Best Tequila for Margaritas: Blanco, Reposado and Which Bottle to Choose
The best tequila for margaritas is a 100 percent agave blanco or reposado tequila, because they have the bright agave and citrus flavours that match lime juice and orange liqueur. Añejo is richer and better for sipping. This guide compares the styles, gives the classic margarita recipe, lists bottles worth trying and explains what to avoid on the label.
What makes a tequila good for margaritas?
A good margarita tequila has a clear agave flavour, a clean finish and enough strength to stand up to lime juice and orange liqueur. Look for the words 100 percent agave on the label. Cheaper tequilas labelled mixto are only 51 percent agave with other sugars and can taste harsh.
You do not need the most expensive bottle, because the citrus and sugar in the drink hide subtle details. But a decent 100 percent agave tequila makes a noticeably better margarita than a basic mixto.
Blanco, reposado or añejo: which is best?
Blanco (or silver) tequila is unaged or aged for under two months. It tastes of fresh agave, pepper and citrus, and it makes the brightest, cleanest margarita. Reposado is aged for two to twelve months in oak, which adds soft vanilla and caramel and gives a rounder drink.
Añejo is aged for one to three years and is rich with oak, spice and dried fruit. It is lovely to sip, but its flavour can overpower lime. Browse white tequila and gold tequila to compare styles.
What is the classic margarita recipe?
Shake 50 ml of tequila, 25 ml of orange liqueur such as Cointreau and 25 ml of fresh lime juice with ice for about 12 seconds. Strain into a glass over fresh ice, rimmed with salt if you like, and garnish with a lime wedge.
For a slightly softer drink add 5 ml of agave syrup. For a lighter version, top with a splash of soda. See more serves in our guide to Cointreau cocktails.
Which tequilas are worth trying for margaritas?
Casamigos Blanco is smooth and slightly sweet, and works in every style of margarita. See Casamigos Blanco and the wider Casamigos range. Espolòn Blanco is a bright, peppery tequila with a clean finish that is built for cocktails; see Espolòn Blanco and the Espolòn range.
For a richer margarita, try a reposado such as Casamigos Reposado or Espolòn Reposado. If you want a premium bottle for sipping as well, see the Don Julio and Patrón options on our tequila page.
What should you avoid when making a margarita?
Avoid bottled sour mix, which is sugary and artificial. Squeeze fresh lime juice just before you shake. Avoid very warm ingredients and too little ice, which dilute the drink badly.
Do not over-pour the liqueur. A margarita should taste sour and fresh with a hint of orange, not syrupy. Taste and adjust the next drink.
What food goes with margaritas?
Margaritas suit salty and spicy foods: tacos, nachos, grilled prawns, guacamole and ceviche. The lime and salt cut through richness and refresh the palate between bites.
For parties, mix a batch of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice in a jug in the ratio above and pour over ice when guests arrive.
How do you buy tequila online in Australia?
Choose a style, check the size and strength, and add it to your cart. Our tequila collection lists blanco, reposado and añejo bottles with current prices, and our checkout offers PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin and USDT.
We deliver insured across Australia, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel. See also the mezcal collection if you want a smoky margarita variation.
How should you salt the rim of a margarita glass?
Run a lime wedge around the outer edge of the glass, then dip the rim into a plate of flaky sea salt. Salting only the outside edge keeps salt from falling into the drink. Chill the glass first so the salt sticks and the drink stays cold.
If you prefer a different rim, try tajín for a spicy kick, or a mix of salt and sugar for a softer drink.
What are some margarita variations to try?
Add muddled jalapeño for a spicy margarita, blend with ice for a frozen version, or swap lime for grapefruit juice for a paloma-style drink. A smoky version uses a splash of mezcal in place of some tequila.
For a lighter option, make a long margarita with soda water, or add fresh strawberries or mango for a fruit margarita. Taste after each change and adjust the lime and the sweetness.
How much tequila do you need for a party?
Plan on about 50 ml of tequila per margarita. A 700 ml bottle makes roughly 14 margaritas, so a gathering of ten people each having two drinks needs about one and a half bottles. Buy a little extra so that you do not run out, and keep limes, orange liqueur and ice in good supply.
Pre-squeeze the lime juice on the morning of the party and keep it chilled. Use it within a day for the best flavour, then shake each drink to order.
How do you buy online from Doctors of Whisky?
Doctors of Whisky is a Sydney-based online bottle shop. Browse the collection, add bottles to your cart and choose PayID, bank transfer, Bitcoin or USDT at checkout; paying with Bitcoin or USDT takes 12% off.
The minimum order is $300 AUD. Orders of $1,500 AUD or more ship free by express courier, and a flat $75 AUD fee applies below that. Delivery is insured, and an adult (18+) must sign for every parcel.
How can you drink responsibly in Australia?
The Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol recommend no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than four standard drinks on any one day. A standard drink contains 10 grams of alcohol, and the label on every bottle shows the number of standard drinks.
Pace yourself, eat before and while you drink, alternate with water, and never drive after drinking. You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol.
Buy White Tequila online in Australia
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Cabo Wabo Blanco White Tequila
Cabo Wabo Blanco White Tequila (700ml) is a blanco from Cabo, made in Mexico. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Gran Patron Platinum White Tequila
Gran Patron Platinum White Tequila (700ml) is a blanco from Gran Patron, made in Mexico. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Kah Blanco Tequila
Kah Blanco Tequila (700ml) is a blanco from Kah, made in Mexico. Buy it online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best tequila for margaritas?
A 100 percent agave blanco or reposado tequila gives the best flavour in a margarita.
Should I use blanco or reposado in a margarita?
Use blanco for a fresh, crisp drink and reposado for a rounder, slightly oaky one.
Is añejo tequila good for margaritas?
It can be, but the strong oak flavour is better enjoyed sipped neat, so most people save it for that.
What is the best margarita ratio?
A classic ratio is 2 parts tequila, 1 part orange liqueur and 1 part fresh lime juice.
Where can I buy tequila online in Australia?
You can buy tequila online from Doctors of Whisky with insured delivery across Australia. An adult (18+) must sign for every delivery.
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