The tequila is what makes a margarita a margarita. Make sure you’ve got the right stuff in yours. Here’s everything you need to know.
Tequila is the base of any good margarita. But there’s so many to choose from at the store, how do you know which one to use for the best margaritas?
Tequila 101
Authentic tequila originates from one of five regions of Mexico — Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Jalisco. The majority comes from Jalisco where you can find the city of Tequila.
Wherever it comes from, look for the words “100% agave” on the label. If they aren’t there, the tequila might also include corn syrup, sugar, artificial flavors or colors. The liquor only legally needs to contain 51% of blue agave, but the best quality contains 100% agave, instead of other sugars or spirits.
Types Of Tequila
A silver or blanco tequila is best for margaritas. This silver tequila is young, only aged in oak for up for two months. It has a stronger flavor that mixes well.
Gold tequilas, not ideal for margaritas, have been aged longer in the oak. That gives them a woody flavor. And also the golden color. Except sometimes companies add caramel color for that. Either way, you don’t want it in your marg.
Side note while on the topic: There are three categories of golden tequila based on the amount of time they’re aged.
Reposado is aged from 2-12 months, añejo is aged from 1-3 years, and extra añejo is aged more than three years. A reposado, while golden, is fine in a margarita (though not our first choice).
The other two you drink neat, at room temperature, and you sip slowly. Please skip the lime and salt. I’m all for some lime-and-salt fun with the silver or cheap gold tequila. But the price tag on the añejos makes me want to sit back and savor so that I can taste every bit of the subtle caramel, vanilla, honey and leather flavors.
Margarita Recipes
Now that you know which tequila to get, it’s time to start mixing your perfect cocktail. Our favorite margarita recipes are the Best Classic Margarita and this Frozen Mango Margarita recipe.
I can also help you make your own Simple Syrup and give you tips on how to rim your cocktail glass with salt. You’ll be a margarita expert in no time!
This post originally appeared in February 2016 and was revised and republished in May 2024.
Thanks for the great, informative article. I always prefer a blanco tequila for a margarita.
You’re welcome, Tessa!
Gold tequila is not real tequila… You’re thinking of Reposado, Anejo, etc.
Agreed, a 100% agave blanco is the way to go for margaritas but even more important in my opinion is the mix. There’s a lot of bad ones out there that will ruin your margarita and tequila. The only mix I’ve found to do my margaritas (and tequilas) justice is made by Lava Craft Cocktail Co. Their spicy jalapeno margarita mix is quite honestly the best margarita I have ever had and that’s taking into account a lot of margaritas. Their watermelon habanero margarita and skinny margarita is also equally impressive. Great article on picking the right tequilas but let’s not forget the mix too! Cheers!
Thanks for your tips on the mixes, Brittany!
Wow, I always thought Reposado would taste great in a Margarita. Now I have to try it with a Blanco!
Enjoy, Andrey!
The basic rule with tequila is that if you spend more on the drink, you will definitely see the difference in quality. However, after a set price, the difference just becomes negligible.
Thanks for your feedback, Greg!
Thank you for the tips! Will surely suggest this content to my friends and family who loves to have a nice booze.
You’re welcome, Michelle! Hope you found it helpful.
Oh my–I so agree! Good tequila shoild be sipped and not “shot”. It is also good to emjoy with sangrita, a blend of juices to enhance your enjoyment of tequila.