Listen, I like a good drinking holiday. When the boozes are flowing folks are, traditionally, jovial. There's nothing quite like a little social lubricant to see people connect. And while most any liquor will do, tequila wields a special kind of power of folks. Just when us Pacific Northwesterners begin to feel like the gloom of our mild winter months are never going to end, it's National Margarita Day! Love it or hate it, Feb. 22 marks a time to sit back and sip on the cocktail that has us daydreaming of sandy beaches and bathing suit weather. Here are a few margaritas that'll fuel your summer loving. Now, any establishment can whip up some tequila and sweet and sour and call it a margarita, so I've included a few standouts to give a shot:

The Big Guy: Moctezuma's Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar is one of many on the list that boasts a Margarita Monday, which means $2 off any Clasico Margaritas on their menu to kick off your week. Their Grandeza Margarita is a behemoth beverage highlighting a pretty traditional margarita, but there is a twist. Moctezuma's has crafted their very own Grandeza Orange Liqueur using agave nectar as the base, which elevates their Cadillac Margarita to next-level good. Bonus, the wee Grandeza bottle sits perfectly placed on the lip on the glass and distributes into your cocktail as you drink it down.  4102 S. 56th St., Tacoma and 4628 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, moctezumas.com

The "Best:" While The Matador has a fabulous margarita selection, their Scratch Margarita is among the best I've had. They pair a generous pour of tequila in a glass with ice, triple sec and fresh slices of citrus and then muddle it to pure perfection. You won't get any of that "just okay" sweet and sour mix from the gun and it will make all the difference in how you prepare your own at home in the future. The Matador also boasts one of the most extensive tequila selections you'll find locally, which provides the best of boozy adventures. 721 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, matadorrestaurants.com  

On a Budget: It may come as a surprise, but the cheapest margarita also comes with one of the best taco selections in town. At Tacoma's El Borracho you can score an El Cheapo Margarita on tap, both on the rocks or frozen, for a measly $4 ($7 for a double). If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, they have fun flavors like hibiscus, coconut and pineapple jalapeno to pair with the compelling taco selection that includes foundations like rabbit, mushrooms, duck confit and ancho chili slow-roasted goat. 2717 6th Ave., Tacoma, elborracho.com

The Dark Horse: Correct me if I'm wrong but there are very few standouts on the cocktail scene when it comes to Gig Harbor. There is, however, one margarita that reigns supreme and it's not where you'd expect it. Honest, just ask the locals and they will tell you that Brix 25's Smokin' Sweet Rita will knock your socks off. Nobody knows the secret, but they pair tequila with a house-made citrus and jalapeno syrup that is simply addictive. It's definitely one for those who want to put a little pep in their step. 7707 Pioneer Way, Gig Harbor, harborbrix.com