Last Updated on March 22, 2024 by Lydia Martin
The secret to making the best-tasting Margaritas is using freshly squeezed orange juice and not a liqueur. However, elevating the layers of flavors in your Margarita relies on the tequila that you add.
We tried and tasted several glasses of cocktails to find the best tequila for Margaritas. If you want to ensure your next cocktail party is a blast, keep reading.
15 Best Tequila for Margaritas
15. La Gritona Reposado Tequila
Average Price: roughly $43 per 750ml
Distillery: Vinos y Licores Azteca
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: This tequila reposado has a real agave flavor that can elevate a Margarita because of its strong aroma of piña fruit. It blends well with an orange liqueur because this tequila variant is not so sweet.
14. Roca Patrón Silver
Average Price: roughly $70 per 750ml
Distillery: Hacienda Patrón
Alcohol Proof: 90
Why We Liked It: Roca Patrón Silver is from Patron, a well-reputed tequila brand. This tequila variant is a top-shelf bottle and is an excellent sipping tequila apart from being a great mixing base.
The aroma and taste of citrus fruits, white pepper, and cooked agave (1) work very well in any Margarita recipe.
13. ElVelo Tequila Blanco
Average Price: roughly $32 per 750ml
Distillery: La Cofradia Distillery
Alcohol Proof: 89
Why We Liked It: We liked this Blanco tequila because of its full roasted agave aroma and tasting notes.
Using agave grown in volcanic soils produced a rich aroma and taste. It also has a higher proof, the right pick if you want your cocktail spiked a little.
12. Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila
Average Price: roughly $46 per 750ml
Distillery: Proximo Spirits
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: Maestro Dobel Diamante is the original Cristalino. It has an excellent reputation and an undeniable elegant flavor. It is smooth and clear, making it easy to mix in any cocktail, especially a Margarita.
11. Pasote Blanco Tequila
Average Price: roughly $42 per 750ml
Distillery: El Pandillo Distillery
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: We like the strong scent and full taste of agave. The spicy pepper and citrusy taste give the Margarita a balanced flavor.
The clearness of this variant makes it a good choice for a Margarita. Compared to a gold tequila, this Blanco tequila will provide the needed agave flavors less the color.
10. Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco
Average Price: roughly $79 per 750ml
Distillery: Casa Dragones
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: Casa Dragones Blanco tequila has a delicious blue Weber agave taste blended with just the right amount of black pepper and clove with the sweetness of the green apple.
The smooth texture of Casa Dragones Blanco is a common trait of small batch tequila brands, which is great in making margaritas.
9. Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila
Average Price: roughly $65 per 750ml
Distillery: Codigo 1530
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: We like that this Blanco has a unique trait uncommon to Blanco tequilas.
Aging it in an ex-Napa Cabernet barrel gave it an exciting pink hue but did not lower its quality. You can mix Margaritas with this unique savory Blanco.
8. Tequila Avión Reposado
Average Price: roughly $50 per 750ml
Distillery: Productos Finos de Agave
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: Tequila Avión reposado is one of the reposado tequilas with raw agave smell as strong as a Blanco.
This reposado tequila has an almost neutral taste, making it a good fit for cocktails. We love the oily but tasty savor of premium tequila in our Margarita.
7. Siembra Valles High Proof Blanco
Average Price: roughly $59 per 750ml
Distillery: Destileria Cascahuín
Alcohol Proof: 92
Why We Liked It: We like the high alcohol content that goes perfectly with the strong cooked agave. This bottle is one of the best tequilas for Margaritas because of its grassy, agave flavor.
It can also provide your Margarita with the needed alcohol without causing the flavor to change.
6. Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata
Average Price: roughly $30 per 750ml
Distillery: Destileria Colonial de Jalisco
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: The refined grassy yet fruity flavors of Olmeca Altos Plata made us pick this Blanco. Its agaves are from Los Altos, where the juiciest agave nectar is harvested.
This spirit has a slight bite, a trait of authentic tequila. With its competitive price, this is one of the best tequilas for Margaritas.
5. Teremana Blanco Tequila
Average Price: roughly $33 per 750ml
Distillery: Destileria Teremana De Agave, S.A.
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: This variant is one of the Blanco tequilas because of its crisp flavor and smoothness. It is a high-quality tequila from Jalisco, Mexico, and a very affordable tequila too.
Margaritas are tequila’s natural vehicle, and with Teremana Blanco, you will surely have a delicious Margarita.
4. Espolòn Tequila Blanco
Average Price: roughly $28 per 750ml
Distillery: Casa San Nicolas
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: Espolòn Blanco is one of the best tequilas produced in Jalisco, Mexico using locally-grown agave.
What makes this Blanco tequila different is its smooth flavor at a price so low. It is fruity with a good mix of baking spices.
3. Villa One Silver Tequila
Average Price: roughly $42 per 750ml
Distillery: Fabrica de Tequilas Finos
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: We love the lasting sweet, agave taste of Villa One Silver Tequila. This tequila lacked superficial additives and was just distilled agave syrup (2).
The taste of roasted fruit of the agave plant and its natural sweetness is the only dominating flavor of this silver tequila.
Mix this great tequila with triple sec, and you will have a savory Margarita.
Read: List of Mexican-Owned Tequilas
2. Exotico Blanco 100% Agave Tequila
Average Price: roughly $21 per 1L
Distillery: González Distillers
Alcohol Proof: 80
Why We Liked It: Like most expensive tequilas, this Blanco tequila is pure blue agave tequila.
The usual earthy flavors of unaged agave spirits are not very common in an aged tequila, whether a reposado tequila or an añejo tequila.
The raw flavors tend to be lost as they acquire the character of the oak barrels they were stored in.
Exotico Blanco tequila has earthy agave tasting notes, vanilla, and cinnamon which blends very well with triple sec or fresh lime juice in a Margarita.
1. Herradura Directo Del Alambique Silver Tequila
Average Price: roughly $106 per 750ml
Distillery: Casa Herradura
Alcohol Proof: 110
Why We Liked It: Unlike reposado tequila or añejo tequila, this high-proof silver tequila pairs well with any cocktail because of its raw agave taste.
Herradura has the straightforward agave and oak flavor, a traditional palate Mexicans love.
The added citrus and Olive oil on this tequila Blanco, along with the herbs, give the savor a bit of a twist.
FAQs
What is the best type of tequila for a Margarita?
The best type of tequila for a Margarita is a Blanco tequila because it has the raw savory taste of agaves. Some reposados work because they make the cocktail a smoother drink.
Añejo tequilas don’t usually work because they have more complex flavors because of the oak barrels they were aged in.
Does tequila matter in a Margarita?
Yes, tequila matters in a Margarita because it can influence the final flavor of the cocktail.
A Blanco tequila has a true agave taste that can elevate the Margarita taste. Aged tequilas, especially añejos, may not be a good pick. But does a Margarita mix contain alcohol?
How do you pick tequila for a Margarita?
You pick the tequila for a Margarita based on its agave content, which says 100% pure agave or puro agave.
The authenticity of the flavors in a Blanco tequila remains after mixing the rest of the ingredients.
Should I use 100% agave tequila for margaritas?
Yes, using 100% agave tequila ensures a higher quality and more authentic flavor in your margaritas. It’s recommended for achieving the best taste and overall experience.
Are there any specific brands of tequila known for making excellent margaritas?
Several brands are known for producing high-quality tequila suitable for margaritas, including Patron, Don Julio, Casamigos, and Espolon. These brands offer various expressions that cater to different preferences.
What flavor profile should I look for in a tequila for margaritas?
Look for a tequila with a smooth and balanced flavor profile, highlighting the sweetness of the agave with subtle citrus and herbal notes. This will complement the other ingredients in the margarita without overpowering them.
Should I use a reposado or añejo tequila for margaritas?
While some people enjoy the depth and complexity that aged tequilas like reposado or añejo offer in margaritas, they can sometimes overshadow the other ingredients. It’s generally recommended to stick with Blanco or Silver tequila for a classic margarita.
Is it worth investing in expensive tequila for margaritas?
It depends on your preferences and budget. While premium tequilas may offer additional complexity and nuances, especially when sipped neat, they may not always be necessary for making great margaritas. High-quality, mid-range tequilas often work just as well.
Final Thoughts
The best tequila for Margaritas is Herradura Directo Del Alambique Silver Tequila. This tequila is an all-time favorite spirit because of its authentic taste and high alcohol content. After all. what’s a Margarita without a kick?
The best tequilas for Margaritas should blend well with other ingredients and stand out without overpowering everything else.
So, tequila aficionados, take your pick, and be ready to have a refreshing Margarita.
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