Best margaritas in the toon

As a newly converted margarita aficionado, after trying a particular good one in NYC earlier this year, I've now made it my mission to find the best one in Newcastle...tough job, but somebody has got to do it, right?

I'll share the one that started my love for a marg, spicy or classic, in case you ever find yourself in NYC. If you do, then I recommend you try Superbueno, for their breakfast marg and because they are currently No.2 on North America's 50 best bars.

Now onto the Newcastle options! I expect this will become a 'live' list that we will add to as more are sampled but here are some of the best ones I've tried so far.

Mother Mercy/Cafe Mercy

Top of the list has got to be the Hot Honey Margarita from Mother Mercy or Cafe Mercy.

It comes with a honey stirrer coated in spice and a fresh chilli, so you can control the amount of spice you add (personally I just chuck it all in). But it is perfectly balanced between sour and sweet, with just the right amount of kick.

Mean Eyed Cat

This one is the only frozen marg on the list, mostly because I'm not really into frozen drinks. However, I'll make an exception for this one - to be enjoyed in the sun trap beer garden behind the Mean Eyed Cat on a sunny day.

They add pineapple to this one, so it's on the sweet side if that's your thing.

St Vincent

This place is always a safe bet for well-made drinks and great snacks to enjoy them with. Get yourself there, sit at the bar and order the courgette fritti to go with it - perfect!

Vampire Rabbit

A great cocktail bar making really good cocktails. Their spicy marg is a little more on the spicy side but they also do a good classic if that's not your thing. They also have other margarita options too that you don't see in other places, so go and try a few.

Wren

A new kid on the block, brought to us by the same team behind Cookhouse, it's only been open a few months but their pickle marg has gone straight into my top 5 - so good!