The 10 Best Tequilas for Margaritas
The margarita is a legendary cocktail. And like all great legends, it has a number of different origin stories. Regardless of its possible origin, there has always been three constants in the margarita recipe: tequila, triple sec (or orange liqueur), and lime juice.
We’re focusing on the star of the margarita-show. The tequila. Nowadays, it seems like there’s a new tequila on the shelf every time you head to the store. We’re here to help sift through the clutter. Here’s our list of the 10 best tequilas for margaritas.
Anteel Blanco Tequila
The best way to start your margarita recipe? With a trail-blazing tequila like Anteel Tequila Blanco. Founded by Nayana Ferguson, Anteel Tequila is the world's first black woman owned tequila brand. It’s just a bonus that it’s delicious.
Anteel Tequila Blanco has sweet notes of cooked agave and unique floral highlights. But it’s the surprising hints of tropical fruit and light pepper finish that make Anteel one of the best tequilas to use in your margaritas.
Patrón Silver
Patrón Silver is probably one of the most recognizable tequilas out there. And there's plenty of reasons for that. It’s handmade in small batches. It’s a smooth drinker. It’s sweet with fruity citrus notes and a peppery finish.
And all those reasons are also why Patrón is one of the best silver tequilas for making margaritas. Especially when it comes to a big batch of margs for brunch. So grab a bottle, a pitcher, and all the salt. Make it a meal to remember with Patrón Silver tequila.
Juan More Time Tequila Blanco
Make your margaritas with Juan More Time Tequila Blanco and you’ll have everyone clamoring for one more. The folks behind Juan More Time handle the entire process the traditional way, so you know you’re getting authentic flavor.
There are sweet notes of cooked agave all over this tequila. But Juan More Time Blanco also brings notes of vanilla, butter and cocoa into the mix. What are you waiting for? Get all the staples out: marg glasses, salt, triple sec, and fresh limes.
Código 1530 Reposado
When you’re gathering ingredients to make a margarita, you’re not typically reaching for the reposado. But that’s because most reposados aren’t aged in cabernet barrels. Código 1530 Reposado is.
And using it in your margarita will add a layer of refinement. On top of the tequila’s sweet agave notes, the time spent in cabernet barrels gives Código Reposado notes of toasted caramel and subtle cocoa powder. Perfect for adding richness to your cocktail.
Cincoro Tequila Blanco
Cincoro Blanco is a classic tequila, elevated. Use it to elevate your classic margarita recipe. By making their tequila with agave from two distinct growing regions, Cincoro Tequila Blanco comes together with complex, terrific flavors.
Filled with classic notes of cooked agave, Cincoro Blanco has unique bursts of citrus flavors, making it the perfect tequila for a margarita. Its notes of lime and grapefruit will shine when you shake them up with your favorite orange liqueur.
JAJA Blanco Tequila
You may have seen JAJA Blanco Tequila come across your social feed, but it’s about time you put it on your bar cart. And don’t just leave it there as a talking piece, grab some triple sec and make some buzzworthy margaritas.
JAJA Tequila Blanco is extremely smooth — they credit that to their use of volcanic water. And each smooth drop is filled with sweet, herbal notes, and lingers with tones of black pepper. Who wouldn’t want flavors like that in their margarita?
21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila
Want a Spicy Margarita without the hassle (and hazard — don’t touch your eyes!) of cutting up jalapeños? Then pick up a bottle of 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño Tequila. Infused with real cucumber and jalapeño, 21 Seeds is bright and spicy.
And while it’s spicy, it’s not too spicy. But it will add a little zest to your signature margarita recipe, with notes of crisp cucumber and hot jalapeño. If you’re looking to spice things up for the next margarita night, look no further.
Espolòn Blanco Tequila
To make this beautifully balanced drink, Espolòn double distills their tequila. Once through a column still, once through a pot still. Because of its unique process, Espolòn Blanco Tequila is packed with dynamic flavors you won’t find in a standard tequila.
Espolòn Tequila has the flavors you’d expect, like bright tones of agave and a slight pepperiness. But it’s the tequila’s flashes of grilled pineapple that set it apart. And it’s those pineapple notes that will make your next margarita magnificent.
Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino
When a tequila recipe is passed down from generation to generation, it’s something special. Especially when it’s coming from Jose Cuervo, who’s been making tequila longer than any other brand. Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia is that something special.
Jose Cuervo Reserva de la Familia Platino is an unaged beauty that you should start using in your margaritas immediately. Their heirloom recipe doesn’t let anything outshine the traditional agave flavors. Enjoy an authentic margarita with the flavor of Jose Cuervo de la Familia Platino.
Jon Basil Tequila Blanco
There’s no denying that Jon Basil Tequila Blanco is an easy-drinker. Made with fully-matured Lowland and Highland agave, Jon Basil Tequila puts the star ingredient front and center of this pleasant blanco. But it also makes for an extraordinary margarita.
Notes of tropical fruit run alongside cooked agave in every drop of Jon Basil Tequila. But all those sweet notes are underscored by a subtle lingering black pepper spice. Give your margarita an edge with Jon Basil’s slightly spiced finish.
And if you need a margarita recipe…
Shaking up a margarita is simple.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz. Tequila
- 1 oz. Triple Sec / Orange Liqueur
- 1 oz. Lime Juice
- Garnish: Salt
Directions:
1. Line rim of glass with salt
2. Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake
3. Strain into salt-rimmed glass