What is the best tequila for margaritas? Here’s a quick guide to understanding the basics of tequila and choosing the best bottle.
Looking for a good bottle of tequila? With so many options to choose from, trying to find the best tequila for margaritas can be overwhelming. Search “buy tequila” online and you’ll get a wide range of options: some cost over $150! Which is the Right Choice for Your Margarita Recipe? We have what you need. Here’s a quick guide to understanding the right tequila to mix into cocktails:
Best Tequila for Margaritas: A Quick Guide!
We could only give you a long list of good tequila bottles. Instead, let’s first talk about the types of tequila and what to look for when you go to the store (or search online).
- Rule of thumb: Any mid-range tequila tastes great in a margarita. The price indicates quality. Look for 750ml bottles between $22 and $35. What is cheaper is not worth buying.
- Use expensive tequilas for sipping. The very high quality bottles of Tequila and Tequila Añejo are intended for tasting. Don’t waste this kind of tequila in a mixed drink!
- Tequila residue makes for a smooth and sophisticated margarita. There are two types of tequila that you can use in your margarita: reposado or blanco. We prefer the reposado for the nuanced flavor it adds.
- Tequila Blanco is also great for margaritas. It has a simple agave flavor and a spicy finish. You can choose one or the other! Learn more about types of tequila…
Types of Tequila: White, Reposado and Anejo
There are three types of tequila whose names indicate how long they have been aged. Everyone has a different flavor profile. The best tequila for margaritas is Blanco or Reposado. Here is an overview of the types:
- white tequila has not aged. The taste is agave, with hints of pepper and citrus and a spicy finish.
- Rested tequila aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels (rests means “rested” in Spanish). It has a mild taste and hints of oak, vanilla and caramel.
- Anjo Tequila matures 1 to 4 years in oak barrels (Angel means “aged” in Spanish). It has a richer flavor with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. Try drinking tequila añejo neat and save blanco and reposado to mix into margaritas.
The best brands of tequila
So we’ve covered the basics of finding a good bottle of tequila and the differences between types of tequila. Do you want to be even more specific? Here are our tips! Some brands of tequila that are best for margaritas are:
- white spur (cheap white tequila)
- The white darling (medium tequila blanco)
- Boss Silver (medium tequila blanco)
- Casamigos (white and medium rested tequila)
- Rested miracle (tequila rested)
- dormant happiness (tequila rested)
What are your favorite brands for the best tequila for margaritas? Let us know in the comments below.
Classic margarita recipe
Of course we can’t leave you without a prescription! Here’s our classic margarita recipe with Patron Silver. Patrón is a premium tequila brand that makes for a surprisingly smooth drink. Also try our Casamigos Margarita.
The description
Every margarita lover has to have a Patron Margarita recipe! This one mixes the perfect proportions to make a surprisingly smooth drink.
- 2 ounces*Patron Silver Tequila**
- 1 ounce Cointreau (or Triple Sec)
- ¾ ounce fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt or sea salt flakes for the rim
- Ice to serve (try clear ice)
- For garnish: lime wedges
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then brush the lime over the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim in a plate of salt (or use margarita salt for a celebratory look).
- Pour all ingredients into a shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake cold.
- Strain the margarita into the glass with the salt rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve. Garnish with lime wedges if you like.
Remarks
*To convert to tablespoons, 1 ounce = 2 tablespoons.
**To make an 8-person margarita pitcher, combine in a pitcher: 2 cups tequila, 1 cup Cointreau, and ¾ cup lime juice. Add 3 handfuls of ice and stir until cool. Pour into glasses and serve!
- Category: drink
- Method: Shocked
- Kitchen: cocktails
- Diet: vegan
Keywords: Best tequila for margaritas
