Ahhh, summer is quickly approaching, and you know what that means! That’s right, it’s about to be margarita season – arguably one of the best seasons of the year! Get ready to raise your glasses because we’re about to embark on a journey through the world of tequila! But not just any tequila – we’re talking about the best tequilas for margaritas. Whether you like them sweet, salty, or with a little kick, we’ve got you covered. So sit back, grab a lime, and get ready to discover the top tequilas that will take your margarita game to the next level. Because let’s face it, the perfect margarita is all about the tequila, and we’ve done the research, so you don’t have to.
Viewcation Presents: The Best Tequila for Margaritas, Ranked
Código 1530 Rosa
Código 1530 Rosa is a pink tequila that is aged for one month in uncharred Napa Valley Cabernet French White Oak barrels. This gives it a delicate pink hue and a floral and fruity taste with subtle yet noticeable notes of grape, cherry, vanilla, and oak. It is perfect for making margaritas that are colorful and elegant, with a slight sweetness and a smooth finish. Código 1530 Rosa is a premium tequila that costs around $60 for a 750 ml bottle.
Tapatio Blanco
Tapatio Blanco is a traditional tequila that is made with 100% blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It is distilled in small-batch copper pot stills and bottled at 40% ABV, which gives it a smooth and balanced taste with notes of citrus, pepper, herbs, and agave. It is perfect for making margaritas that are crisp and refreshing, without overpowering the other ingredients. Tapatio Blanco is an affordable and widely available tequila that costs around $30 for a 750 ml bottle.
ElVelo Blanco
ElVelo Blanco is a modern tequila that is made with blue agave, this time from the lowlands of Jalisco. It is distilled in stainless steel pot stills and filtered through charcoal, which gives it a clean and crisp taste with notes of citrus, pineapple, agave, and pepper. It is excellent for making margaritas that are bright and refreshing, with a natural sweetness and freshness. ElVelo Blanco is a quality tequila that costs around $25 for a 750 ml bottle.
La Gritona Reposado
La Gritona Reposado is an aged tequila that is aged for eight months in American oak barrels that previously held whiskey, which gives it a smooth and mellow taste with distinct notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, and oak. It is almost perfect for making margaritas that are smooth and rich, with a hint of sweetness and spice. La Gritona Reposado is a craft tequila that costs around $40 for a 750 ml bottle.
Pueblo Viejo Blanco
Pueblo Viejo Blanco is a tequila that offers an impressive flavor and character, considering its budget-friendly price point. Produced exclusively using only blue agave from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, this tequila features a well-balanced and smooth taste, with hints of pepper, citrus, and herbs. When used in classic margaritas, it creates a refreshing and crisp drink without dominating the other ingredients. Pueblo Viejo Blanco is conveniently available and typically costs around $23 for a 750 ml bottle.
El Tequileño Blanco
El Tequileño Blanco is a unique tequila that is made with 70% blue agave and 30% piloncillo, which is a type of unrefined cane sugar. This gives it a distinctive sweetness and complexity that sets it apart from other blancos. El Tequileño Blanco is aged for two months in American oak barrels, which adds a touch of vanilla and spice to its floral and fruity profile. It is ideal for making margaritas that are smooth and rich, with a hint of caramel. El Tequileño Blanco costs around $28 for a 750 ml bottle.
Espolòn Blanco
Espolòn Blanco, a beloved and adaptable tequila, can be relished neat or blended into delicious cocktails. Produced from blue agave sourced from the lowlands of Jalisco, Mexico, it offers a refreshing and polished flavor profile, imbued with hints of tropical fruit, agave, and pepper. This tequila boasts a mellow yet distinct taste, making it a great addition to margaritas, as well as a sip-worthy treat on its own. You can indulge in Espolòn Blanco without breaking the bank, as it is both affordable and easily accessible, with a typical cost of $25 for a 750 ml bottle.
Olmeca Altos Plata
Crafted with utmost care and precision, Olmeca Altos Plata stands out as a premium tequila. Sourced from the stunning highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, only the finest blue agave is selected for this exquisite spirit. Distilled in short copper pot stills, it exudes a velvety and authentic flavor, highlighting subtle notes of honey, citrus, and herbs. This tequila lends itself flawlessly to creating vibrant and zesty margaritas that are packed with natural sweetness and refreshing tones. Olmeca Altos Plata is a smart choice for those seeking quality at an affordable price, and can be found widely available for around $27 for a 750 ml bottle.
Don Fulano Blanco
Don Fulano Blanco is an expertly crafted tequila produced by fifth-generation agave farmers in Jalisco, Mexico. This artisanal spirit is once again made from 100% Jalliscan blue agave and boasts a sophisticated and refined flavor profile. With notes of mint, citrus, pepper, and minerals, its complex taste is both harmonious and elegant. This tequila is versatile enough to be sipped neat, yet also packs enough depth and character to elevate any margarita recipe. Although it is slightly more expensive than other blancos, it is well worth the indulgence, costing around $55 for a 750 ml bottle.
Tequila Ocho Plata
Tequila Ocho Plata is a remarkable single-estate tequila that exhibits the distinct character of the agave fields in which it is cultivated. Every batch is sourced from a different ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, giving it a one-of-a-kind flavor profile. With a smooth and velvety texture, this tequila displays subtle hints of citrus, spice, earth, and agave. Its complex taste makes it an excellent choice for creating margaritas that are layered and nuanced, providing a sense of place with each sip. Tequila Ocho Plata is an investment in quality, priced at around $50 for a 750 ml bottle.
Roca Patrón Silver
Crafted using time-honored techniques, Roca Patrón Silver is a premium tequila that exudes authenticity and richness. The cooked agave is crushed with a traditional giant stone wheel, known as a tahona, resulting in a bold and full-bodied flavor profile. This tequila showcases notes of cooked agave, earth, pepper, and herbs, providing a complex taste experience. Bottled at a higher proof than regular Patrón Silver, it packs an extra punch of flavor and potency, making it perfect for creating flavorful margaritas. Roca Patrón Silver is a luxurious tequila that is priced at around $70 for a 750 ml bottle.
Milagro Reposado
Crafted from the finest blue agave grown for centuries in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, Milagro Reposado is a tequila that has been lovingly aged for six months in American oak barrels. This process imbues it with a smooth and mellow flavor profile, characterized by hints of vanilla, caramel, honey, and oak. These nuanced flavors make it an ideal choice for creating margaritas that are indulgent and flavorful, with just the right balance of sweetness and spice. Milagro Reposado is a high-quality tequila that offers excellent value at around $30 for a 750 ml bottle.
Maestro Dobel Diamante
Maestro Dobel Diamante is a cristalino tequila, which means it is an aged tequila that has been filtered to remove its color and achieve a clear appearance. It is made with a blend of reposado, añejo, and extra añejo tequilas that are aged in European oak barrels. It has a smooth and silky taste with distinct notes of citrus, vanilla, almond, and wood. It is ideal for making margaritas that are smooth and elegant, with a refined and complex flavor. Maestro Dobel Diamante is a luxury tequila that costs around $60 for a 750 ml bottle.
Siembra Valles High-Proof
At the top of our list for margarita-making tequilas is Siembra Valles High-Proof, a high-proof tequila that is crafted using only premium blue agave from the valley of Jalisco. Distilled in copper pot stills and bottled at a potent 92 proof, this tequila packs a flavorful punch with prominent notes of agave, pepper, citrus, and smoke. Its intensity and boldness make it an ideal choice for creating margaritas that are vibrant and spicy, with a strong agave presence that is sure to impress. In our opinion, Siembra Valles High-Proof is the ultimate tequila for crafting the perfect margarita. This superb tequila can be yours for around $50 for a 750 ml bottle.
Honorable Mention: Casamigos Blanco
Although it didn’t reach the top of our list, Casamigos Blanco is still a tequila worth trying. This smooth and clean tequila is distilled in small batches before being rested for two months in stainless steel tanks. The result is a fresh and crisp taste with notes of citrus, vanilla, and agave, making it ideal for margaritas that are smooth and easy to drink with a subtle sweetness and smooth finish. Casamigos Blanco is a mid-range tequila that costs around $40 for a 750 ml bottle.
Well, there you have it. These were our top 15 tequilas for margaritas in 2023. Whether you prefer your margarita classic or modern, simple or fancy, there is a tequila for you just waiting to be discovered! Try them out and let us know what you think. Also, in the comments, tell us what your personal favorite tequila is for making one of summer’s favorite adult bevarages! Cheers!