What is the best tequila to use in margaritas and margaritas? This is a quick guide on tequila basics and how to select the best bottle.
Are you looking for the best tequila bottle? There are so many choices that it can be difficult to find the best margarita tequila. You can search the internet for “buy Tequila” to find various options, some exceeding $150. Which tequila is best for your margarita recipe? We’ve got you covered. This is a quick guide on mixing the right tequila into cocktails.
Best tequila for margaritas: a quick guide!
You could give you a long list of fantastic bottles of tequila. Let’s not waste time; let us first talk about types of tequila. What to look out for in a store (or online)?
- The rule of thumb is that any mid-priced Tequila will taste great in a margarita. Price does indicate quality. You can find 750ml bottles between $22 and $35. Any lower than that is worth it won’t be worthwhile.
- Use expensive tequilas for sipping. High-end bottles of Tequila Anejo and Tequila Tequila are meant for sipping. This type of tequila should not be wasted on mixed drinks.
- Tequila reposado makes a smooth, sophisticated margarita. You can use either reposado or Blanche tequila in your margarita. Because of its nuanced flavour, we prefer reposado.
- Tequila Blanco can also be used to make margaritas. It is simple and agave-centric with a spicy finish. Either one is possible! You can choose from any of the two tequila varieties.
There are three types of tequila available: Blanco, reposado and Anejo.
There are three types of tequilas with different names. These names indicate how old they have been. Each has a unique flavour profile. Blanco or reposado is the best tequila to use in margaritas. Here are some examples:
- Tequila Blanco has not been aged. It has a strong agave flavour with citrus notes and a spicy finish.
- Tequila reposado has been aged in oak barrels for 2-12 months (reposado means “rested”). It has a pleasant flavour with notes of oak, vanilla and caramel.
- Tequila Anejo has been aged in oak barrels for 1 to 4 years (Anejo in Spanish means “aged”). It has a richer taste with cinnamon and vanilla notes. You can sip tequila Anejo straight up. Blanco and reposado are best for adding to margaritas.
The best brands of tequila
We’ve now covered the basics of buying a good bottle of tequila and the differences between tequila types. Do you want to know more? These are our top picks! These brands of tequila are the best for margaritas:
- Espolon Blanco (inexpensive tequila blanco)
- El Tesoro Blanco (mid-range tequila blanco)
- Patron Silver Mid-range Tequila Blanco
- Casamigos Mid-range Tequila Blanco and Reservado
- Milagro Reposado (tequila reposado)
- Suerte Reposado (tequila reposado)
Which brands do you prefer for margaritas with the best tequila? Comment below to let us know.
Patron Silver is a popular option for classic margaritas.
Recipe for a classic margarita
We couldn’t leave without sharing a recipe, of course! Here is our classic margarita recipe with Patron Silver. Patron is a high-end brand of tequila that makes for an amazing drink.
Classic Margarita
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Ingredients
- 2 ounces* Patron Silver tequila**
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- Flaky sea salt for the rim
- Ice, for serving (try Clear ice).
- For garnish: Lime wedges
Instructions
- Make a notch in the lime wedge and wrap the lime around the glass rim. Dip the rim in salt or use Margarita Salt to give it a festive look.
- Mix all ingredients in a shaker with four ice cubes. Shake until chilled
- Add the margarita to the glass. Serve the margarita in a glass filled with ice. If desired, garnish with lime wedges.
Notes
*To convert to tablespoons: 1 ounce = 2 teaspoons
To make a margarita pitcher for 8 people:
- Combine 2 cups of tequila with 1 cup Cointreau and 3/4 cup lime juice.
- Mix in 3 tablespoons of ice.
- Stir until chilled.
- Serve in glasses.