Best Tequilas for Margaritas UK

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:33 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

These are the top Tequilas for Margaritas that you can buy in the UK, according to agave spirits expert Neil Coleman and valuable customer feedback.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Tequila to Make a Margarita in the UK

• Top Tequilas for Margaritas in the UK:
• Espolon Blanco, Herradura Silver, Arette Blanco, 1800 Silver, Terralta Blanco 110, Espolon Reposado
• Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
• How to Choose Tequila for Margaritas:
• No need to splurge on expensive sipping Tequilas
• Subtle nuances of high-end Tequilas are lost in cocktails
• Opt for affordable Tequilas with a bit of heat and pepper for the best Margarita experience

Quick Look at the Best Tequilas for Margaritas in the UK

Prices are approximate and stated in Sterling:

Espolon Blanco: Margarita Magic on a Budget

Espolon Blanco is your go-to tequila for crafting delicious Margaritas – its subtle warmth and liveliness add depth without overpowering the drink.

The affordable price tag makes it perfect for experimenting with your mixology skills, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

On the nose, you'll find a gentle earthiness alongside hints of black pepper and a touch of alcohol. The taste is a delightful balance of subtle warmth, sweetness, fruity notes, and a touch of vanilla. The finish lingers with a pleasant mix of citrus and a warming peppery sensation.

Herradura Silver: A Classic Tequila for All Occasions

Herradura Silver takes your Margaritas to the next level, adding vibrancy without stealing the show. This versatile tequila excels in cocktails, shots, or even sipped neat over ice.

A true Mexican classic, Herradura Blanco offers a pure, unaged tequila experience. The aroma is intriguing, hinting at olive brine, agave, earthiness, and a touch of black pepper. The taste starts smooth and builds to reveal oak, citrus, and earthy complexities. The finish is long and warming, leaving a pleasant earthiness on the palate.

Arette Blanco: Knockout Value for Tequila Lovers

Arette Blanco packs a punch for its price. This versatile tequila shines in Margaritas, sipped neat, over ice, or even as a shot. It's a straightforward choice – affordable and free of additives.

The name pays homage to a legendary one-eyed champion horse from the London 1948 Olympics, adding a touch of history.

The aroma is an invitation – agave forward with a subtle hint of salt, followed by surprising notes of banana and mango. The first sip brings a delightful warmth, showcasing the agave base alongside black pepper, orange, earthy tones, and a touch of minerality. The finish lingers with a peppery kick, a whisper of cinnamon, and a pleasant sweetness from the agave.

1800 Silver: Smooth Operator for Easygoing Cocktails

1800 Silver is your partner for crafting ultra-smooth Margaritas and cocktails. Perfect for those entering tequila, it offers a gentle introduction, though some might find it a touch tame.

The nose is subtle, offering up mild agave sweetness, a touch of black pepper, and a hint of citrus. With a swirl, a fleeting alcohol note might appear, then fade away.

The taste is all about velvety smoothness. Sweet agave takes center stage, joined by orange and a subtle whisper of black pepper. The finish is brief, leaving behind a gentle sweetness and a touch of pepper spice.

Terralta 110: A High-Proof Powerhouse for Tequila Aficionados

Terralta 110 isn't for the faint of heart. Packing a robust 55% ABV, it's ideal for crafting bold Margaritas that can stand up to strong flavors. But don't be fooled by the high proof – this tequila is surprisingly enjoyable for sipping neat as well, offering a rich and complex experience.

The first sip is a revelation. The texture is creamy and full-bodied, coating your palate. The flavor profile unfolds with a gentle warmth, showcasing the blue agave alongside unexpected notes of olive, mint, cinnamon, and black pepper. The finish is a lasting dance of peppery spice and lingering agave sweetness, culminating in a satisfying chest-warming sensation.

Espolon Reposado: A Versatile Tequila for Margaritas and More

Espolon Reposado goes beyond Margaritas, offering a delightful sipping experience as well. While it adds depth and sweetness to Margaritas, be aware it might cloud the drink's appearance.

The beauty of Espolon Reposado lies in its balance. The aroma is an inviting blend of agave sweetness, citrus hints, baking spice, and a subtle touch of alcohol. The taste echoes this harmony, showcasing the agave base alongside notes of butterscotch, vanilla, and a hint of sugar cookie, all dancing with a gentle oak spice. The finish is a warm embrace of sweetness, oak, and a pleasant peppery aftertaste.

This reposado stands out for its versatility and affordability. It's crafted without artificial flavors or sweeteners, making it a great choice for those who appreciate a natural and nuanced tequila experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

A brief FAQ:

What should be considered when choosing Tequila for Margaritas in the UK?

• No Need to Splurge: Opt for affordable options as high-end Tequilas' nuances are lost in cocktails.
• Heat and Pepper: Select Tequilas with a bit of heat and pepper for the best Margarita experience.
• Availability: Choose from Tequilas available in the UK's largest alcohol retailers for convenience.

What criteria were used for selecting these Tequilas?

• Testing and Feedback: Based on thorough sampling and customer input.
• Affordability: Focused on reasonably priced options.
• Ingredient Quality: Preference for additive-free Tequilas.
• Brand Reputation: Selected Tequilas from reputable brands with favorable reputations.
• Expert Opinion: Included advice from Tequila expert Neil Coleman.