Cinco de Mayo calls for something a little extra festive, and this year, Columbus has a new trend worth celebrating.
Soft-serve margaritas are popping up all over the city, blending a classic cocktail with the creamy texture of your favorite summer treat. What started as a viral TikTok trend has quickly turned into a full-on local craze, with multiple spots now putting their own spin on the boozy dessert. If you’ve been looking for a fun way to mix up your margarita order, this is it.
Here’s where you can find soft-serve margaritas around Columbus right now.
AJ’s Tacos
AJ’s Tacos helped kick off the trend locally, and they’ve been drawing a crowd ever since. The Hilltop spot introduced soft-serve margaritas in mid-March, leaning into a viral social media moment that was already picking up steam across the country. Videos of brightly colored, perfectly swirled drinks have been everywhere lately, and AJ’s brought that same eye-catching style to Columbus.
Their version comes in flavors like pineapple, strawberry, lime, mango, and swirls, with the option to add an extra shot if you want to kick things up a notch. The texture is what keeps people coming back. It’s thicker and creamier than a standard frozen margarita, piped into the cup just like soft-serve ice cream.
AJ’s has always had a flair for bold, photogenic menu items, but this might be their most buzzworthy yet. The response has been immediate, with lines forming and social media feeds filling up with photos of the drinks. Between the expanded dine-in space, family-friendly setup, and warmer weather rolling in, it’s hitting at exactly the right time.
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Address: 3307 Sullivant Ave, Columbus, OH 43204
Website: AJ’s Tacos
La Plaza Tapatia
La Plaza Tapatia didn’t wait long to join the party. The sprawling Latino supermarket on the West Side is now serving its own take on soft-serve margaritas, adding another reason to swing by beyond the already stacked grocery and food options.
Their lineup focuses on fruit-forward flavors, including mango, strawberry, and a mango-strawberry swirl. The team has emphasized getting the texture just right, aiming for that smooth, creamy consistency that defines the trend. It’s an easy, casual way to try one while you’re shopping or grabbing a quick bite, and it fits right in with the lively atmosphere of the market.
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Address: 255 Georgesville Rd, Columbus, OH 43228
Website: La Plaza Tapatia
Herencia Jalisco
Over in Hilliard, Herencia Jalisco has recently added soft-serve margaritas to the menu, keeping things simple with strawberry and mango options made with tequila.
The drinks are bright, refreshing, and a natural fit alongside the restaurant’s flavorful dishes. They’ve only been available for a short time, but they’re already catching attention from customers looking to try something new. It’s a solid option if you’re outside the city center and want in on the trend without making the drive downtown.
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Address: 6542 Hayden Run Rd Suite 2, Hilliard, OH 43026
Website: Herencia Jalisco
Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill
Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill is taking a slightly different approach, leaning into a more classic margarita profile. Their soft-serve version blends that familiar lime-forward flavor with a creamy texture and a subtle hint of tequila.
It’s a good pick if you’re curious about the trend but still want something that feels close to a traditional margarita. You get the same smooth swirl and refreshing finish, just with a more citrus-driven taste. As patio season ramps up, it’s an easy addition to a relaxed night out.
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Address: 2171 E Dublin Granville Rd, Columbus, OH 43229
Website: Terra Mezcal Mexican Grill
Soft-serve margaritas are still relatively new to Columbus, but they’re spreading quickly.
Each spot brings its own personality to the drink, from bold fruit flavors to more classic takes. If you’re looking for a fun way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo or just want an excuse to try something different, this is one trend that’s worth a taste.
