Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila
If you want to enhance your margarita experience, Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila can help you out. With unique floral notes, this spirit is one-of-a-kind.
It has rested for one month in an uncharred Napa Cabernet French White Oak barrel. This tequila works well in a margarita and other tequila-based cocktails and can also be enjoyed as is.
This is undoubtedly the best tequila for margarita for people who are interested in trying a soothing drinking experience. This spirit provides a beautiful pink hue and a fantastic aroma that will surely make you fall in love with it.
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Best Tequila For People With Too Much Money: Clase Azul Reposado
Theres a level of treat yo self that makes sense upgrading from a bottom shelf liquor to something a little more refined in cocktails is something I often do myself. But there are limits. I wouldnt reach for a $300 bourbon to make a Kentucky Mule, and using some Clase Azul Reposado in a margarita seems similarly ridiculous.
Dont get me wrong the results will be delicious. Ive tried it myself, out of obligation since all our reviews are graded against the same set of tests and a marg is one of the usual tests for a tequila. In this version, youll get the herbaceous notes of the base spirit and the barrel aging notes of the oak all combining for a delicious and truly next-level drink. But at what cost?
Choosing The Best Tequila For Margaritas
The number of different Tequilas on the market is endless. And many will make for a great Margarita cocktail. Still, choosing a suitable bottle can be a confusing undertaking. So, here are some rules of thumb to make sure you don’t overspend when visiting your local liquor store.
- Tequila Blanco is the type to go for. Sometimes it’s called Silver, sometimes Crystal or Plata, but mostly Blanco is stated on the bottle. These bright and fresh expressions will make a traditional, refreshing, and zingy Margaritas.
- Most mid-priced Blanco Tequilas will work well in a Margarita. Some won’t be perfect, and others are exceptional, but overall you can’t go totally wrong when opting for a middle-class Blanco Tequila ranging from $25 – $35.
- In general: Choose a Blanco for fresh and zingy Margaritas, opt for a Reposado if you prefer more mellow versions, and stick with Añejos for sipping neat. There are exceptions, but it works as a rule of thumb. It’s easy to waste a considerable sum of money on an Añejo that won’t work in a Margarita.
Now that you know the basics, here’s our list of the best Tequilas to mix Margaritas.
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The Secret To A Perfect Margarita
Its generally agreed that the components of a classic margarita are tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice. But how much of each? The secret is proportions balance accounts for the difference between a good drink and a bad one.
Having made many, many margaritas according to all sorts of proportional directives, I have finally determined that the very best margaritas are concocted as follows:
For one drink:1 ½ oz. tequila 1 ½ oz. triple sec or Cointreau1 to 1 ¼ oz. of lime juiceSalt for the rim of the glass
Shake all the ingredients with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker until the exterior frosts. Strain into a glass over rocks, or up into a cocktail glass. A slice of lime as a garnish, while not strictly necessary, is a civilized touch.
I think the reason these proportions work so well is the way I enjoy a margaritaas an accompaniment to food as opposed to a stand-alone cocktail. Were I to drink margaritas in the same time and place I drank, say, a or a Negroni, I would probably prefer a differentpossibly more assertive, tequila-forwardmix. Instead the tequila should be dialed back into harmonious equilibrium with the other ingredients for a more quaffable potion. For the same reason I prefer them on the rocks, rather than up.
A few notes on the ingredients.
? Key limes, first of all, are about the size of a large gumball, and it takes ages to get the smallest amount of juice from them. And the flavor difference? None.)
Don Diego Santa Aejo Tequila
Añejo tequila receives 1-3 years of aging in oak barrels, and its commonly considered a sipping tequila rather than a cocktail spirit. However, mixologist Daniel Rodriguez of Cantina Rooftop in NYC appreciates Añejos complexity when making a Cadillac margarita, a spin on the classic marg that utilizes aged tequila and Cognac in lieu of blanco tequila and triple sec. Don Diego Santa Añejo Tequila is very smooth and elegant with aromas of hazelnut, clove, and vanilla. This tequila is very affordable and can compete with some of the most expensive tequilas. You can sip it or prepare the Don Diego Old Cadillac Margarita with this tequila, Rodriguez says in support of his Añejo preference.
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Why Trust The Spruce Eats
Colleen Graham is a beverage writer with over a decade of experience writing about cocktails and bartending. She has visited tequila distilleries in Mexico, tasted countless tequilas over the years, and wrote a book on the spirit.
Kate Dingwall, a sommelier and spirits writer, updated this roundup. She has been writing about wine and spirits for five years and has visited the Jalisco region over a dozen times. She has even harvested her own agave.
The Mixtos: Sauza And Cuervo
In the first round of blind tasting, we wanted to test margaritas made with mixto tequilas against margaritas made with 100% agave brands. Could we tell the difference? Yeah, we certainly could. It’s not that the mixtos made offensive margaritas, but we just couldn’t get excited about the drinks. Both mixto tequilas seemed to make sweeter, blander cocktails that didn’t quite work. The Sauza margarita was piney, resiny, and overly sweet. Piney flavors certainly work well in martinis, but they belong nowhere near a margarita.
The other mixto, Jose Cuervo, fared a little better. The Cuervo version had a pleasant aroma and reminded one taster of a basic five-buck house margarita from a Mexican restaurant. However, the Cuervo left an unpleasant oily texture in the mouth, making it stick out compared to the 100% agave options. Spend a few dollars more per cocktail to get the good stuff.
On to round two…
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The Butterfly Cannon Silver Cristalino
- The Butterfly Cannon Silver Cristalino, £28.96 from Master of Malt – buy here
As weve said, there are lots of different kinds of tequila. One of the newer, trendier styles is called cristalino.
Cristalinos are aged tequilas often añejos that have been charcoal-filtered to make them crystal clear, like a blanco.
I know what youre thinking: if youre going to remove the colour, why bother aging it at all? Its because tequilas aged in barrels tend to have softer, sweeter, more approachable flavours than blancos. By resting the tequila and then filtering it, you get an ultra-smooth spirit with delicate vanilla and oak notes.
This cristalino is more affordable than most because its been made from tequila thats been aged for just 30 days, rather than for years. It still has that lovely clean, smooth character youd buy a cristalino for, but at a price point that suits margarita making.
In fact the price point seems even more fair when you realise this tequila is doing some good too: a portion of the profits goes towards supporting butterfly conservation.
The Best Cadillac Margarita
I was hooked after savoring my first Cadillac Margarita in my early 20s. This was my first experience into the world of high class cocktails and it was marvelous. It tasted like the margaritas I was used to, only much, much better. The bittersweet orange flavor along with the warm and woodsy cognac flavor took that simple lime and tequila over the top.
Since then, Grand Marnier has been a top favorite flavor of mine, from cocktails to this Grand Marnier souffle dessert. The cocktail is a lot easier to make than a souffle, so lets make Cadillac Margaritas!
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The Best Aejo Tequila For Margaritas
Known for aging in barrels between one and three years, tequila añejo has a darker color. Itâs even a substitute for your favorite whiskey brands with certain cocktails.
Tequila añejo has less of a bite to it. This means its smoother and sweeter flavors can complement any margarita.
The best añejo tequila for margaritas is:
So Which Kind Works Better In Margaritas
Now, to finally answer the question at hand: which is better for making a margarita? While at the end of the day, it really is your preference, mixologists and tequila experts agree that there is a better choice when it comes to tequila for margaritas.
The tequila winner across the board for margaritas is silver or white . This is because silver tequila ages for the shortest amount of time, giving it the strongest and purest taste so it can cut through the other flavorings that youre adding.
When you use silver tequila for margaritas, you are getting a pure tequila taste, which will blend well with other flavorings and mixes. People prefer to sip on gold tequila rather than diluting it into mixed drinks because it has a more unique flavor profile.
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Cdigo 1530 Rosa Tequila
This tequila is particularly interesting and totally different from anything else on this list. The first thing youll notice is that its not the usual clear colour youll get from a young tequila, instead it has a rose tint to it. Aha! That, my friends, is because this tequila is rested for one month in barrels that previously held Napa Cabernet Sauvignon! This unique process gives the tequila some notes of red fruits that you wont find anywhere else. Put this tequila in a margarita alternative such as a watermelon margarita and youve got yourself a winner.
ABV: 35%Size: UK 700ml // US 750mlFind it here: UK £49.95 // US $59.99
Best Tequila For Margarita
Are you on the search for the best tequila to mix in your drinks? Margarita, one of the most popular cocktails, is believed to have first been made by Carlos Danny Herrera in 1938. It has travelled the world from Carlos restaurant, Rancho la Gloria, in Tijuana to bars and restaurants globally.
While blanco tequila, a usually unaged spirit, is the go-to for Margaritas, there are Joven, Reposado, Añejo, and extra Añejo Tequilas to consider. Lets discuss them all in detail below.
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Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco
Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco was voted The Best Blanco Tequila” by Epicurious Magazine. Its clean and smooth consistency has won the hearts of every tequila lover out there.
The water used for Casa Dragones Blanco is exceptionally pure and natural spring water enriched with the perfect balance of minerals.
This tequila has unique semi-sweet notes of agave warmed by pepper and cloves. What makes Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco one of the best tequila for margarita is its crisp and light finish with hints of almonds and a bright aftertaste that will leave you speechless.
Making A Classic Margarita
Carlos Danny Herreras 1938 recipe for a classic margarita emerged as an effort to make a drink for Marjorie King, a Ziegfeld showgirl she was allergic to all alcohol other than tequila. And so, he went on to combine tequila with triple sec, lime, and salt. Triple sec is a clear orange-flavoured liqueur made from the dried peels of bitter and sweet oranges.
The recipe continues to be served in bars across the world today. While you only need three ingredients to make the cocktail, you can adjust the ratios to your liking.
To make a single classic Margarita, you will need:
- 1 Shot De Kuypers Triple sec
- 1 Shots lanco tequila
- 1 Shots lime juice freshly squeezed
Shake the above ingredients with cracked ice in a cocktail shaker until the exterior of the shaker frosts. Strain the ingredients into a glass over rocks. Garnish with a wheel of lime, and enjoy!
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What Kind Of Tequila Is Best For Margaritas
My recommendation will always be for a blanco or reposado tequila for margaritas. Ive learned that I am not the biggest fan of gold tequila in my margaritas.
However, tequila gold is a popular choice for fruity restaurant margs because its inexpensive and the flavor is easily manipulated in mixed drinks!
If you want a lighter, more refreshing agave taste in your margarita, go for a blanco . Looking for a slightly richer experience? Try a reposado!
Lets look at some common questions about tequila!
Can you use Reposado tequila for margaritas?
Absolutely. Its one of my go-to options for homemade margaritas. It just depends on what kind of margarita Im making and which flavor profile were in the mood for!
What is a good inexpensive tequila for margaritas?
As mentioned above, the least expensive categories of tequila are going to be the silver and gold options. Go for a blanco because its always 100% agave and wont compete with the flavors of your margarita mix. You can also grab an inexpensive bottle of gold tequila, but its harder to find one that is 100% agave.
What is the best type of tequila?
If youre looking for a true sipping tequila , the answer to this question is going to be añejo. The price tag will often reflect the quality because it simply takes so much longer to produce.
What is the best top shelf tequila?Whats the smoothest tequila?
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The 12 Best Tequila For Margaritas
The Margarita is Tequila’s natural vehicle. Both the spirit and the cocktail are super popular not only in Mexico. In fact, in the US, the Margarita is the favorite cocktail nationwide . And to make a great Margarita, you need an outstanding Tequila as the base.
There was a time when it was extremely difficult to get great Tequila for a reasonable price. -That’s one of the reasons why Patron Tequila exists. Today, things are a bit different. There’s a vast amount of options. Even in the lower to medium price category, you can find some perfect Tequila for making Margaritas.
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Whats The Best Tequila For Margaritas
This is one of those questions that might have countless answers. Ill never claim to have the end-all answers here, but I can give you all of our personal favorites. Im sharing these opinions, along with some serious research into the style of tequilas that work best for margaritas.
Regardless of my own personal opinions on brand or styles, experts will agree that 100% agave tequila is a requirement for good quality.
Its often found in a higher end, more expensive tequila, but you can certainly find affordable versions too. When youre searching for one, 100% blue agave will always be noted on the label.
I have loved learning more about the varieties of tequila in the world, and I am excited to take you on this journey with me. Lets get started!
Best Under $: Los Arango Blanco
Region: Guanajuato, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Agave, Herbs
Produced at Tequilera Corralejo in the state of Guanajuato, Jaliscos eastern neighbor, Los Arango Blanco is made with agave steamed relatively quickly in a high-pressure autoclave, then crushed with a roller mill, and distilled in a copper pot. Its one of the best blancos on the market, and at a great price, says Stevie Latona, bar manager at San Diegos Lionfish restaurant. Along with vanilla notes, the toasted agave and fresh herb flavors, he says, create a soft, smooth taste on the rocks or in a cocktail, its one of my go-tos.
Region: Jalisco, Mexico | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cherry, Mint, Pepper
A NOM is a number used to indicate the distillery in which the tequila is made. To produce this special bottle of ArteNOM, distiller Jake Lustig teamed up with the Camarenas, the family that owns and operates NOM 1579, Jaliscos Destileria el Pandillo. Brick-oven, steam-roasted agave is crushed by a special tahona called Frankenstein, jerry-rigged out of scavenged parts: a junkyard cylinder and an old train wheel axle. After copper pot distilling with a mix of rain and well water, its left to oxidize overnighta key process as oxygen accentuates the blancos fruity nature. Cherry and papaya notes mingle with mint and pepper in a spirit with a big, silky mouthfeel.
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Don Pilar Blanco Tequila
Don Pilar Blanco Tequila is made from 100% Blue Agave grown on the farm in the beautiful Highlands of Jalisco. Don Jose Pilar Contreras, a native of these marvelous lands, produces this exceptional tequila using unique, artisanal techniques.
Don Pilar’s Agave comes from one of six ranches in San Jose de Gracia. The Agaves are hand-picked and collected at their optimal maturity, then it is cleaned and steam-cooked in autoclaves for a whole day.
During the 200-hour fermentation process, Don Pilar Tequila is fermented with Champagne yeast and refined with the help of Baroque music.
Which Tequila Is Smoothest
How smooth is the best the smoothest tequila? One of the smoothest tequilas on the market is commonly regarded as Ocho A*ejo, a brand that is also the first brand in history to be known as a Tequila vintage. Rich and vegetal, this A*ejo is aged in whiskey barrels that were previously used for aging American whiskey.
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