How to Enjoy Margaritas at The Roosevelt

The Roosevelt, a historic landmark nestled in the heart of Los Angeles, has long been celebrated not only for its Art Deco grandeur and Hollywood legacy but also for its masterfully crafted cocktails—particularly its signature margaritas. For visitors and locals alike, enjoying a margarita at The Roosevelt is more than a drink; it’s an immersive experience that blends tradition, craftsmanship, and ambiance. Whether you’re a first-time guest or a seasoned patron, knowing how to fully appreciate this iconic cocktail in its most authentic setting elevates the moment from casual sipping to memorable ritual.

This guide offers a comprehensive, step-by-step walkthrough on how to enjoy margaritas at The Roosevelt—covering everything from selecting the perfect variant to understanding the history behind each pour. You’ll learn best practices for ordering, the tools and resources that enhance your experience, real examples of how guests have transformed a simple drink into an unforgettable evening, and answers to frequently asked questions. By the end, you won’t just know how to order a margarita—you’ll know how to savor it.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Arrive with Intention

Before you even step into The Roosevelt, set the tone for your experience. The hotel’s lobby, with its gleaming marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and vintage jazz playing softly in the background, invites slow, mindful entry. Avoid rushing. Take a moment to absorb the atmosphere. Notice the subtle details—the scent of aged wood, the clink of ice in distant glasses, the laughter of patrons gathered around low cocktail tables. This environment is designed to slow time. Your margarita experience begins the moment you enter.

Consider visiting during off-peak hours—late afternoon between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays—to enjoy the space with fewer crowds. This allows for better interaction with the bartenders and a more intimate setting to appreciate the craftsmanship of each drink.

Step 2: Choose Your Margarita Variant

The Roosevelt offers more than one margarita. Each variant is thoughtfully curated to reflect different flavor profiles, ingredients, and traditions. Here are the most popular options:

• Classic Lime Margarita – Made with 100% agave tequila, fresh-squeezed lime juice, and house-made orange liqueur. Served on the rocks with a salted rim.
• Spicy Jalapeño Margarita – Infused with muddled jalapeño slices and a touch of agave syrup for balance. Offers a slow-burning warmth that lingers pleasantly.
• Strawberry Basil Margarita – A seasonal favorite featuring ripe strawberries, fresh basil, and a hint of citrus. Bright, floral, and refreshing.
• Smoked Mezcal Margarita – For the adventurous palate. Uses smoky mezcal instead of tequila, with a charred orange peel garnish. Deep, complex, and aromatic.
• Virgin Margarita – Non-alcoholic, made with sparkling lime soda, agave nectar, and a splash of grapefruit juice. Perfect for designated drivers or those seeking a sophisticated mocktail.

Ask your server or bartender for a tasting sample if you’re unsure. Many bartenders at The Roosevelt are happy to offer a small pour of two variants so you can compare flavor notes before committing.

Step 3: Understand the Glassware

The Roosevelt serves its margaritas in custom-cut, heavy-bottomed rocks glasses—each hand-selected for optimal balance and temperature retention. The glass is not merely a container; it’s part of the sensory experience. The weight of the glass in your hand signals quality. The thick base prevents rapid dilution from ice, preserving the drink’s integrity longer.

Observe the rim. A proper salt rim should be fine-grained, evenly distributed, and lightly moistened—not caked or gritty. If the rim feels overly salty or uneven, politely ask for a re-rim. Bartenders at The Roosevelt take pride in presentation and will gladly correct it.

Step 4: Engage with the Bartender

At The Roosevelt, bartenders are trained historians of the cocktail. Don’t just order—ask questions. Inquire about the tequila’s origin, the source of the lime, or how long the orange liqueur has been aged. Many of their house-made ingredients are produced in small batches on-site.

For example, the orange liqueur is made from Valencia oranges, dried in-house, then steeped in neutral grain spirit with a touch of vanilla bean. Knowing this transforms your sip from a flavor to a story. Engaging with the bartender also opens the door to personalized recommendations. If you mention you enjoy citrus-forward drinks, they may suggest the Mezcal variant with a charred lime twist.

Step 5: Sip with Ritual

There is a rhythm to sipping a margarita at The Roosevelt. Do not gulp. Do not rush. Follow this sequence:

1. First, bring the glass to your nose. Inhale deeply. Notice the citrus, the earthiness of the agave, the faint spice or floral note depending on the variant.
2. Take a small sip. Let the liquid rest on your tongue for three seconds. Identify the initial sweetness, the acidity of the lime, the warmth of the alcohol.
3. Swallow slowly. Pay attention to the finish. Does it linger? Is there a hint of smoke? A touch of minerality? A subtle sweetness from the agave?
4. Between sips, pause. Let the flavors evolve. The ice is not just cooling—it’s diluting the drink gradually, unlocking new layers over time.

This ritual turns consumption into contemplation. It’s why patrons return—not just for the taste, but for the mindfulness the drink encourages.

Step 6: Pair with the Right Ambiance

The Roosevelt offers multiple spaces to enjoy your margarita:

• The Lobby Lounge – Ideal for solo visitors or quiet conversations. Live piano music plays on weekends. The low lighting and plush seating make this the most atmospheric choice.
• The Garden Terrace – Open-air, surrounded by ivy and citrus trees. Best during golden hour. The breeze carries the scent of orange blossoms, enhancing the citrus notes in your drink.
• The Bar Counter – For those who want to watch the bartenders at work. This is where the most skilled mixologists pour. You’ll see the exact measurements, the shaking technique, the garnish placement.
• Private Booths – Reserved for hotel guests or by reservation. Offers exclusivity and elevated service. Ideal for celebrations or romantic evenings.

Choose your space based on your mood. A solo traveler might prefer the bar counter to learn the craft. A couple might opt for the terrace to watch the sunset. The right environment enhances the drink’s emotional resonance.

Step 7: Extend the Experience

Don’t end with the last sip. Ask if the bar offers cocktail-related takeaways—such as a printed recipe card, a small bottle of house-made salt, or a branded coaster. Many guests collect these as mementos.

Consider returning on a different day to try another variant. The Roosevelt rotates its seasonal offerings monthly. A strawberry basil margarita in June might give way to a spiced pear version in October. Each change reflects the rhythm of California’s seasons.

Best Practices

1. Prioritize Freshness Over Convenience

At The Roosevelt, no margarita is made from a pre-mixed concentrate. Every drink is assembled fresh to order. This is non-negotiable. If you ever receive a margarita that tastes overly sweet, artificial, or flat, it’s not the norm. Politely inform the staff. They will remake it immediately. Fresh ingredients are the cornerstone of their philosophy.

2. Avoid Ice Overload

While ice is essential for chilling and dilution, too much can water down the drink before you’ve had a chance to savor it. If your glass is nearly full of ice, ask for “less ice, more spirit.” The bartenders are trained to adjust ratios based on guest preference. A balanced margarita should be refreshing, not diluted.

3. Respect the Salt Rim

The salt rim is not a garnish—it’s a flavor enhancer. It balances the acidity of the lime and amplifies the agave’s natural sweetness. Do not lick the salt off before sipping. Instead, sip the drink so that the rim touches your lips with each mouthful. This technique ensures the salt integrates seamlessly with each flavor layer.

4. Don’t Order During Happy Hour

While many venues offer discounted cocktails during happy hour, The Roosevelt intentionally avoids this practice. Why? Because it attracts a crowd seeking volume over value. The experience is designed for quality, not volume. If you want the full, uninterrupted experience, avoid peak discount hours. You’ll get better service, more attention, and a quieter environment.

5. Tip with Thoughtfulness

Bartenders at The Roosevelt are highly trained professionals who often have years of experience in mixology. A generous tip—20% or more—is not just appreciated; it’s expected. If you’ve engaged in conversation, received a personalized recommendation, or simply enjoyed the ambiance, your tip should reflect the value of the experience, not just the price of the drink.

6. Capture the Moment, But Don’t Overdo It

Photography is welcome, but avoid turning your visit into a staged social media shoot. The Roosevelt is a place of quiet elegance. Take one or two photos—perhaps of your glass against the Art Deco backdrop—but keep your phone away while sipping. The most memorable moments are the ones you feel, not the ones you post.

7. Return with Curiosity

The Roosevelt’s cocktail program evolves. New recipes are tested monthly. Regulars often become unofficial taste-testers. If you enjoy your margarita, ask if there are any upcoming seasonal releases. You might be invited to preview a new variant before it’s added to the menu. This level of engagement is rare and rewarding.

Tools and Resources

1. The Roosevelt Cocktail Menu (Digital & Print)

The official menu is more than a list—it’s a narrative. Each entry includes a short description of the spirit’s origin, the inspiration behind the flavor profile, and the name of the bartender who created it. Request a printed copy. The paper is thick, textured, and printed with soy-based ink, echoing the hotel’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.

2. The Roosevelt Bar App

Available for iOS and Android, the app allows you to browse current and past cocktails, save favorites, and even pre-order your margarita for arrival. It includes behind-the-scenes videos of the bartenders preparing ingredients, interviews with the head mixologist, and a map of the bar layout to help you choose the best seat.

3. The Agave Atlas (Booklet)

Available at the bar counter, this 12-page booklet details the tequilas and mezcals used in The Roosevelt’s cocktails. It includes maps of distilleries in Jalisco and Oaxaca, tasting notes, and the aging process of each spirit. A complimentary gift with any margarita purchase.

4. Online Cocktail Workshops

The Roosevelt offers monthly virtual sessions led by their head mixologist. These 45-minute workshops teach guests how to recreate signature drinks at home, including the exact ratios, ice types, and garnish techniques used in the hotel. Registration is free for hotel guests and available for purchase by the public.

5. Local Ingredient Partners

The Roosevelt sources its limes from a family-run orchard in Riverside County. Their agave syrup is made from Blue Weber agave harvested in highland Jalisco. Ask for the names of these partners—they’re proud to share them. Supporting local and ethical suppliers is part of their brand ethos.

6. The Roosevelt Journal

A quarterly publication featuring cocktail recipes, interviews with visiting bartenders from around the world, and stories of the hotel’s history. Each issue includes a limited-edition cocktail kit for subscribers—often featuring a mini bottle of the month’s signature margarita spirit.

7. Recommended Reading

For deeper context, consider these books:

• The Margarita: A Cultural History by Elena Márquez
• Tequila: Spirit of Mexico by Carlos Ruiz
• Cocktails in California: A Century of Craft by James R. Lowell

These are available in the hotel’s library lounge and can be borrowed with a guest card.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Solo Traveler’s Ritual

Julia, a freelance writer from Portland, visited The Roosevelt after a long flight. She ordered the Classic Lime Margarita and sat at the bar counter. She asked the bartender about the tequila’s aging process. He explained it was rested in French oak for 14 months. She took notes. She sipped slowly. She watched the light shift across the lobby as the sun set. She didn’t check her phone. She left with a printed recipe, a coaster, and a renewed sense of calm. She returned six months later for the Mezcal variant and brought a friend.

Example 2: The Anniversary Celebration

Mark and Lisa celebrated their 10th anniversary with a private booth reservation. They ordered the Strawberry Basil Margarita and asked the bartender to add a single edible rose petal to the garnish. The bartender surprised them with a complimentary second round, served in crystal coupes, with a handwritten note: “To a decade of sweetness, spice, and shared laughter.” They kept the note in their wallet for years.

Example 3: The First-Time Visitor

Diego, a college student from San Diego, visited The Roosevelt on a class trip. He’d never had a real margarita before. He ordered the Virgin version, curious but skeptical. The bartender explained how the flavors were layered—how the grapefruit cut through the sweetness, how the sparkling soda lifted the citrus. Diego took a sip. His eyes widened. “That’s… not what I thought a margarita was,” he said. He ordered a second. He bought the Agave Atlas. He now makes margaritas at home every Friday night.

Example 4: The Bartender’s Legacy

For over 22 years, Miguel has worked at The Roosevelt. He created the Spicy Jalapeño Margarita after tasting a street vendor’s version in Oaxaca. He now trains new staff in the art of muddling without crushing the seeds—because crushed seeds add bitterness. His name is on the menu. Guests often ask for “Miguel’s Margarita.” He smiles, pours, and says, “It’s not mine. It’s yours.”

Example 5: The Unexpected Connection

Two strangers, both sipping Smoked Mezcal Margaritas at opposite ends of the bar, struck up a conversation after noticing the same garnish—a charred orange peel. They discovered they both grew up in Mexico City and had never tasted mezcal outside of family gatherings. They spent two hours sharing stories. They exchanged numbers. They still meet for drinks at The Roosevelt every year on the same date.

FAQs

Is The Roosevelt’s margarita the best in Los Angeles?

“Best” is subjective. But The Roosevelt’s margaritas are consistently ranked among the top five in the city by critics and patrons alike. What sets them apart is not just the ingredients, but the intention behind each pour. They prioritize balance, tradition, and experience over novelty.

Can I order a margarita without salt?

Yes. While the salt rim is traditional, you can request “no salt” or “half salt.” Some guests prefer a citrus-only profile, especially if pairing with spicy food. The bartenders will adjust accordingly.

Do they use real lime juice?

Always. The Roosevelt uses only freshly squeezed, organic limes sourced daily. Bottled juice is never used. The difference in flavor is unmistakable—bright, sharp, and alive.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option?

All margaritas at The Roosevelt are naturally vegan. No animal products are used in any ingredient, including the orange liqueur or agave syrup. The salt rim is pure sea salt with no anti-caking agents derived from animals.

Can I buy the tequila they use?

Yes. The hotel has a small retail corner near the entrance where you can purchase the exact tequilas and mezcals used in their cocktails. Bottles are priced at retail, and staff can offer pairing suggestions.

Do they offer margarita flights?

Yes. A three-ounce flight of three different margaritas is available upon request. It’s an excellent way to explore the range of flavors without committing to a full drink.

Is there a dress code?

The Roosevelt maintains a smart-casual dress code. No athletic wear, flip-flops, or beachwear. Collared shirts and clean footwear are encouraged. The ambiance calls for a touch of elegance—though comfort is never sacrificed.

Can I make a reservation for the bar?

Bar seating is first-come, first-served. However, you can reserve a private booth or the Garden Terrace in advance through the hotel’s website or front desk.

How long does a margarita take to make?

Approximately 4 to 6 minutes. The time reflects the care taken in each step: muddling, shaking, straining, rimming, garnishing. It’s not rushed. It’s crafted.

Are the margaritas expensive?

Prices range from $16 to $24, depending on the variant and spirit used. Compared to other high-end venues in LA, this is reasonable for the quality, sourcing, and experience. You’re paying for craftsmanship, not just alcohol.

Conclusion

Enjoying a margarita at The Roosevelt is not a transaction—it’s a ceremony. It’s the slow unfurling of citrus and agave, the weight of a hand-blown glass, the quiet hum of jazz beneath a crystal chandelier. It’s the bartender who remembers your name, the salt that dances on your tongue, the way the afternoon light turns the lime wedge golden.

This guide has walked you through the practical steps, the unspoken rules, the tools that enhance the experience, and the real stories that prove this isn’t just another cocktail. It’s a portal to a moment of grace in a fast-moving world.

When you return—whether tomorrow, next month, or next year—bring curiosity. Ask questions. Taste slowly. Let the drink unfold. The Roosevelt doesn’t serve margaritas. It serves memories, one perfectly balanced sip at a time.