Looking for a unique margarita? Well, look no further than La Cava del Tequila!
Tucked inside Epcot’s gorgeous Mexico Pavilion, this cozy tequila house was once considered something of a hidden gem. While it’s definitely still a gem, it can no longer really be considered “hidden,” judging by the lines that can easily extend out the door. In fact, these lines were likely part of the recent change in hours for La Cava, which now opens at 11:30 am (as opposed to the previous Noon opening). AND you can grab a quick ‘rita after Illuminations if you’d like; closing time has now been extended to 9:30 pm.
La Cava has well-earned a solid reputation for its impressive selection of tequila, some freaking amazing Queso, and a staff with passion and knowledge about all things related to tequila as well as creative margarita concoctions.
And what’s better than a margarita from La Cava? Why, that would be TWO margaritas from La Cava!
So join me as I try an old favorite — the Blood Orange Margarita — along with a newer selection that was just begging for a taste test: the Beet Margarita.
La Cava del Tequila
But first… remember those lines I mentioned? These days, this joint is pretty much always jumpin’… the shot below serves as an example of the packed house on my recent visit.
Seating Inside La Cava del Tequila
But never fear, margarita and tequila seekers! You can join the line anytime of day (I think you’ll be surprised by how quickly it moves) and place your order at the beautifully lit bar, which showcases La Cava’s brag-worthy tequila collection. (You CAN, of course, wait for a table if you’d like; but orders at the bar are to-go only when it’s this busy.)
Bar at La Cava del Tequila
Over 200 varieties of tequila are on offer as well as flights for those just beginning their tequila education.
Drink List
Of course, today we’re sampling two margaritas from the margarita menu. You’ll notice the Maelstrom Margarita made the long-term cut joining other favorites like the Avocado, Horchata, and one I found to be an especially pleasant surprise on a previous visit: the Tamarind Margarita.
Margarita List
The Beet Margarita is a more recent addition, and since I wasn’t sure what I would think of it (if the word “beet” makes you hesitate, you’re not alone), I also grabbed a tried and true standby: the Blood Orange Margarita.
Beet and Blood Orange Margaritas
The Beet Margarita is a combination of beet juice, ginger liquor, fresh lime, agave nectar, and — just like all the margaritas on the menu — premium 100% agave tequila. It’s served on the rocks with a rim of poblano pepper salt.
Beet Margarita
Straight up: you’ve gotta harbor a serious love for beets to enjoy this one; it was really the only flavor I picked up on, which was something of a bummer since the ginger liquor sounded promising.
Poblano Pepper Salt Rim
But did I like it? Well, let’s just say I’m happy I had the Blood Orange Margarita to fall back on.
Blood Orange Margarita
Here the 100% agave tequila is combined with orange liqueur and blood orange juice on the rocks. The Tajin chili powder rim is paired with a topper of wild berry foam, which serves to bring out the berry-like flavor of the blood orange.
Rim and Wild Berry Foam
Now THIS one… I love it. The flavor is just so distinctive and strong, and the Tajin chili powder rim really adds an extra punch. Delicious!
I’m all for venturing outside of my comfort zone, but I’m also glad I had the opportunity to enjoy an old favorite. And even if the ultimate lesson on this trip was that Beet Margaritas aren’t exactly my thing, I still gotta give points for creativity, because I know few places in or even outside of Disney World that take so much care and pride in producing quality beverages for their guests than La Cava. So as always, I’ll be looking forward to seeing — and tasting — whatever they come up with next!
Would you be up for trying the Beet Margarita? Please let us know with a comment below!
Tag-teaming for this post: Tina, Wendy, and AJ
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I tried the Beet Margarita on Wednesday, and I loved it! Admittedly I’m a huge beet fan, so it was natural I would love this… however I will say I too was left looking for more of a ginger taste, and also I need more poblano on the rim. Overall though, really good! I also noticed the Tamarind say it has black ant salt… that sounds crazy!
I think it’s dishonest to say that a place takes that much care and pride in producing quality beverages pours them from a pre made jug. The last several visits they haven’t made one margarita fresh. That’s just lazy bartending especially at that price point. At one time you could go in, order a drink, and see it prepared. I’ve been in busy bars all over the country and if I’m paying $15 for a premium drink, prepare it to order. There’s no doubt the line moves quickly when everything is made ahead of time. The beet margarita I tried tasted like low quality tequila. I understand it’s Disney, I understand there’s a markup. What I don’t understand is allowing quality to slip and letting this establishment off the hook for lazy bartending.
I love this place, I’ve been a lot of times and always a good experience. They always prepare my drinks in front of me,always gave good suggestions and whenever I wanted to try a new flavor they either gave me a sample or told me they will change my drink for a new one. The last one that I tried was the Jalapeño one which is very good. Oh and don’t forget guacamole and chips they are the best!!! Made by them them everyday.
Excited to try the beet margarita. Why no mention of the new rimming salts featuring crickets, worms, and ants?….can’t wait to try those as well.
The blood orange is nice, but you can’t “beet” the jalapeño and cucumber margaritas there.
Keith — We will anxiously await your review on those exciting salts 😉
Anyone know if they will make a mezcal margarita?
Melodye,
They definitely make mezcal margaritas. I have had at least one (or two or three) every time I go to LA cava.
Ask for PEPE, the veteran bartender there. Not only does he have very extensive knowledge about tequila and mezcal, he can also come up with some great concoctions based on your tastes. He is my favorite person in all of Epcot!
their Rim and Wild Berry Foam looks great!!!