter, Josh, and excellent bar tender, Matt, at Brasserie Blanc in Chichester. An unexpected delight to get an excellent margarita on a family weekend in the picturesque city. The house "Tommy's Margarita" was already very good but the brilliant team didn't baulk at pimping it up for me with a shot of Cointreau and a dash of orange juice. Josh - you're a star!
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How about something a little different and non-margarita-ish? The JohnnyDsMargarita.com 'Lewes Beer Festival' could be right up your street. Use our contact form for details and info.
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Playboy Club, Mayfair.
A BIG up for Kalliopi, a bar heroine, who mixed a fabulous Johnny D’s Margarita to celebrate Johnny D’s best mate selling his London business after 30 years. A special mention for Angelika, who showed us around the club, who was amazing and lovely. A must-go venue for the Johnny D’s Margarita fan.
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Playboy Club, Manhattan, New York, New York.
Lu, the best mixologist in the big apple, and that’s official. She gets the Johnny D stamp of approval. As does Becca...a fabulous place, with a magical vibe. And Lu Lu (so good I named her twice).
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Playboy Club, Manhattan, New York, New York.
I support Chelsea FC but Chelsy, expert bartender, is top of the league. No-one did the 'JohnnyD' quite like she.
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BIG UP for the bar staff at Spaghetti Tree in Walton on the Hill. The magnificent Maria runs an amazing restaurant with a fabulous bar too. Jay and Mara on the bar are TopGun tenders who kindly produced an A-1 Johnny D’s Margarita.
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Hat’s off to Andrea at The Goring Hotel, Victoria, London’s swanky cocktail bar for his superb version of Johnny D’s Margarita. It’s an absolute hit! I salute you Andrea!
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Luis at the Tom Kerridge Bar & Grill "pop-up" in post-lockdown, outside-eating-only, London did brilliantly. The courtyard located "Garden" venue made it a great return to going "out out". Thank you Luis!
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Lots of service issues at The Petersham in Richmond, Surrey, for Saturday lunchtime. One WASN'T the amazing Beef Wellington - the other WASN'T the Johnny D's Margarita...which was executed perfectly. Hats off to the bar server who sadly remains anonymous.
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Oh my word! Harry's Bar and Restaurant off Oxford Street in Central London delivered several absolute delights thanks to the server (sadly, I didn't get a chance to get her name but she'd worked in the USA & was amazing). A brilliant server who made sure I got everything I wanted - exactly how I wanted it...a rare occurrence these days in London. She excelled in getting me the Johnny D's Margarita and I'll show my appreciation next time I'm in town and she's working (she went off-shift before I had a chance to tip her). Magnificent service deserves rewards.
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Firstly, for the food alone The Court Yard in Deal, Kent is worth a visit...even more so on a Sunday night when there's not only a great value fixed price menu, but brilliant live music to boot! And, MY WORD, they kicked ass with the Johnny D's Margarita!
In spite of not having all the ingredients as per the recipe - the amazing Flic moved mountains to make the Johnny D's Margarita happen for me. As always it's the brilliance and attentiveness of the server that makes the evening for the client (THANKS SO MUCH FLIC).
On top of that - a clearly super-talented bar-tender, Adam, more than delivered the goods mixology-wise...I'll pretty much enjoy anything this genius bar-tender mixes but his Johnny D's Margarita was magnificent - especially in the face of the ingredients challenges. Thank you Adam - you ROCK,,,and thank you Flic - you ROCK too!
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Hat's off to gourmet restaurant, The French Table, Surbiton, Surrey which proved that it can not only produce stunning fine dining but also turn its hand to producing a top class Johnny D's Margarita. An absolutely fabulous upscale restaurant delivering perfection. Sarah & team - I salute you!
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It's all set for Michelin stars in 2023 for sure and, Sally Abé's The Pem, at the Conrad St James, London is not only a home for fabulous food provided by a stellar "sisters are doing it for themselves" kitchen & management team, but to one of the best sommeliers & mixologists I've come across. Take a bow Mr James Shaw! Not only was your dry Vodka Martini exceptional - but your Johnny D's Margarita ROCKED.
Sally, James, & the entire, lovely, front of house team at The Pem - THANK YOU for a memorable lunch & drinks!
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A huge, massive, biggest BIG UP to wonder-mixologist Chris/Cris/Kris at 34 Mayfair, 34 Grosvenor Square, South Audley Street, London W1K 2HD. Great drinks and great food. It wouldn't be right of me not to mention their Old Cuban cocktail which is pretty much guaranteed to float any Johnny D's Margarita fan's boat. Anytime it's fine - the outside terrace is fabulous - but inside is great too. There's an old school, upscale proper bar to sit at too - you know - for those of us who appreciate that kind of thing. Hat's off to Chris/Cris/Kris though - he nails the Johnny D's Margarita every time.
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Pre-lunch Johnny D's Margarita delivered brilliantly by Irana/Erana at The Petersham Hotel Restaurant, Nightingale Ln, Richmond TW10 6UZ.
Irana/Erana was not only a kind & attentive waitress but bravely undertook to mix up a Johnny D in spite of her not being an experienced mixologist. She nailed it beautifully. Absolute class. A nice lunch too. Thank you Irana/Erana - you rock!
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My pre-dinner Johnny D's Margarita was perfection itself thanks to Hugo at Light House 75-77 Ridgway, London SW19 4ST.
A lovely atmosphere in this mediterranean restaurant and a mean Martini too. Thank you Hugo - great drinks!
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Another cracking attempt at knocking up a Johnny D's Margarita by Rita at 'Number 97', in Maple Rd, Surbiton KT6 4AW.
It really is a fabulous neighbourhood restaurant - with a great fixed price menu and the loveliest waiting staff you could wish for. Thank you Rita for my pre-dinner Johnny D.
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A very long overdue heads-up about the brilliant bar (and restaurant) at Corrigan's, Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH.
A HUGE thank you to one of the finest mixologists in London, Iliyan, who not only excels in the field of Johnny D's Margaritas - but in pretty much anything else he mixes up - he's an absolute star! The restaurant is exceptional as well - meticulously overseen by 5-star Maître D - Glen. Whether serving the brilliant fixed price menu or an upscale a la carte the entire team provide, in my view, the best service in London (& a fabulous Johnny D's Margarita too). Thank you as always Team Corrigan.
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These guys ROCK! One of the most comfortable dining rooms in West London and a brilliantly friendly & accommodating team too. Grill Off The Green, 10B Kew Grn, TW9 3BH is one heck of a great neighbourhood eatery.
A big mention for Eddie who knocked up a very decent Johnny D's Margarita but also to the lovely folks who run the restaurant. It's not a bar - but a restaurant that does some great drinks too. Thank you as always Grill Off The Green.
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A standing ovation for all the restaurant and bar staff at Gordon Ramsay's 1890 at The Savoy, Strand, London WC2R 0EZ. An especially big thank you to Janis Muzikants who is without doubt THE BEST MIXOLOGIST in London. He delivered a top class Johnny D's Margarita and his cocktail list is second to none. Not only that - he's an extremely pleasant fellow too! All the waiting staff were brilliant but a special mention for the lovely hostess Rooya - who patiently waited for us to eventually leave long after we probably should have. Absolutely charming!
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A great Johnny D by the charming Francesco behind the bar in the Intercontinental Hotel lobby lounge at One Hamilton Place, Park Ln, London W1J 7QY. Lovely service from the waitresses too - especially Jalia. A shout for the manager who smoothed the way for the bespoke order too - a very nice chap whose name I didn't catch.
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A BIG THANK YOU to Ashim at Corrigan's, Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH for his outstanding commitment to providing super-consistent 1st class Johnny D's Margaritas! Another of London's finest mixologists "doing their thing" at this brilliant bar & restaurant. The restaurant continues to hit new heights under the impressive watch of General Manager Glen. Everyone from Glen to the amazing front desk hostess still provide, in my view, the best service in London.
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The bar at The Ham Yard Hotel, 1 Ham Yard, London W1D 7DT delivered a couple of brilliant Johnny D's thanks to brilliant bar tender, Jon. It's an interesting place this, the downstairs bar (called Dive Bar) is not only a very, very cool space but has 4 bowling lanes. A bit pricey to bowl (£20 per person) but much nicer than your average bowling venue.
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A BIG SHOUT for one of London's newest & best mixologists, Alexandra (the Great) at Corrigan's, Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH She joins Iliyian & Ashim in the Corrigan's "Johnny D's Margarita Hall of Fame" having delivered one of the best ever! Thank you as always Team Corrigan's!
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Thank you Jacques - supreme bartender at Bar 54 on the rooftop at the Hyatt Centric Times Square at 135 W 45th St, New York, NY. It's the highest bar on Manhattan and Jacques is the King of New York as far as I'm concerned. I enjoyed his Johnny D's Margarita so much - I nearly forgot to take a photo of it until it was nearly finished.
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Thank you so much Sam at Corrigan's, Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH. He never disappoints and has proven himself to be an A1, 5-star, tip-top Johnny D's Margarita-maker. Yet another of London's finest mixologists "doing their thing" at this brilliant bar & restaurant.
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Thanks to Ricardo at Corrigan's, Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH. He produced a smashing Johnny D's Margarita that hit the spot for sure. This bar restaurant never fails to deliver excellence!
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BIG THANK YOU to Marlon at Corrigan's, Upper Grosvenor St, London W1K 7EH. The Johnny D's Margarita that he mixed for me on my last visit was excellent! Corrigan's never fails to deliver excellence!
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Merch
Johny d's tees
You no longer have to accept substandard Margaritas
You no longer have to accept substandard Margaritas
Follow Johnny D's guidance and hit 100% satisfaction every time you order.
Follow Johnny D's guidance and hit 100% satisfaction every time you order.
Step 1
Step 1
This guide is only for those who enjoy a margarita "on the rocks". This is not a guide that is suitable for people who enjoy their margaritas any other way.
Step 3
Step 3
It's always good to give a bartender an opportunity to impress you with their own margarita, so if it's on the menu, or if the bar tender says he can make a good one - there's no harm in "rolling the dice" and ordering one before moving on and asking him/her to make you Johnny D's version.
You never know, you might hit gold and enjoy their margarita SO MUCH that you decide to take their name, get the recipe from them, have your own recipe card printed so you can always have it wherever you are in the world, and create a website in homage to it.
Step 2
Step 2
Johnny D has never been a fan of a salt rim. He laughs in the face of those who have a snooty attitude to "no salt" whilst understanding that others are perfectly entitled to enjoy it that way.
Step 4
Step 4
The exception to Step 3 is when the only margaritas available are trendy, pimped up, pretentious versions of margaritas. These normally involve, passion fruit, mangoes, strawberries, blueberries, chilli, or some other ingredient that simply does not belong in your margarita.
Never, ever make an exception, only disappointment will follow if you do.
Step 5
Step 5
If you are outside the USA always, always, always ask for a tumbler glass/"on the rocks" glass. Sadly in many bars you might even need to show a photo of the glass (such is the lack of bartender training these days).
The days of bartenders knowing that they should always serve an "on the rocks" drink in a tumbler glass are sadly long gone (certainly in the UK). You'll be amazed how many bar tenders outside the USA attempt to serve an "on the rocks" margarita in a margarita/martini glass.
Be kind to them - they simply don't know any different.
Step 6
Step 6
Always be polite to the bartender when you order your "Johnny D's Margarita". There will be some who will feel offended that you don't want your drink it "his/her way". Try to engage with the bar tender in a way that leaves their professional pride intact - but do not let their ego get in the way of you enjoying your margarita.
They will swear that their margarita is the best...it never is. Unless, of course, you're lucky enough to stumble across the great Diego Garcia.
Step 7
Step 7
If you find a bartender who makes a great "Johnny D's Margarita" praise him and let us know via the contact section of this website please.
The world needs more bartenders who understand that their sole purpose is to make your drink EXACTLY how you like it.
Bartenders need to know that there is excellence in the simple, perfect execution of a margarita recipe...especially this one!
Step 8
Step 8
You will be amazed how often a bartender fails to follow the exact recipe for Johnny D's Margarita. For this reason - it is useful if you make one yourself at home as your "base guide".
Please do not judge Johnny D's Margarita based on the work of a bartender who fails to follow the exact recipe.
Sadly, especially in London, you may have to ask the bartender to measure out the ingredients in front of you.
Johnny D's Margarita
Johnny D's Margarita
1.5 oz Tequila Silver
1.5 oz Cointreau
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Orange Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- Salt is not obligatory -
- On the rocks -
- Served in a tumbler glass -
- Wedge of lime -
1.5 oz Tequila Silver
1.5 oz Cointreau
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Orange Juice
0.5 oz Simple Syrup
- Salt is not obligatory -
- On the rocks -
- Served in a tumbler glass -
- Wedge of lime -
Perfect margaritas don't just happen.
Perfect margaritas don't just happen.
You deserve the best!
© Johnny D's Margarita