Philadelphia Weekly

Rim job: The blood orange margarita from Xochitl is a hand-juiced treat.

It's been blamed for everything from loose lips (and legs) to anti-Semitic raving (Mel Gibson, here's looking at you). Tom Robbins called it the preferred drink of outlaws; Jimmy Buffet said it left him wasting away. But tequila's not all bad, and to prove it, Field Guide made nice with margaritas all over town. And we even remembered some of their names in the morning.

�

If You're Feeling a Little Fresh

That decorative bowl of halved limes on the bar at Xochitl (408 S. Second St. 215.238.7280) isn't just for looks; each of their margaritas is hand-juiced to order, making theirs the hands-down freshest citrus fix in town. Their selection of tequilas is nothing short of overwhelming. Stick with a simple blanco and forgo salt to let that limey goodness shine through. F S G #

�

If Tequila Makes Your Clothes Fall Off

"Margaritas" is kinda synonymous with "gaggle of giggly girls," and there's no better place to bring your lady friends and get a little loopy than El Vez (121 S. 13th St. 215.928.9800). The Mexi-Cali atmosphere is loose, and the round bar offers plenty of across-the-room flirting potential. Just stay away from the photo booth if you don't want to document that crazy glow in your eyes for posterity. F S G T

�

If It's Summa Summa Summa-Time

Best. Rooftop. Drinking. Ever. Head for the Parkway some steamy afternoon and swing by T.G.I. Friday's (1776 Ben Franklin Pkwy. 215.665.8443). Ask for Steph if you're a citrus lover, or Edwin if you're more about a caramel-y treat (trust us, it's delicious). Sip, slurp, gulp, repeat. And then hold onto that railing with both hands, because after one of each, the city around you starts to sway. T #

�

If You Like the Taste of Lime Gatorade

It's not for everyone, but it sure is convenient: The Mexican Post (1601 Cherry St. 215.568.2557) pre-mixes batches of their house margarita and attaches them to one of their beer taps. Yes, that's right. Margaritas on draught. The flavor's not bad, but it doesn't have that fresh, zesty zing, making it best for big groups who are bothered by the waiting associated with hand-mixed cocktails. S ! G

�

If It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere

Philadelphia's best-kept happy hour secret is out, and it's Los Catrines Tequila's (1602 Locust St. 215.546.0181). From 3 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, their house margaritas made with top-shelf Siembra Azul tequila are $4.50 each, and served in a nearly pint-sized mug. This is a cocktail that'll set you back at least $10 anywhere else. In other words, if it's between 3 and 6 p.m. right now, you've got no business finishing this article anywhere but at their bar. F S #

�

If You've Racked up Some Frequent-Flier Miles

Take those adorable airline-sized bottles of tequila to Lolita (106 S. 13th St. 215.546.7100) and set yourself up with a little margarita tasting. Their pitchers of housemade mixers are hit-or-miss, so stick with the classic version. And bring a fistful of cash; there's an $18 food minimum per head, meaning no drinking-only jaunts allowed. Although when tequila's involved, that's probably for the best. F S B