The Best Tequila for Margaritas

Margaritas have been a staple cocktail since their invention in the 1930s. This mix of tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur is a refreshing mix that is universally loved, especially during warm weather. And as many margarita fans know, the key to a great margarita lies in the quality of its ingredients, particularly the tequila.

At OBC (Ojai Beverage Company), we offer a wide selection of tequilas perfect for mixing the perfect margarita. Visit us at 655 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023, call (805) 646-1700, or email OBConline@yahoo.com for expert advice on tequila selection.

Tequila Classifications: From Blanco to Extra Añejo

Tequila comes in several types, each with unique characteristics that affect the flavor of your margarita.

1. Blanco: The Purest Expression

Blanco tequila, also known as silver or plata, is unaged and bottled immediately after distillation. It offers the most direct agave flavor, with notes of citrus, pepper, and herbs. Blanco tequila maintains its crisp, clean taste, making it a popular choice for mixing in cocktails like margaritas.

2. Reposado: Subtle Aging for Complexity

Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for 2 to 12 months. This brief aging period imparts a pale golden color and adds subtle vanilla and caramel notes to the agave flavors. The result is a tequila with more complexity than blanco, but still versatile enough for mixing.

3. Añejo and Extra Añejo: Refined Sipping Tequilas

Añejo tequila ages for 1 to 3 years in oak barrels, while extra añejo ages for over 3 years. These extended aging periods produce darker, more complex tequilas with pronounced oak, vanilla, and caramel flavors. While primarily intended for sipping, they can create rich, sophisticated margaritas.

Our Picks for the Best Tequila for Margaritas

We've curated a selection of top-quality tequilas available at OBC. Here are our recommendations across different categories:

Blanco Tequilas at OBC

1. Casamigos Blanco Tequila

Casamigos Blanco is perfect for a classic margarita that’s easy to drink and pleasing for all palates, adding a touch of smoothness without overpowering other ingredients.

Tasting notes: Crisp citrus with hints of vanilla and sweet agave

Best for: Classic margaritas with a smooth, approachable profile

2. Astral Tequila Blanco

This tequila pairs particularly well with margaritas where a bright, punchy flavor is the goal. Its zesty character brings out the lime’s acidity for a vibrant, refreshing cocktail.

Tasting notes: Herbaceous with grapefruit and green pepper notes

Best for: Margaritas with a bright, zesty character

3. 1921 Tequila Blanco

For those who want the flavor of tequila to really shine, 1921 Blanco gives margaritas a more straightforward, refined taste. It’s perfect for when you want the drink to highlight the essence of the spirit itself.

Tasting notes: Clean, crisp with subtle sweetness and pepper

Best for: Balanced margaritas that showcase the tequila's purity

Reposado Tequilas at OBC

1. 1800 Reposado Tequila

The wood and spice notes in this reposado are subtle yet add a touch of sophistication to a margarita, making it a perfect pick if you’re after a drink with layered flavors.

Tasting notes: Mild wood, vanilla, and soft spices

Best for: Margaritas with a touch of warmth and complexity

2. Casamigos Reposado Tequila

For a more indulgent margarita, Casamigos Reposado adds a gentle sweetness and roundness, making each sip feel luxurious without overpowering the cocktail’s citrus elements.

Tasting notes: Caramel and cocoa with a silky texture

Best for: Luxurious margaritas with a subtle sweetness

3. Maestro Dobel Diamante Reposado Tequila

Dobel’s balanced profile allows it to bring both brightness and depth, creating a refined margarita where the tequila’s character is clear yet beautifully balanced by lime and sweetness.

Tasting notes: Crisp agave with light oak and vanilla

Best for: Refined margaritas that balance freshness and depth

Añejo and Extra Añejo Tequilas at OBC

1. 1921 Tequila Añejo

1921 transforms the mix into something richer, where the aged flavors provide a sophisticated twist to the cocktail. It’s the choice for margarita lovers who want an extra layer of flavor.

Tasting notes: Rich oak, vanilla, and dried fruit

Best for: Sophisticated margaritas with layered flavors

2. Casa San Matias Extra Añejo

If you’re craving a full-bodied margarita experience. Its rich, nuanced profile highlights the depth an aged tequila can bring.

Tasting notes: Complex with notes of chocolate, tobacco, and spice

Best for: Ultra-premium margaritas that showcase aged tequila's nuances

3. Casa Del Sol Tequila Añejo (Signed by Eva Longoria)

This one adds a layer of smooth richness to margaritas. It’s the ideal choice if you’re after a unique tequila with plenty of style and substance.

Tasting notes: Smooth with caramel, dried fruit, and spice

Best for: Celebrity-endorsed margaritas with a rich, smooth profile

Selecting Tequila for Margaritas

1. Blanco Tequila: The Classic Choice for Margaritas

Flavor Profile and Mixing Properties:

Blanco tequila is often considered the best choice for margaritas due to its clean, straightforward agave flavor. Its lack of oak influence allows the natural sweetness and spice of the agave to shine through, complementing the citrusy notes of lime juice and orange liqueur in a margarita.

When mixed, blanco tequila maintains its character without overpowering the other ingredients. Its bright, crisp profile helps create a balanced cocktail that showcases the interplay between the tequila's vegetal notes and the drink's citrus elements.

Top Blanco Tequilas for Margaritas

Olmeca Altos Plata: This tequila offers a robust agave flavor with hints of citrus and black pepper. Its full-bodied nature stands up well in a margarita, providing a solid foundation for the cocktail.
Espolòn Blanco: Known for its clean taste and slight sweetness, Espolòn Blanco brings notes of tropical fruit and vanilla to a margarita, adding depth without complexity.
Tapatio Blanco: This tequila features a pronounced pepper and herb profile, creating a margarita with a spicy kick that pairs well with salt on the rim.
Patrón Silver: A premium option, Patrón Silver offers a smooth, balanced flavor that blends seamlessly in a margarita while adding a touch of luxury.
Milagro Silver: With its crisp agave and citrus notes, Milagro Silver creates a bright, refreshing margarita that highlights the cocktail's lime component.

2. Reposado in Margaritas

Reposado tequilas offer a middle ground between the bright, sharp flavors of blanco and the deep, oaky notes of añejo. Their brief aging period introduces subtle complexity to margaritas without overwhelming the cocktail's fresh, citrusy profile.

How Aging Affects Margarita Flavor:

The slight oak influence in reposado tequilas adds hints of vanilla, caramel, and sometimes cinnamon to margaritas. These flavors can complement the orange notes from triple sec or Cointreau, creating a rounder, smoother drink. Reposados often result in margaritas with a softer edge and a slightly warmer finish compared to those made with blanco tequilas.

Some popular reposados for margaritas include:

Herradura Reposado: Offers a balance of agave and oak with a hint of spice
Cazadores Reposado: Provides a smooth, slightly sweet profile
Casamigos Reposado: Brings caramel and cocoa notes to the mix

3. Añejo Tequila for Margaritas

While less common in margaritas, añejo tequilas can create complex, sophisticated versions of the cocktail. Their extended aging imparts rich flavors that can transform a margarita into a more contemplative drink.

When using añejo tequila in margaritas:

Adjust the sweetness: Añejos often have inherent sweetness from barrel aging, so you might need less agave syrup or sweetener.
Complement with aged spirits: Consider using Grand Marnier instead of triple sec to match the tequila's depth.
Garnish thoughtfully: An expressed orange peel can highlight the tequila's caramel notes.

Popular Margarita Variations and Tequila Pairings

1. Blood Orange Margarita: Tequila Selection Tips

Blood orange margaritas offer a visually striking and flavorful twist on the classic recipe. The deep red hue and sweet-tart flavor of blood oranges pair well with specific tequilas:

Blanco tequilas with citrus notes enhance the orange flavor without competing.
Reposados with vanilla hints can create a creamsicle-like effect.
Avoid overly aggressive or peppery tequilas that might clash with the blood orange.

Recommended tequilas for blood orange margaritas:

Olmeca Altos Plata
Casamigos Blanco
Fortaleza Reposado

2. Coconut Margarita: Complementary Tequila Choices

Coconut margaritas bring a tropical twist to the traditional recipe. The creamy, sweet nature of coconut requires careful tequila selection to maintain balance.

Balancing Coconut Flavors with Tequila Profiles

Blanco tequilas with grassy or herbal notes can cut through the richness of coconut.
Reposados with light vanilla flavors can enhance the coconut's sweetness without overpowering it.
Avoid añejos, as their strong oak flavors may clash with coconut.

Tequila recommendations for coconut margaritas:

Corralejo Blanco: Its slightly sweet profile complements coconut well
Espolòn Blanco: The citrus notes balance the coconut's richness
Maestro Dobel Diamante: A multi-aged tequila that adds complexity without heavy oak influence

Mixing Techniques for the Perfect Margarita

Shaken vs. Stirred: Impact on Tequila Flavor

The mixing method significantly affects a margarita's texture and how the tequila's flavors are presented.

Shaking:

Aerates the drink, creating a slightly frothy texture
Chills the cocktail rapidly
Integrates ingredients thoroughly, especially important when using fresh lime juice
Can slightly dull some of the tequila's sharper notes

Stirring:

Produces a silkier texture
Allows for more control over dilution
Preserves more of the tequila's nuanced flavors
Works well for margaritas served on the rocks

For most margaritas, especially those with fresh citrus, shaking is the preferred method. However, stirring can be effective for margaritas made with high-quality añejo tequilas where preserving the spirit's complexity is desired

Proper Dilution for Tequila in Margaritas

Achieving the right level of dilution is crucial for balancing a margarita's flavors:

Ice quality matters: Use large, dense ice cubes for shaking to control dilution.
Shake time: 10-15 seconds usually provides adequate chilling and dilution.
Double straining: This technique removes ice shards, preventing over-dilution in the glass.
Serving style: Margaritas served up (without ice) may need slightly more dilution during mixing than those served over ice.

Margarita Glassware and Presentation

The iconic margarita glass, with its wide rim and stemmed base, serves both functional and aesthetic purposes. The broad rim allows for easy salting and sipping, while the stem keeps warm hands away from the chilled drink.

How Glassware Affects Tequila Perception

Glassware influences the tequila's aroma concentration and the rate at which the drink warms:

Rocks glasses: Concentrate aromas, highlighting the tequila's complexity
Coupe glasses: Offer elegance and maintain chill, ideal for up-style margaritas
Highball glasses: Suitable for taller, more diluted variations

The glass choice can enhance or diminish certain aspects of the tequila, affecting the overall margarita experience. Experiment with different glasses to find your preferred style.

Margarita Mixers: Store-Bought vs. Homemade

Jose Cuervo Margarita Mix: Pros and Cons

Pros:

Convenience and consistency
Long shelf life
Suitable for large gatherings

Cons:

Often contains artificial flavors and preservatives
Can mask the nuances of high-quality tequilas
Typically sweeter than homemade versions

Homemade Fresh Mixers to Enhance Tequila Flavors

Homemade mixers allow for better control over flavor and quality:

Basic lime mix: Combine fresh lime juice with simple syrup
Agave-lime blend: Mix lime juice with agave nectar for a smoother sweetness
Citrus medley: Blend lime, lemon, and orange juices for complexity

Fresh mixers show the tequila's flavors more effectively than most store-bought options. They allow you to adjust sweetness and acidity to complement specific tequilas, resulting in a more balanced and flavorful margarita.

Pick Up the Perfect Tequila for Margaritas at OBC

Selecting the right tequila can be the difference between a good and an exceptional margarita. Blanco tequilas offer clean, agave-forward flavors ideal for classic margaritas, while reposados and añejos can elevate the cocktail with added complexity. Consider the tequila's flavor profile when creating variations like blood orange or coconut margaritas.

Proper mixing techniques, including shaking for most recipes and careful attention to dilution, ensure a well-balanced drink. The choice of glassware and the decision between store-bought and homemade mixers also play significant roles in the final product.

We encourage you to experiment with different tequilas and techniques to find your perfect margarita. At OBC (Ojai Beverage Company), we offer a wide selection of tequilas and expert advice to help you on your margarita journey. Visit us at 655 East Ojai Avenue, Ojai, CA 93023, call (805) 646-1700, or email OBConline@yahoo.com to explore our tequila offerings.