Drink Up Month is officially here. We’re kicking off the fun with a bracket competition to answer one of our most asked questions: Where can you get the best margarita in Fort Worth?

Whether you like it on the rocks or frozen, Fort Worthians have strong opinions about who has the best margarita in town, and for good reason.

Did you know the frozen version of the tequila, lime, and salt concoction was invented right here in North Texas?

Mariano Martinez — the owner of Mariano’s Hacienda Ranch in East Dallas — invented the frozen margarita machine back in 1971.

The 7-Eleven Slurpee inspired Mariano to purchase a soft-serve ice cream machine, and after a little tinkering, the signature slushy green frozen margarita was born.

Today, the original machine can be found at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History in Washington DC.

How it works

Beginning today, we will host several voting rounds within our newsletters and social channels to determine Fort Worth’s best margarita. Who moves on is up to you.

Vote for your favorites, and the margarita with the most votes moves on. Simple as that. We’ll go until we have a champion, which will be announced at the end of Drink Up Month. You will be able to vote once per round.

How to participate

Vote for the margarita you’d like to see advance to round two using this poll. You can vote for all four spots or as little as one. Once we count all the votes, we’ll share an updated bracket and new poll in an upcoming newsletter.

Ready to “cheers” your drink to victory?

Here's the official line up for our best margarita bracket. | Graphic by 6AM City

Round 1

Going head-to-head in the first round are:

Joe T. Garcia’s and Chimy's
Tinies and Muy Frio Margaritas
Taco Heads and Paloma Suerte
Rio Mambo and Maria’s

Vote to see your favorites advance to round 3. | Graphic by 6AM City

Round 2

We’ve got some passionate readers. After 886 votes, here’s what margaritas moved on to the next round:

Joe T. Garcia’s vs. Tinies
Taco Heads vs. Maria’s Mexican Kitchen

Final round

After 246 votes, here’s what margaritas moved on to the final round:

Joe T. Garcia’s vs. Taco Heads

Who will face off in the championship? Cast your votes now through Friday, July 28.

Taco Heads clinched 58% of the votes to become FTWtoday's reader’s favorite margarita. | Graphic by FTWtoday

Winner

The votes are in. After a close battle, Taco Heads clinched 58% of the votes to be named the best margarita in Fort Worth by our readers.

In 2016, Sarah Castillo expanded Taco Heads from a food truck to its first brick-and-mortar in the Cultural District with specialty tacos like beer-braised carnitas, charred avocado and corn, and roasted chipotle brisket. The menu also features a delicious array of sides including elotes, queso, bourbon black beans, and of course — margaritas.

Even more reason to stop by — this summer the restaurant is carrying a special margarita sorbet from MELT Ice Creams + La Pulga Spirits made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur.

Check it out in the Stockyards at 2349 N. Main St. or at 1812 Montgomery St.

Congrats, Taco Heads,and cheers to a wonderful Drink Up Month.