A new drink is taking over TikTok, and it’s coming from a restaurant in Houston. At Doña Leti’s, guests are coming in for their viral soft-serve margaritas, a creamy twist on the classic drink made with Jarana 100% Reposado Tequila that blends the soft-serve texture with margarita flavors. The combination has made it a must-try, and its vibrant colors make it perfect for sharing on social media.
What is the soft serve margarita?
Doña Leti’s is a Houston restaurant known for its bold flavors, generous portions, and casual dining atmosphere. Over the years, it has built up a local following for both its food and drinks, but the soft-serve margarita may be its biggest release yet. The treat is typically available during regular business hours, which start from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., for $20. Its popularity has turned the restaurant into a hotspot for locals and visitors.
The drink is available in flavors such as strawberry, mango, or a swirl of both, allowing customers to create a custom drink of their own. Its smooth consistency, paired with fruity flavors, makes it different from ordinary frozen cocktails due to it being served from an ice cream machine with a dairy-free base. The colorful presentation and customizable flavors also make it an ideal treat to capture on social media, which helped the restaurant gain popularity.
Why do people love it?
The drink went viral on Tiktok early spring when the restaurant posted a video announcing the release of the treat. People were immediately drawn to the bright colors and the unusual combination of dessert and cocktail. Clips showing the creamy swirl quickly gained attention, making people from all over curious about the Houston treat. Viewers from cities that have not yet made this drink available in their area expressed their frustration in the comments, saying things like “BOSTON, where are the soft serve margaritas?!” and “NYC WHAT WE DOING”.
The online buzz has influenced people from all over to travel to Houston just to try the original creation. For many people, tasting the soft serve margarita has become a destination activity, turning the restaurant into a must-visit hotspot for those interested in trying the latest trends.
Due to the drink’s huge impact on social media, many other restaurants have hopped on the wave. Restaurants in states such as Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina have launched their own version, experimenting with tropical fruits, swirls, and garnishes varying from soft serve margarita flights to their regular glass of the treat. Meanwhile Tiktok creators such as timmyst.jean attempted to replicate the drink at home, making it with tequila, limes, fruits, heavy cream, milk, and fruit syrups. Even though it was made a little bit differently from the original drink, he found his recipe to be successful with the texture of the drink giving him “a kiss on the forehead.”
Whether you’re planning a trip to Houston to try the original from Doña Leti’s or creating your own at home, the soft serve margarita treat is a must-try for everyone. The next time you see it on your feed or hear about it, it might be a sign to go and try it!