When it comes to building the perfect home bar, a good tequila is a must-have, especially if you're looking to make some killer margaritas. And with so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start.
But don't worry, we've got you covered.
We've put together a list of the 17 best tequilas for margaritas. These are the top shelf tequilas that will make your margaritas taste like a million bucks, whether you're sipping them poolside or serving them at a party. So, grab your shaker, and let's get mixing!
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila - Best for a Cadillac Margarita
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila is aged for 8 months in oak barrels and is known for its smooth, rich flavor, making it a perfect tequila for a Cadillac Margarita.
What sets Clase Azul apart is its unique packaging, each bottle is handcrafted and painted, making it a great option for collectors and enthusiasts. Not to mention, it's a top-shelf brand, known for producing some of the most highly sought after tequilas in the market.
It's unique packaging makes it a must-have for those who love to collect and display their tequila bottles.
Below is a simple premium Cadillac Margarita recipe.
Cadillac Margarita Recipe
- 1.5 ounces Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
- 1 ounce Grand Marnier
- .75 ounces fresh squeezed lime juice
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Pour over ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
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Don Julio 1942 Tequila - Best Tequila for a Classic Margarita
Don Julio 1942 Tequila is a top shelf tequila that is aged for a minimum of 2 and a half years. This aging process results in a complex and smooth flavor, making it a perfect option for when you want to impress your friends.
The brand was founded by Don Julio Gonzalez, who began distilling tequila in 1942. Today, the brand is known for producing some of the finest tequilas in the world.
One of the unique features of Don Julio 1942 is that it's made using a specific strain of blue Weber agave that's grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This gives the tequila a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other tequilas.
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Teremana Tequila Anejo - Best Tequila for a Pineapple Margarita
Teremana Tequila Anejo is a traditional tequila that is aged for at least 14 months. This aging process results in a smooth and well-rounded flavor that is perfect for sipping neat or in a premium pineapple margarita. The tequila is made using traditional methods, using only the finest blue Weber agave and natural spring water. This gives the tequila a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other tequilas.
The Teremana brand was founded by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and is produced in small batches to ensure the highest quality. The agave used in Teremana Tequila is grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, known for producing some of the finest agave in the world. The agave is cooked in traditional brick ovens and the tequila is then distilled using a combination of traditional and modern methods.
In honor of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Hawai’i roots, we put together an easy-to-make pineapple margarita recipe below using Teremana Anejo Tequila:
Pineapple Margarita Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Teremana Anejo Tequila
- 1 oz Pineapple Juice
- 1/2 oz Lime Juice
- 1/2 oz Agave Nectar
- Salt for rim (optional)
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the edge of your glass with salt (if desired) by rubbing a lime wedge around the rim and then dipping it into a plate of salt.
- In a shaker, combine Teremana Anejo Tequila, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave nectar.
- Fill shaker with ice and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds.
- Strain the mixture into the rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge and enjoy!
Note: This recipe makes a great pineapple margarita, but you can also adjust the ingredients to your taste preference. You can also add some ice to blender and blend it to make it a frozen pineapple margarita.
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Casa Dragones Blanco - Best Tequila for a Watermelon Margarita
Casa Dragones Blanco is a luxury tequila that is unaged and known for its smooth and crisp flavor, making it the best tequila to use in a watermelon margarita.
The combination of the sweet and fresh watermelon with the lime juice and tequila make for a delicious and refreshing margarita. The watermelon margarita recipe below is perfect for your next July 4th celebration, and is a great way to showcase the unique flavor profile of Casa Dragones Blanco Tequila.
Watermelon Margarita Recipe (Serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh watermelon chunks
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup Casa Dragones Blanco tequila
- 2 tablespoons agave nectar (or to taste)
- Salt for rimming the glasses
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glasses by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and then dipping the rim in a dish of salt.
- In a blender, puree the watermelon chunks until smooth.
- Strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any seeds.
- In a pitcher, combine the watermelon puree, lime juice, tequila, and agave nectar. Stir to combine.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more agave nectar if desired.
- Pour the margarita mixture into the rimmed glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note: You can also use a pre-made watermelon juice or use frozen watermelon chunks instead of fresh watermelon if needed.
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Avion Reserva 44 - Best Tequila for a Premium Margarita
Avion Reserva 44 is a premium tequila that is aged for 44 months in oak barrels. This aging process gives the tequila a smooth and rich flavor that is perfect for sipping neat or in a margarita.
Avion is a top-shelf brand, known for producing some of the most in-demand tequilas on the market. This makes it a must-have for home bartenders and a great option for those who want to impress their guests with a premium margarita.
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Patron Silver Tequila - Best Tequila for a Mango Margarita
Patrón Silver Tequila is a versatile option, perfect for both drinking straight or mixing in cocktails. This premium tequila is unaged and has a smooth flavor profile, making it perfect for cocktails like a margarita.
Founded in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley, Patrón has quickly become one of the most popular and recognizable tequila brands in the world, earning a reputation for its high-quality, hand-crafted tequilas.
The combination of the sweet and tangy mango with the lime juice and tequila make for a delicious and refreshing frozen margarita. The mango margarita recipe below is perfect for a summer day or for a party with friends and family.
Frozen Mango Margarita Recipe (Serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 4 cups frozen mango chunks
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/4 cup patron silver tequila
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup (or to taste)
- Salt for rimming the glasses
- Lime wedges for garnish
Instructions:
- Rim the glasses by rubbing the rim with a lime wedge and then dipping the rim in a dish of salt.
- Add the frozen mango chunks, lime juice, tequila, and simple syrup to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness by adding more simple syrup if desired.
- Pour the margarita mixture into the rimmed glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Note: You can also use a pre-made frozen mango margarita mix for step 2 or use fresh mango instead of frozen.
Check Our Patrón Silver Tequila Price
Casamigos Blanco Tequila - Best Tequila for a Skinny Margarita
Casamigos Blanco Tequila is a premium unaged tequila known for its smooth, well-rounded flavor profile. It is made with 100% blue Weber agave, hand-selected and slow-cooked for 72 hours, and distilled using traditional methods. The result is a tequila with a subtle sweetness and a hint of vanilla and caramel.
This tequila is a great option for those who prefer a more traditional tequila flavor and it's also a great option for those who want to enjoy a low calorie skinny margarita without the guilt. Plus, it is a celebrity tequila brand, making it a good conversation starter at your next home gathering.
Casamigos was founded by George Clooney and his friends Rande Gerber and Mike Meldman. They wanted to create a tequila that they could enjoy together with friends and family, so they set out to create a tequila that was smooth enough to sip neat.
They worked closely with a master distiller to perfect the recipe and after years of testing and tasting, Casamigos was born. The brand quickly gained popularity and recognition for its high-quality tequila, and it's now one of the most well-known and respected tequila brands in the market.
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Teremana Tequila Blanco - Best Tequila for a Budget Margarita
Teremana Tequila Blanco is a type of tequila, also known as a "blanco" tequila. It's known for its smooth, crisp flavor that is derived from the traditional methods of production.
This unaged tequila is made using only the finest blue Weber agave plants, which are grown in the Jalisco region of Mexico. The agave plants are carefully selected and harvested at the peak of maturity to ensure optimal flavor. The agave is then cooked and distilled using natural spring water, giving the final product a clean and natural taste.
This tequila is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional tequila taste and are looking for great value for the price.
Teremana is a brand that has been around for a while and its reputation has been growing among tequila enthusiasts. This tequila is a must-try for anyone who wants to experience a premium blanco tequila.
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Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Añejo Tequila - Best Tequila for a Large Batch Margarita
The brand Jose Cuervo is one of the most popular tequila brands in the world, with a history dating back to 1795. The Reserva De La Familia line is their flagship product. Jose Cuervo Reserva De La Familia Extra Añejo Tequila is aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels which impart a rich, dark color to the tequila.
The tequila is made from the finest blue Weber agave plant and is perfect for sipping neat or in a large batch margarita. This definitely makes it a must-have for those who want to make a margarita for a crowd or a party. To make a large batch margarita, mix the tequila with orange liqueur and triple sec, and serve over ice.
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Clase Azul Plata Tequila - Best Tequila for a Top Shelf Margarita
Clase Azul Plata Tequila is unaged and is known for its smooth, crisp flavor with hints of agave and citrus. It's perfect for sipping neat or in a pitcher margarita.
This premium tequila, crafted from 100% blue agave, is produced by the world-renowned Weber family. Known for its exceptional quality and high price point, this tequila is aged for eight months to achieve the perfect balance of body and flavor.
The brand, Clase Azul, prides itself on its unique and authentic approach to creating tequila, using traditional methods that have been passed down for generations. Each bottle is truly unique and hand-painted in a rural Mexico town. Perfect for sipping neat, this tequila is a must-try for any tequila connoisseur.
This tequila is perfect for those who appreciate a traditional and authentic tequila taste, and is a great option when making a top shelf margarita. Simply mix two parts Clase Azul Plata Tequila with one part fresh squeezed lime juice and one part orange liqueur for the perfect top shelf margarita. If you like your margaritas a little sweeter, add a dash of triple sec.
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Casamigos Reposado Tequila - Best Tequila for a Premium Frozen Margarita
Casamigos Reposado Tequila is aged for 7 months in oak barrels and is known for its smooth, well-rounded flavor. It's the perfect go-to tequila for those who want to make a frozen margarita without breaking the bank.
All you need is five ingredients to make a delicious frozen margarita using Casamigos Reposado Tequila. Simply mix two parts tequila to one part lime juice, one part triple sec, and a dash of agave or simple syrup. Blend over ice. If you like a fruity margarita, add strawberries, passionfruit, mango, or similar.
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Gran Coramino Cristalino Tequila - Best Tequila for a Fruity Margarita
Gran Coramino Cristalino has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. The brand was founded by a group of tequila enthusiasts who set out to create a spirit that was not only smooth and crisp, but also steeped in tradition. Using only the finest blue agave plants, the team at Gran Coramino Cristalino aged their tequila for at least 2 years, ensuring that each bottle is packed with rich and complex flavors.
When it comes to the taste of Gran Coramino Cristalino Tequila, one can expect to experience a smooth and crisp flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The long aging process gives the tequila a slight hint of sweetness and a subtle smokiness that makes it perfect for sipping neat or in a fruity margarita.
Speaking of fruity margaritas, if you're looking to add a touch of luxury to your next cocktail hour, try out this Strawberry Margarita recipe:
Strawberry Margarita Recipe
- 2 oz Gran Coramino Cristalino tequila
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1/2 oz Cointreau
- 1/2 oz strawberry puree
Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain into a salt-rimmed glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry.
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Don Julio Ultima Reserva - Best Tequila for a Traditional Margarita
Don Julio Ultima Reserva is a top-shelf tequila that is aged for 3 years in oak barrels and is known for its smooth, well-rounded flavor. This aging process gives the tequila a smooth and well-rounded flavor that is perfect for those who prefer a more traditional tequila taste. It's also a great value for the price.
The Don Julio brand is known for producing some of the most popular tequilas in the world and is a must-have for tequila lovers and collectors.
The tequila is made using traditional methods and only the finest blue Weber agave and natural spring water. This gives the tequila a unique flavor profile that sets it apart from other tequilas, making it a perfect choice for a traditionally tasting margarita.
Check Our Don Julio Ultima Reserva Price
Patron El Alto Reposado - Best Tequila for a Sweet Margarita
Patron El Alto Reposado is a top-shelf brand that was founded in the 1980s by John Paul DeJoria. He aimed to create a tequila that was not only smooth and delicious, but also steeped in tradition.
Using only the finest blue agave plants grown in the Jalisco highlands, the team at Patron ages their El Alto Reposado for 11 months in oak barrels. This aging process gives the tequila a smooth and sweet flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
The tequila is known for its smooth and clean finish, making it perfect for sipping neat or in a sweet margarita.
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Don Julio Primavera - Best Tequila for a Sour Margarita
For a sour margarita, look no further than Don Julio Primavera.
Don Julio Gonzalez founded the tequila brand in 1942, named after his father. The brand is known for its premium tequilas aged for at least 3 years, and the Don Julio Primavera is no exception. It is aged for a minimum of 3 years in oak barrels, giving it a smooth, sour flavor with notes of citrus and oak.
The aging process also gives the tequila a complex and well-balanced taste that is perfect for sipping neat or in a sour margarita.
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Casa Noble Anejo Tequila - Best Tequila for a Spicy Margarita
Casa Noble Anejo Tequila is the perfect choice for those looking to add a little spice to their margarita game.
Founded in the 18th century, Casa Noble is one of the oldest tequila producers. The brand is known for its commitment to traditional methods of production and sustainable farming practices.
The Casa Noble Anejo Tequila is aged for at least 24 months in oak barrels, giving it a smooth, spicy flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak. The aging process also gives the tequila a rich and complex taste that will give your cocktail a kick.
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Don Julio Anejo Tequila - Best Tequila for a Perfect Margarita
The Don Julio Anejo Tequila is aged for at least 18 months in oak barrels, giving it a smooth, well-rounded flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
The aging process gives the tequila a balanced and elegant taste that makes it the perfect choice for mixing. The well-balanced flavor profile of Don Julio Anejo allows for a perfect Margarita with a balance of sweet, sour and salt.
To make a perfect margarita every time, use 1.5 ounces of The Don Julio Anejo Tequila, 1 ounce of any orange liqueur of your choice, and .75 ounces of fresh squeezed lime juice. Cointreau, Grand Marnier or Triple Sec work great for an orange liqueur.
Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice and shake for 10 seconds. Pour over a glass of ice and garnish with a lime wedge.
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Conclusion
So there you have it, the ultimate guide to the 17 best tequilas for margaritas.
We've covered a wide range of options from top-shelf, highly sought after brands to budget-friendly options that still pack a punch when it comes to flavor.
Whether you're a beginner, a collector, an enthusiast or a tequila connoisseur, there's something on this list for everyone. Now you know the top tequilas you can use to make all sorts of margaritas, from traditional to modern, and sweet to spicy.
With this list of the top tequilas, you'll be able to make the perfect margarita for any occasion, whether you're sipping it poolside, or serving it at a party.
We hope this guide has helped you expand your tequila knowledge and given you some inspiration for your next margarita adventure. So go ahead, mix up a margarita, kick back and enjoy the good life. Cheers!
Check out our full collection of top shelf tequila brands HERE.