Best Tequila for Margaritas

Learn how to choose the best tequila for margaritas, on any budget! I’ve got the keys to getting it right, every time. There are simple distinctions between añejo, reposado, gold and silver tequilas, and not all of them are meant for margaritas.

What’s the secret? There’s no need to reach for the most expensive bottle on the shelf. In fact – it’s quite the opposite. Learn why!   

A good tequila makes all the difference in a margarita, and I’m going to show you how to choose the BEST tequila for your budget and your weekend margs. I’ve become a bit of a margarita connoisseur over the years. Once you learn how to make a good, classic margarita, you’ll never turn back.

My tequila guide focuses on the various types of tequila, with fast facts to teach you what to buy. Not to pat myself on the back, but my margaritas are amazing, and tequila is a big component of this cocktail. This quick guide will make anyone an expert!

What’s the Best Tequila for Margaritas?

This is one of those questions that might have countless answers. I’ll never claim to have the end-all answers here, but I can give you all of our personal favorites. I’m 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 generally agree that 100% agave tequila is a requirement for good quality. It’s often found in a higher end, more expensive tequila, but you can certainly find affordable versions too. When you’re searching for one, 100% blue agave will always be noted on the label. 

How is Tequila Made? 

Tequila is created from a particular type of agave plant, Agave tequilana Weber blue. It’s harvested during a very distinct stage of growth for optimal sweetness. It is only produced in Jalisco, and designated areas in four other Mexican states. 

The agave juice that is fermented and distilled into tequila comes from heating and crushing the piña, which is the pit at the center of the agave plant after the leaves are sheared. 

Tequila is produced under strict regulations in Mexico, regarding where and how it can be made. Fascinating, right?

Five Types of Tequila

Did you know that there are actually five defined types of tequila? It’s not as simple as expensive tequila vs cheap tequila, I promise! However, it is as simple as two main categories that encompass all tequila.

You can consider all of those five types of tequila to fall under the umbrella of one of these two categories:

• 100% Agave tequila – which means that the tequila is produced with ONLY the sugars of the blue agave plant.
• Mixto tequila – in which the tequila is made with no less than 51% agave, and then sweetened with other sweeteners.

Inside those two overhead categories, you’ll find the five following types of tequila. These are organized by age and expense, with the youngest (often least expensive) listed first.

Blanco Tequila (Silver Tequila)

Blanco (also frequently referred to as silver tequila) is un-aged tequila, and is generally bottled quickly after it is distilled. Blanco tequila is perfectly described with its name, as it is quite clear in color. This means it works beautifully in mixed drinks, and alongside popular Mexican foods.

Because this tequila is not aged, it is generally bottled and packaged directly after it is distilled. Occasionally, distillers allow this tequila to settle and finish briefly in the tanks before bottling. 

Silver tequila contains the most powerful, sweet essence of the blue agave plant since it isn’t aged in barrels. It doesn’t pick up those competitive flavors as it ages, as other varieties tend to do. 

Blanco is generally considered to be the BEST go-to for margaritas and palomas because it’s easy, fresh and vibrant.

Joven Tequila (Tequila Gold)

Joven translates to  “young” in Spanish. It is also known as gold tequila because of the golden or caramel brown color. The color comes from flavoring agents that are added before bottling.

Gold tequila can also be combined with other tequilas, like a silver tequila or extra-aged tequila. This tequila doesn’t seem to be as popular for home mixing as the other tequilas that most are familiar with: blanco, reposado, and añejo. 

Gold tequila is typically a mixto tequila and is often served at restaurants for shots and mixed drinks such as margaritas because it is usually less expensive. 

However, just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean there aren’t decent options on the shelf! You can even find 100% agave gold tequilas, which are always going to be better than a traditionally inexpensive mixto version.  

Reposado Tequila

Tequila reposado is so named because it translates to “rested”… or aged. It is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, but no more than a year after it is distilled. 

Although it is gold in color like joven tequila, a reposado is often aged in white oak and French oak barrels. In a process that sounds remarkably similar to wine-making, the resins and tannins of those barrels dictate the final flavor of the tequila. 

In fact, reposado tequila will often acquire a variety of different flavors because those barrels had a previous life!  They might have been used to house whiskey, bourbon, and yes… wine. No wonder I love this type of tequila so much! 

As tequila ages, it becomes more mellow and sweet over time, so you’ll find many higher end but very approachable tequilas falling into this category. 

Reposados are perfect for sipping but also work well in fresh margaritas where you want your tequila flavor to be a standout.

Añejo Tequila

Añejo translates to “old” in Spanish. And while anejo tequila might not technically be old, regulations guarantee that it is aged for a minimum of one year, but less than three years in oak barrels. 

This tequila is generally aged in oak whiskey barrels, French oak casks, or even barrels of Cognac.

In comparison to reposado, añejo tequilas will be even darker in color, smoother and more complex – perfect for sipping. 

These are not the tequilas you want for your mixed drinks. That’s because those richer flavors might be lost in your margarita, so choose another type of tequila if you’re working on mixed drinks.

Extra Añejo Tequila

It’s the ultimate! This type of tequila has only been recognized since 2006 when the Mexican government dubbed it as a true (new) tequila. 

Thought Añejo was richly aged? Well extra Añejo takes that aging process even farther. It’s distilled exactly like a traditional Añejo, just aged for longer than three years. 

It’s the deepest color of all the tequila bottles you’ll find on the shelf. With that said, it’s also the most expensive! Save that steep price tag for a gift for the tequila connoisseurs on your list.

Bottles of this tequila will start at around $75 and go up from there. Like I said, save it for sipping and enjoy the experience! 

Frequently Asked Questions

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