Atotonilco El Alto, Jalisco, Mexico - With Cinco de Mayo just weeks away, Patrón Tequila recently announced that the Coralina Margarita has been chosen as the 2017 Patrón "Margarita of the Year."

The search for this year's Patrón "Margarita of the Year" began on International Margarita Day (February 22) when Patrón selected seven top bartenders from around the world to create their own unique interpretations of a perfect margarita, drawing from local ingredients and cultural inspiration.

Those seven recipes were then sampled at bars, restaurants, and Patrón events across the globe, demonstrated on weekly Facebook Live broadcasts, available for home delivery via online cocktail delivery service Cocktail Courier, and promoted on MargaritaOfTheYear.com, where consumers were invited to cast a vote for their favorite.

On April 10, the 3 margaritas with the most votes were selected as finalist contenders:

• "English Garden Margarita," with Patrón Silver tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur, green peas and earl grey, created by Sophie Bratt from London

• "Coralina Margarita," with Patrón Reposado tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur, red wine and hibiscus, by Mexico City's Riesler Morales

• "High Plains Margarita," combining Patrón Silver tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur, charred pineapple and sage, by Atlanta's Shaun Gordon

After those finalists were announced, consumers again were invited to vote for their top favorite, and now, after nearly a half million total votes were cast, the Coralina Margarita has emerged as consumers' favorite margarita for 2017.

"We obviously didn't invent the margarita, but with imaginative, talented bartenders like Riesler Morales creating locally inspired interpretations featuring Patrón Tequila, we have arguably perfected it," says Lee Applbaum, Patrón's Global Chief Marketing Officer. "This year's search for the Patrón 'Margarita of the Year' included some truly inventive and impressive interpretations of this iconic classic cocktail, and we're excited that so many people around the world had the opportunity to taste the drinks, engage with our bartender partners, and vote for their favorite. All seven of the margaritas were truly spectacular, but it's no surprise that Riesler's Coralina Margarita ultimately triumphed."

Inspired by an ocean sunset, the Coralina Margarita combines the oaky notes of Patrón Reposado, perfectly balanced with the citrusy flavors of Patrón Citrónge Orange, together with red wine and hibiscus. Finally, a sugar-salt rim rounds out a truly unique commingling of these unique flavors.

To enjoy the Coralina Margarita, look for it on the menu at your favorite bar or restaurant, or make one at home following this recipe:

Ingredients

1.75 oz Patrón Reposado tequila
.75 oz Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur
1 oz fresh lime juice
.75 oz simple syrup
.5 oz red wine (Mexican, or other)
+ sugar-salt rim*

Method

1. Combine Patrón Reposado tequila, Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur, simple syrup and lime juice in a shaker tin; add ice and shake vigorously

2. Strain into a chilled cocktail coupe rimmed with sugar-salt rim*

3. Carefully float red wine on the surface of the cocktail

*Sugar-salt rim: Pulverize .25 cup dried hibiscus in a spice grinder. Add .25 cup sugar and .25 cup kosher salt, and pulse until combined

"When Patrón asked me to help create a margarita to be one of seven to vie for the title of 'Margarita of the Year,' I wanted to craft a cocktail that had all of the simplicity and elegance of a classic margarita, yet also incorporated some interesting and unexpected ingredients that marry so nicely with the high-quality and complex flavor of Patrón tequila. It's a drink that harmonizes with Mexican food, and truly reflects my customs and traditions. I'm incredibly excited that so many people enjoyed my recipe, and that it will now take its place on the 'Margarita of the Year' podium!" says Morales, who will receive the coveted "Margarita of the Year" trophy to proudly display at his bar in Mexico City.

To find downloadable recipes for all seven of the #MargaritaOfTheYear contenders, and to view videos, bartender interviews, and cocktail demonstrations (all shot on location at the Hacienda Patrón distillery in Jalisco, Mexico earlier this year), please visit MargaritaOfTheYear.com. The site also includes discussion of the margarita's history, as well as conversations and stories about the evolution of this famous classic cocktail.

About Patrón Tequila

From hand-harvesting the highest-quality 100 percent Weber Blue Agave, to the traditional, time-honored distillation process and individual labeling, numbering, and inspection of each bottle, Patrón tequila is crafted with meticulous precision and care. Though Patrón has grown to become one of the most-recognized and respected luxury spirits brands in the world, it is still exclusively produced in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, in the same small batches and with the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. For more information, please visit PatronTequila.com.