15 Best Brands of Tequila for Margaritas

Margaritas are the most popular cocktail containing Tequila. With so many options on the market, you may be wondering which is the best tequila for margaritas. We’ve compiled a list of our top tequila picks for margaritas that won’t disappoint.

What’s in a Margarita?

Margaritas can be frozen or shaken. They both contain a blend of Tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, and, depending on whether it is frozen or shaken, ice.

Some enjoy a sweeter Margarita and add simple syrup. While others swear a salt-rimmed glass is a necessity for the drink to be considered a true Margarita.

Types of Tequilas for Margaritas

• Blanco Tequila – this grade of Tequila is aged up to 2 months in barrels and is the cheapest type of Tequila, which makes it ideal for blending away in a Margarita or other cocktail.
• Tequila Joven – a blend of unaged (Blanco) and aged Tequila – makes for a good Margarita but might be a bit pricey.
• Tequila reposado – a Reposado Tequila is aged for anywhere from 2 months up to a year. Their flavor is a bit more complex and shines in a classic Margarita cocktail.

How to Choose the Best Tequila for Margaritas

Choose an Authentic Tequila

In order to be considered authentic, Tequila is made in one of 5 regions in Mexico – Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Jalisco.

Choose 100% Agave Tequila

Wherever the Tequila is from, be sure to check the label and see whether it is made from 100% agave, or else you might find corn syrup, artificial flavors, or sugar added.

Blanco or Reposado Tequila is Ideal

Blanco and Reposado Tequila are the best type of Tequila to use in a cocktail such as a Margarita since it hasn’t been aged for too long, yet has a strong enough flavor. Using Añejo or Extra Añejo is a waste of exquisite Tequila and best enjoyed neat.

15 Best Brands of Tequila for Margaritas

1. Patron Roca Silver

Made in Jalisco, Mexico with a 45% ABV, Patron Roca Silver Tequila packs a punch. It is a bit pricey at $37 for a 375ml bottle, but the notes are said to be herbaceous and peppery.

2. Olmeca Altos Plata

Budget-friendly and widely available, Olmeca’s Altos Plata is a Blanco Tequila that performs well in a Margarita due to its strong agave flavor. It is about $30 for a bottle and has a 40% ABV.

3. Espanita Reposado Tequila

If you’d like a slightly older Tequila in your Margarita, try Espanita Reposado. It has a nutty flavor and some vibrant fruit notes as well. It is great on the wallet at only $35 for a bottle with 40% ABV.

4. Espolon Blanco

If you need a good Tequila suited for a great Margarita under $30, try Espolon’s Blanco Tequila. It is 40% ABV, has peppery and pineapple notes, and costs you only $28 a bottle.

5. Milagro Reposado

Milagro Reposado Tequila has notes of all-spice, peach, and caramel which pairs well with a Margarita. You can expect this 40% ABV Tequila to costs about $32.

6. Maestro Dobel Diamante

Maestro’s Dobel Diamante is a Cristalino Tequila, which means it is aged, but filtered so it has no color, and won’t affect the color of your Margarita. This is ideal for a finer Margarita with more complex flavors. It is 40% ABV and $47 a bottle.

7. Siembra Valles High-Proof Blanco

At 46% ABV, this high-proof Blanco Tequila from Siembra Valles is one of the strongest Tequilas you can find to use in your Margaritas. It is double-distilled and has some bright agave and pepper notes. It is $59 a bottle.

8. Herradura Directo Del Alambique

Herradura’s Directo Del Alambique is a 55% ABV Blanco Tequila. Be cautious with this strong Tequila, but enjoy its herbaceous and peppery flavors. It is on the expensive side at $110 a bottle but worth the splurge.

9.Codigo 1530 Rosa Tequila

If you want a unique Tequila, try out Codigo’s 1530 Rosa Tequila. It is aged in wine barrels, giving it a pink color and notes of orange blossom, vanilla, and cinnamon. Expect to pay around $65 for a bottle. It is rated at 40% ABV.

10. Tapatio Blanco

Expect notes of pepper, mineral, and citrus in Tapatio’s Blanco Tequila. The distillery is one of the most well-known distilleries, founded by Don Felipe Camarena 80 years ago.

A bottle is around $40 and is 40% ABV.

11. El Velo Blanco

El Velo’s Tequila is specifically aged to rest for no more than 60 days in oak barrels. The brand also has a slightly higher than average ABV at 44.5%. A slight hint of mint can be noted alongside its pepper flavors. It comes in 1-liter bottles for $33.

12. Lobos Tequila Joven

Mixed with Lobos’ Reposado Tequila, you can expect a complex flavored Tequila with notes of tobacco, rich earth, and herbs for only $47 a bottle. It is standard at 40% ABV.

13. Casa Dragones Tequila Blanco

Casa Dragones’ Blanco Tequila has fruit-forward notes making it ideal if you like your Margarita a bit sweeter. It has a standard 40% ABV, and you can expect to pay around $80 a bottle.

14. La Gritona Reposado

If you like a straight-forward Tequila that isn’t too sweet or smoky, La Gritona’s Reposado Tequila is ideal for you to mix into your Margaritas. You can expect to pay $43 for a bottle with a standard 40% ABV.

15. El Tequileno Platinum Blanco

El Tequileno’s Platinum Blanco Tequila is smooth and won’t overpower any of the other ingredients in your Margarita. Subtle hints of agave, anise, and black pepper can be tasted in this 40% ABV Tequila. A bottle will cost you about $52.

5 Margarita Recipes You Must Try

1. Classic Margarita

The best classic Margarita is mixed in the ratio of 3:2:1 with Tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice according to the Greatist. Use this ratio to make bigger batches of Margaritas.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz. Orange Liqueur, such as Triple Sec
• ½ oz. Lime Juice
• Lime and salt for an optional salted rim and garnish

Step 1 – Salt Rim

If you’d like, rim a glass with salt using a lime wedge to wet the rim and dip it in a shallow plate with salt. Set aside.

Step 2 – Shake

Shake all the remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and strain into your salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

2. Frozen Margarita

Frozen Margaritas are the same as shaken Margaritas, except they’re blended with ice to make a boozy slushy, the recipe is from Isabel Eats and makes 4 drinks.

Ingredients

• 3 oz. Blanco Tequila
• 2 oz. Orange Liqueur such as Triple Sec
• 1 oz. Lime Juice
• 1 oz. Simple syrup or Agave syrup
• Handful of ice
• Lime wheel as an optional garnish

Step 1 – Blitz it all

The only step is to blitz all your ingredients except the lime together in a blender until it is at a slushy consistency you like and pour it into a chilled glass. Add more syrup if you’d like sweeter. Garnish and enjoy.

3. Carribean Blue Margarita

If you want a fun twist on a classic Margarita, try the recipe from Taste of Home where you substitute the orange liqueur for Blue Curacao, giving the drink a slightly bitter taste and a vibrant blue color.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz. Blanco Tequila
• 1 oz. Blue Curacao
• ½ oz. Lime Juice
• Lime and salt for an optional salted rim and garnish

Step 1 – Salt Rim

If you’d like, rim a glass with salt using a lime wedge and fine or coarse salt. Set aside.

Step 2 – Shake It

Lastly, shake all the remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice, and strain them into your salt-rimmed glass. If you’d like add more ice to the drink and garnish with a lime wheel.

4. Beer Margarita

If you can’t decide between a Margarita and a beer, why not have both using this recipe from Taste of Home.

Ingredients

• Lime slices and kosher salt, optional
• 2 bottles (12 oz.) beer
• 1 can (12 oz.) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
• 3/4 cup Tequila
• 1/4 cup sweet and sour mix
• Ice cubes

Step 1 – Rim Glasses

First, rim all your glasses with salt and set them aside.

Step 2 – Mix It All

Mix all the remaining ingredients in a large pitcher with a spoon, pour into your glasses, and garnish with a lime wheel.

5. Margarita on the Beach

If you want a refreshing cocktail that tastes like summer, try this recipe that combines two cocktails for a taste of the tropics.

Ingredients

• 2 oz Tropicana Tangerine Lemonade
• 2 oz cranberry juice
• The juice from one lime
• 2 tablespoons tequila
• Triple Sec (optional)
• Club soda (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Fresh limes

Step 1 – Prepare your Glasses and Garnish

The first step is optional. First, take a freshly cut lime and rub it around the edge of a margarita glass. Then dip the glass in salt.

Step 2 – Blend Together

Next, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and combine Tropicana Tangerine Lemonade, cranberry juice, and lime juice. Lastly, shake and pour over ice in the prepared margarita glass. You can top with club soda if desired, and garnish with limes.

FAQ

Should Margaritas Be Shaken or Stirred?

Margaritas are usually shaken. A good rule to follow is when a cocktail has fruit juice or citrus in it, you should shake it and not stir it.

Does a Frozen Margarita Have More Alcohol?

Frozen Margaritas usually have the same amount of alcohol as a shaken Margarita, but because it is made in big batches, you might get slightly more or less alcohol in your drink.

Can I Use Gold Tequila in Margaritas?

Yes, you can use gold Tequilas in Margaritas, but anything older than a Reposado will be a waste of good Tequila and perhaps a bit too complex to be enjoyed in a cocktail.

Best Tequila for Margaritas Conclusion

The best Tequila for Margaritas doesn’t have to break the bank or be highly aged. In fact, a good Blanco Tequila or a young Reposado Tequila can be excellent choices since the flavors aren’t too overwhelming or complex, and they won’t hide behind the tastes of the other ingredients either.