Jimmy Buffett: “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere”
A Tribute to the Mayor of Margaritaville
We are already missing Jimmy Buffett, 76, who died tragically of cancer, September 1. As the stories of his life pour into the media, I wanted to add my admiration for the songwriter, performer, and business entrepreneur who touched many of our lives in the past few decades. My brother, Robert, this is for you!
As the mayor of Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffet created a whole multi-generation of “Parrotheads.” I think his thoughtful lyrics especially to “Margaritaville” touched me the most. The song struck me as his way of saying, “take responsibility for your share of a relationship gone wrong, and whirl that Margarita blender in contemplation.” “It’s Five O’clock Somewhere” the Brown/Rollins song he performed frequently with Alan Jackson, is a reminder to me, that people all over the world are lifting a glass, saying Cheers and Santé every hour. Here’s to you, my Australia, New Zealand, and Europe subscribers in many hemispheres! I hope you will sample my Margarita recipe recommendations below and remember Jimmy.
Margarita Origins, Jimmy Buffett, and Caribbean Cocktail Culture
In my tribute to Jimmy Buffet, I want to recall a story I wrote the first year of Wine Wanderings, 2021, “Part II: 10 Classic Cocktails and Their Murky Origins” I discussed the controversy around so many different people claiming to have invented the Margarita. I don’t know if anyone cares whether it was invented at the Garci Crespo Hotel, Puebla, where starlet Margarita Casino (Rita Hayworth) performed or whether it was by Dallas socialite Margarita Sames, or whether it was invented by Carlos Herrea, Tijuana restaurant, Rancho La Gloria. We know that since 1977 when “Margaritaville” was written, Jimmy Buffett made it famous.
Many people refer to Jimmy’s early days, as if he looked like he was emulating the Caribbean and Key West lifestyle of Ernest Hemingway. Ernest was famous for copiously drinking Daiquiris in Cuba, too. Jimmy Buffett did write a tribute song to Ernest titled “Havana Daydreamin’.” However, Jimmy Buffett, the man who built a multi-million dollar empire of concerts and performances, plays, restaurants, and Margarita gear, later eschewed his early years. He became a true entrepreneur (Forbes estimated his net worth at $1 billion). At one point Jimmy realized he was missing a critical trait of being a beach bum singer. He could not get a tan! In his later days he did frequent St. Barts, Palm Beach, and Sag Harbor, but he as a successful performer and businessman.
Let’s raise our Margarita glasses and celebrate the life of one of the world’s best loved singers, Jimmy Buffett!
“I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.” – Paul McCartney, September 2, 2023
How to Make a Margarita & Its Variations
Ingredients: 1.5 oz. (45 ml) Blanco tequila 1 oz., (30 ml) Cointreau, .75 oz. (22ml) fresh lime juice. Garnishes: Lime wedge and sea salt rim.
Recommended Spirits: Patrón Reposado.
Instructions: For the salt rim, pour a few TBSPs of sea salt in a shallow saucer. Rub the rim of a rocks glass with a lime wedge and dip the glass into the salt. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain into the rocks glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Variations:
The Frozen Margarita- Use a blender with ice.
The Strawberry Margarita – use strawberry purée or muddle a few berries into the recipe.
Tommy’s Margarita, San Francisco – use agave nectar instead of Cointreau.
Kamikaze - 1970’s: is a mini vodka Margarita: 1 oz (30ml) vodka, .5 oz. (15ml) Triple Sec .5 oz. (15 ml) lime juice.
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Rebecca, So good to hear from you. I agree.
Nice tribute article, Tricia!
I read that Bob Dylan listed Jimmy Buffett as being one of the best songwriters. Can’t argue with that. We’ve been on a summer-long RV adventure and spent time in a couple of the Camp Margaritaville RV resorts—among the best places we’ve stayed. The size and reach of his business empire is astounding!