The Ultimate Guide to the Best Tequila for Margaritas: Top 5 Picks

The Question of what the best tequila for Margaritas is, is one I’ve been trying to answer for a while. In the world of cocktails, the Margarita stands as a timeless classic. This iconic blend of tequila, citrus, and a touch of sweetness has graced countless glasses and delighted taste buds across the globe. But the key to an exceptional Margarita lies in the quality of tequila you choose. In this article, we’ll explore the top five tequilas that are not only budget-friendly but also crafted to excel in cocktails, with a focus on authenticity and flavor.

Before we dive into the tequilas, let’s quickly revisit the classic Margarita recipe.

The Foundation of the Margarita is Simple:

  • start with 1 ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice,
  • add a 0.25 oz of simple syrup (yes, simple syrup, not agave, in this traditional version),
  • mix in 0.75 oz of Cointreau (an orange liqueur),
  • and finish with 2 oz of tequila.
  • Shake it all up with ice, strain it into a salt-rimmed glass,

and voilà – you have a classic Margarita. But what tequilas are best for margaritas?

1. Cimarron Blanco – The Budget-Friendly Workhorse

Our journey begins with Cimarron Blanco, the quintessential choice for budget-conscious mixologists seeking excellence. Priced at under $25 for a liter bottle, it’s a wallet-friendly option that refuses to compromise on quality. Cimarron proudly bears the certification of being additive-free, boasting a robust and Agave-forward flavor profile that can effortlessly hold its own in a cocktail. With subtle floral hints, notes of cooked Agave, and a sharp, invigorating bite, it stands as an exceptional choice for both Margarita enthusiasts and mixology aficionados.

2. Suerte – Reposado Excellence on a Budget

Traditionally, Reposado tequilas aren’t the go-to choice for Margaritas, but Suerte defies convention. Priced under $35, Suerte’s Reposado tequila offers a sumptuously buttery mouthfeel, rich cooked Agave flavor, and nuanced hints of vanilla and caramel. Crafted at gnome 1530, it stands as the sole tequila produced there, guaranteeing a unique and authentic experience. Suerte’s Reposado shines as an impeccable choice for those seeking to craft a distinctive Margarita variation.

3. Tres Agaves – Honorable Mention for the Budget-Conscious

For those in pursuit of an exceptional yet budget-friendly option, Tres Agaves emerges as an honorable mention. While the Añejo variant may not be ideal for Margaritas, the Blanco and Reposado variations, priced around the $30-32 mark, are truly outstanding. Offering exceptional value for your money, these tequilas encapsulate the essence of barrel aging without denting your finances. If you yearn for those captivating barrel notes without breaking the bank, Tres Agaves delivers on all fronts.

4. Lalo – A Legacy of Excellence

Lalo Tequila carries a captivating narrative – it was conceived by the grandson of the legendary Don Julio. Despite being a relatively new brand, Lalo prides itself on its Blanco, designed for sharing. Priced at approximately $45, Lalo’s Blanco tequila boasts a bright Agave-forward flavor, a substantial body, and subtle spice notes that harmonize impeccably with Margaritas. Beyond its flavor profile, Lalo is a brand steeped in heritage and committed to preserving the time-honored traditions of tequila making.

5. Tequila Chamucos – Complexity Meets Affordability

Tequila Chamucos strikes a harmonious balance between complexity and affordability, with prices hovering just under $50. Featuring a vibrant spice kick, a mouth-coating texture, and a lingering finish, it entices you to keep sipping. In Margaritas, Tequila Chamucos marries gracefully with other flavors, infusing your cocktails with depth and character while remaining budget-conscious.

Bonus: Tequila Ocho – A Premium Choice for Connoisseurs

While we’ve explored the Reposado variant, Tequila Ocho’s Blanco stands as a prime choice for Margaritas, priced around $45. This brand consistently delivers exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Whether sipped neat or incorporated into cocktails, Tequila Ocho shines with its rich, cooked Agave flavor, subtle spice notes, and a comforting warmth that envelops your senses.

No matter which of these five tequila brands you select, you’re guaranteed to craft an exceptional Margarita experience. Each option presents a unique flavor profile, allowing you to tailor your Margarita precisely to your preferences. The next time you crave this iconic cocktail, reach for one of these outstanding tequilas and elevate your mixology game. Cheers to concocting the ultimate Margarita with the best tequila!

If you want to learn more about Tequilas, i have other blog posts you can check out here!

What is Tequila ?

Tequila is one of the most popular spirits in America, even surpassing bourbon in sales recently. It is a spirit that conjures images of fun times with friends, warm weather, and a certain sense of adventure. This Mexican drink made from the agave plant has become increasingly popular worldwide, with its distinctive taste and unique cultural significance. But did you know that not all tequilas are created equal? In fact, there are several different styles of tequila, each with its own flavor profile, production process, and regulations. Whether you’re a seasoned tequila aficionado or a curious newcomer, understanding the different styles of tequila can help you appreciate this beloved spirit even more. In this post, we’ll explore the fascinating world of tequila and discover what makes each style special.

What is Tequila?

It is a distilled spirit made from fermenting and distilling cooked blue Weber agave. It is a subcategory of mezcal, which is the term used for any spirit made from distilling the heart of the agave plant. Tequila can only be made in the state of Jalisco in Mexico and is usually distilled to about 40% ABV. Tequila comes in different expressions, including blanco, repos, anejo, and extra anejo. Each expression has unique features, including color and flavor, depending on the aging process.

The agave plant takes about six to eight years to grow before it is harvested, cooked, and distilled into tequila. The soil or terroir that the agave grows in affects the taste and quality of the end product.

Tequila’s history dates back to pre-Hispanic Mexico when the native people used to ferment sap from the agave plant. The Aztecs used to make a beverage called Pulque, which was a precursor to tequila. The tequila industry has been facing some specific problems like the shortage of blue Weber agave, which is the only type of agave allowed in making tequila.

Different Classifications

Blanco or silver, is the purest expression of tequila. It is clear in color and typically bottled immediately after distillation. Blancos have a crisp and bright flavor profile, with notes of citrus and pepper. It is often used in cocktails because of its clean taste and smooth finish.

Reposado, which translates to “rested” in Spanish, is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year. This aging process gives the tequila a light golden color and imparts flavors and aromas from the barrel, such as vanilla, caramel, and wood. Reposado is often described as having a mellow and rounded flavor profile, with a hint of sweetness.

Añejo, which means “aged” in Spanish, is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years. Añejos have a darker color and a more complex flavor profile than reposado, with stronger notes of wood and spice. It is often sipped neat or on the rocks, and is a popular choice for whiskey drinkers who are looking to explore the world of tequila.

Extra añejo is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. This aging process gives the tequila a deep amber color and a rich, complex flavor profile with strong notes of wood, spice, and vanilla. Extra añejo is usually the most expensive and rarest type, and is often reserved for special occasions or for sipping slowly and savoring.

It is important to note that by definition, tequila only needs to be 51% made from agave, meaning that 49% can be made from other things. Therefore, it is essential to look for brands that are 100% made from agave, as some common substitutes like high fructose corn syrup can result in an unpleasant drinking experience.

In conclusion, tequila is a unique spirit that has been popularized by its versatility in making cocktails and shots. The different expressions have distinct features, including color and flavor, making it a diverse spirit to try.

STOP Drinking Don Julio 1942! Drink These Tequila Brands Instead!

If you’re a tequila drinker, you’ve probably heard of Don Julio 1942. It’s a tequila that’s widely popular in the United States, and you’ve likely seen it served in high-end bars and clubs. But while it may be a favorite of many, there are some good reasons why you might want to think twice before drinking it.

Why You Shouldn’t Drink Don Julio 1942

First and foremost, Don Julio 1942 is way overpriced. You can find a bottle for anywhere between $170 and $270, depending on where you look. And if you’re buying it in a club, it can cost thousands of dollars, which is just absurd. It’s not worth spending that much money on a drink just to look cool.

Another issue with 1942 is that it’s not a good representation of what tequila is supposed to taste like. Tequila is not meant to be super smooth. It’s supposed to have a distinct flavor that lets you know you’re drinking tequila. While Don Julio 1942 may be easy to drink and have a relatively good flavor profile, it’s not the best representation of what a tequila should taste like.

Don Julio 1942 is also owned by a giant corporation called Diageo. Who have a track record of buying brands and then doing questionable things with them. Some people claim that Don Julio 1942 has additives in it, although you can’t prove it since no company is out there advertising that they put chemicals in their tequila.

Drink these Brands Instead

So if you’re looking for a tequila that’s worth your time and money, here are three options that you should try instead:

  1. Fortaleza: This tequila is made by a very historic family of tequila makers. They have been making tequila for five different generations. Fortaleza is incredibly delicious, has a great agave flavor, and is an easy sipper. It’s also certified additive-free. It costs between $70 and $80, which is about half to one third the price of Don Julio 1942.
  2. El Tesoro: This tequila is made by a master tequila distiller named Carlos Camarena, who is an absolute legend in the industry. El Tesoro has a rich, natural agave flavor with some great undertones provided by the barrel. It’s also certified additive-free and runs around $70, making it a great alternative.
  3. Cazcanes: This tequila is a relative newcomer to the industry. It’s making strides by doing everything small batch in the right way. Cazcanes is certified additive-free and is one of the highest rated tequilas on Tequila Matchmaker. It costs around $135, but it’s worth the price for the incredible taste.

In conclusion, Don Julio 1942 may be a popular tequila, but it’s overpriced. It is not a good representation of what tequila is supposed to taste like, and most likely uses additives. If you’re looking for a better tequila, give Fortaleza, El Tesoro, or Cazcanes a try. These three options are delicious, certified additive-free, and won’t break the bank. So next time you’re in the mood for tequila, skip the Don Julio 1942 and try one of these alternatives instead.

Stop Drinking 818 Tequila! Drink These Brands Instead

818 Tequila: The Controversial Brand

Are you tired of hearing about yet another celebrity trying to sell you a mediocre product? Look no further than 818 Tequila, the highly controversial tequila brand launched by Kendall Jenner. Not only does it suffer from cultural appropriation and other issues that plague celebrity tequilas, but it’s also just not a very good tequila. And to make matters worse, it comes with a premium price tag, all for the privilege of having Kendall Jenner’s name attached to it.

818 also most likely uses additives in their production. I have an entire other blog post diving into what additives are and why they are being used.

But fear not, there are plenty of other tequila brands out there that are worth your time and money. In this post, we’ll be exploring three tequila brands that you should be drinking instead of 818 Tequila. So put down that overpriced bottle and let’s dive into some truly delicious tequila options.

Tequila Ocho: The Single Estate Tequila

Tequila Ocho is an exceptional brand of tequila created by two men in partnership. One of those men is Thomas Estes, the former tequila ambassador to Europe from Mexico. His partner is Carlos Camarena, whose family has been making tequila for generations. Tequila Ocho is a single estate tequila made with agave from one farm and one location. It is crafted with the highest level of care and detail.

Tequila Ocho is certified additive-free and widely available in the US and Europe. At around $50 for a bottle of Blanco, it is cheaper than 818 Tequila and of superior quality. It offers a robust agave flavor that is enjoyable to sip on its own or in a cocktail.

Mijenta: The Sustainable Brand

Mijenta is a tequila brand that offers sustainability and female representation in the tequila industry. The master distiller, Anna Maria Romero, has over 25 years of experience in the industry. The brand is committed to sustainability and works with partners who share the same vision.

Mijenta is a certified additive-free tequila brand that produces Blanco and Reposado varieties. The Blanco has a subtle agave flavor with spice notes that are easy to drink. The Reposado has a caramel characteristic with a balance of agave and spice notes. The bottles are also aesthetically pleasing and make for an excellent addition to your home bar.

Fortaleza: The Traditional Brand

Fortaleza is a tequila brand that values traditional practices and techniques. The brand is family-owned and operated and uses traditional methods to make their tequila. They use a stone wheel, called a tahona, to crush the agave before distillation.

Fortaleza produces Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo varieties. The Blanco has a sweet agave flavor with a peppery finish. The Reposado has a vanilla and caramel characteristic with a balance of agave flavor. The Añejo has a smooth, complex flavor with notes of vanilla, chocolate, and cinnamon.

In conclusion, while 818 Tequila may have its controversy, there are many other high-quality tequila brands on the market. Tequila Ocho, Mijenta, and Fortaleza are three brands that offer unique flavor profiles and traditional methods of production. Give them a try and find the tequila that suits your palate.

Blanco vs Reposado vs Añejo Tequila: What’s the Difference?

Tequila is more than just a shot with salt and lime. It’s a complex spirit with a rich history and a variety of flavors. And if you’re a tequila lover, you’ve probably come across three terms that describe the different types of tequila: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. But what do they mean, and how do they impact the taste of the tequila you’re sipping on?

In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the world of tequila aging and explore the differences between Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo types of tequila. We’ll uncover the secrets of aging, the impact of the barrel on the tequila, and how to choose the perfect tequila for your personal taste. So, whether you’re a seasoned tequila drinker or a newcomer to the world of agave spirits, sit back, pour yourself a glass, and get ready to discover the magic of aged tequila.

Aging Tequila

Before we get into the different expressions of tequila, we need to first understand why are spirits aged at all. Aging a spirit is the process of placing it in a wooden barrel for a period of time, allowing it to take on some of the flavors from the wood inside. Unaged spirits can be quite harsh, so aging was initially used to smoothen the raw taste. However, this isn’t necessarily the case with tequila, as unaged tequila is quite popular.

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila is the most raw and honest expression of what the master distiller wanted to achieve with the tequila. It’s unaged, meaning it hasn’t been in contact with wood and is a clear, blanco-looking liquid. It has a clear or “blanco” appearance, and its taste is characterized by the distinct vegetal, earthy notes of the agave plant. Blanco tequila is typically used for cocktails, such as margaritas, due to its bold flavor profile.

Technically, for a tequila to be called Blanco, it needs to spend anywhere between zero and two months in a barrel. However, there are some exceptions, such as Montagave Blanco tequila, which is rested in bordeaux barrels from France, giving it a pinkish-orange color.

Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is rested in a barrel for anywhere between two months and a year, resulting in a slightly darker color than Blanco tequila. Reposado tequila provides the best of both worlds, blending the raw flavor of Blanco tequila with the aged notes of the barrel. It’s the perfect choice if you’re looking for a wholly unique aging process in spirits.

Añejo Tequila

Finally, Añejo tequila is aged in a barrel for at least one year, giving it a much darker color and a smooth, rich flavor. Anejo tequila is the perfect choice for those who want the distinct taste of tequila blended with the warm notes of a barrel.

Extra Añejo Tequila

In addition to the three main types of tequila, there are also extra añejo tequilas, which are aged for more than three years.

Extra Añejo tequilas are a relatively new category of tequila that was introduced in 2006 by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT) in Mexico. To be classified as an Extra Añejo, the tequila must be aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 600 liters.

The extended aging process gives them a dark color, rich and complex flavors, and a smooth texture. The oak barrels used for aging the tequila impart notes of vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and spice, and the longer the tequila is aged, the more pronounced these flavors become.

Tequila is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer the boldness of blanco tequila, the smoothness of reposado tequila, or the complexity of anejo tequila, there’s a tequila out there for everyone. So, next time you’re enjoying a tequila cocktail, take a moment to appreciate the unique flavor profile that each type of tequila brings to the table.

Top 3 BEST Tequila You Need to be Drinking Right Now!

There are so many tequila brands out there, and its hard to know which ones are actually worth your time and money. In this video I will show you the 3 best brands you should be drinking. Tequila is one of the most popular spirits out there and so many brands are capitalizing on it. Celebrities far and wide have tried to make a quick buck by selling inferior products and there are so many bad brands out there.

The three brands I cover in this video are all family owned and run, free of additives and are all well worth your money.

El Tequileno has been a mainstay in Mexico since 1959, and they are one of the OG Producers. They are a household name in Mexico, though not quite as popular yet in the U.S, they are growing quickly. They produce a wide range of expressions, such as the Paltino, Reposado, Anejo as well as some more rarer expressions.

El Tesoro has been around for over 80 years making incredible tequila. They produce their brand using the old school and traditional method of crushing the agave with a Tahona, which is a giant concrete or stone wheel that is pulled by donkey or horse.

Fortaleza has been around for over 125 years and 5 generations of the same family have been keeping their traditions alive and well. The family did sell the original brand before another generation created the Fortaleza brand and started producing tequila using their family methods and recipes again.

Lastly, we have Tromba. Tromba was created by Marco Cedano, a Master Distiller and 40 year veteran of the Tequila Industry. This tequila is more accessible in price than the previous three but nonetheless it is a great option and one you should definitely consider adding to your shelves if you want a more price accessible option for your cocktails.

Tromba is also actually the tequila that we use at my restaurant http://www.labaredasbrazilianbbq.com

These are the three best tequila brands 2022.

If you’d like to know more about Tequila actually even is, I suggest you check out: MEZCAL VS TEQUILA – Everything You Need To Know! I go deep into Tequila vs Mezcal and give you a good overview of what this delicious spirit is all about.

Singani: The National Spirit of Bolivia

What is Singani?

Singani is the national spirit of Bolivia, and it is a brandy made with a very specific variety of Grapes. They first make ferment and make a wine from a very specific type of grape and then they distill that to get to the wonderful end result of the spirit.

Pisco & Singani have a shared origin and use a similar process but Singani is definitively its own Unique spirit, with its own history and customs. Singani can only be produced in Bolivia and also can only be made from Grapes grown and harvested 5,200 ft above sea level. Bolivia is an incredibly mountainous country and the Moscatel Alexandria grape grows really well in that high altitude.

How do I use it?

It is quite delicate and floral, so In my opinion, it is a great substitute for Vodka! You can also use it in place of an Pisco cocktails or drinks as well since they are both quite similar.

There are also some very classic cocktails that you can make such as the Choofly. The Choofly is a very traditional Bolivian cocktail that uses Ginger, Lime and Singani. It is similar to a Chilcano, which uses Pisco but with the extra floral nature.

Choofly Recipe:
2.0 oz Singani 63
1.0 oz Lime Juice
0.75 oz Ginger Syrup
Shake all ingredients and serve in a glass with fresh rocks.
Top with Soda Water.

What are some Good Bottles?

The most commonly found bottle in the U.S is Singani 63, which is owned by Steven Soderbergh. Soderbergh is a Hollywood director and he does a lot of Content around Singani so definitely check them out. He is very active online and really trying to bring awareness to this great spirit.

It is also the primary bottle that I use at my Bar & Restaurant.

There is also Rujero and Casa Real which are other brands of that you can find in the U.S