The chain is reviving the $1 drink for dine-in guests 21 and older from July 1 through July 31, citing overwhelming demand
Erik McGregor / Getty Images
A $1 margarita blended from tequila, triple sec, and lime — known as the Dollarita — is returning to Applebee's menus for the full month of July. The promotion runs July 1 through July 31 and is available to dine-in guests aged 21 and older at Applebee's locations nationwide, the company said.
"An American original, the Dollarita has become a true cultural icon," chief marketing officer Michelle Chin said in a statement. "This July, we're bringing it back — by overwhelming demand — for just $1, giving guests 21-plus the perfect way to celebrate summer with unbeatable value at Applebee's."
The chain's history with dollar-priced cocktails dates to October 2017, per Nation's Restaurant News. Over time, the Dollarita grew into one of Applebee's most recognized promotional offerings, rooted in the brand's longstanding appeal to value-oriented, lower-income diners.
The promotion has shown strong results in the past. When it returned in late 2023, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton told analysts it was one of the company's best efforts that year. Both sales and guest visits increased, and almost all Dollarita orders—93%—came with another menu item. Each day, about 135 Dollaritas were sold, meeting all of the company's goals. Many first-time customers were younger than Applebee's usual guests, helping the chain reach a broader audience.
Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global, which listed 1,498 Applebee's restaurants globally as of March 29, 2026, plus 71 company-owned locations, the company said.
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