Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 10:50 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.
Enjoy exceptional Margaritas without breaking the bank with these budget-friendly Tequilas selected by me with the help of Tequila sommelier Neil Coleman and valuable customer insights.
Written by: J Highland
Choosing the Best Cheap Tequila to Make a Margarita Cocktail
- Blanco Tequila is best for Margaritas: Blanco or Silver Tequila is ideal for its clean, neutral flavor.
- Affordability and Quality: Focus on affordable Blanco Tequilas that balance quality and value.
- Expert and Customer Insights: Chosen based on expert advice and customer reviews.
- Selection Criteria: 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 from Neil Coleman, and online research, focusing on aroma, taste, finish, and value.
Quick Look at the Best Affordable Margarita Tequilas
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Tequila | Price |
| Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver | $22 |
| 1800 Silver | $23 |
| Lunazul Blanco | $17 |
| Teremana Blanco | $29 |
| Ghost Tequila | $27 |
| 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño | $30 |
| Jimador Silver | $19 |
| Espolon Blanco | $23 |
| Altos Plata | $26 |
| Peligroso Silver | $30 |
| Espolon Reposado | $25 |
Jose Cuervo Silver: Budget-Friendly Margarita Magic
Looking for a good and affordable tequila for your margaritas? Look no further than Jose Cuervo Silver! It boasts a peppery kick with hints of grapefruit and agave, making it a perfect base for your favorite cocktail. While the finish is quick, its budget-friendly price lets you enjoy great margarita flavor without breaking the bank, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.
1800 Silver: Smooth Tequila for Savvy Mixers
With a sweet agave aroma and hints of pepper and citrus, 1800 Silver offers a smooth, budget-friendly tequila experience. Its palate is all about agave and orange with a touch of pepper, making it perfect for mixing delicious margaritas and cocktails on a budget. While the finish is short, its affordability and easy-drinking nature make it a reliable choice for those who enjoy tequila in their mixed drinks.
Lunazul Blanco: Agave-Forward Affordable Margarita Mixer
Lunazul Blanco boasts a rich aroma of roasted agave, balanced with black pepper, vanilla, and a subtle alcohol note. On the palate, it delivers a delightful agave sweetness alongside black pepper, cinnamon, mint, and refreshing citrus.
While the peppery finish makes it less ideal for sipping neat, Lunazul shines as a budget-friendly option for crafting margaritas. Its extended finish with a touch of bitterness adds complexity to your cocktails.
Teremana Blanco: The Rock's Budget-Friendly Margarita Base
Looking for an authentic tequila for your margaritas that won't break the bank? Teremana Blanco delivers!
While the aroma has a touch of ethanol, it's balanced by rich agave and citrus notes. The palate starts warm with agave sweetness, hints of green pepper, and a creamy texture, leading to a long, slightly bitter finish with lingering agave and black pepper.
Teremana's peppery notes and affordability make it a great choice for budget-friendly margaritas, where they complement the other flavors perfectly.
Ghost Tequila: Fiery Twist for Your Margarita
Spice up your margarita game with Ghost Tequila!
This unique Blanco tequila is infused with bhut jolokia, one of the world's hottest peppers.
Don't worry, the fiery aroma with hints of agave and floral notes gives way to a surprisingly balanced taste. The palate offers orange, agave, and black pepper alongside a subtle ghost pepper kick that enhances the drink without scorching your taste buds. The lingering pepper and warmth on the finish add a delicious complexity to your cocktails.
21 Seeds: Ready-to-Mingle Margarita Maker
Craving a spicy margarita but don't have time for muddling jalapeños? 21 Seeds Tequila is your solution!
This Blanco tequila is infused with cucumber and jalapeño, offering a refreshing cucumber aroma with an upfront jalapeño kick. On the tongue, it's all about the jalapeño and cucumber, with hints of lime and black pepper for added complexity. The finish is light and spicy, perfect for a refreshing margarita with a unique twist.
Plus, it's bottled at a smooth 70 proof, making it easy to sip on its own or in cocktails.
Jimador Blanco: The People's Tequila for Margaritas
Jimador Blanco offers a no-nonsense tequila experience, perfect for mixing delicious and affordable cocktails.
The aroma packs a punch with bold alcohol alongside agave and black pepper. The taste follows suit, initially hitting you with a strong alcoholic kick and black pepper before revealing subtle vanilla and agave notes. While the finish is short and spicy, Jimador Blanco's affordability and strong character make it a favorite for margaritas and a go-to choice in Mexico for creating simple yet satisfying cocktails with various sodas.
Espolón Blanco: Budget-Friendly Blanco with Hidden Depths
Espolón Blanco might surprise you! Despite the light aroma with earthy and black pepper hints, the taste offers a delightful journey. It starts with a touch of warmth, but evolves into a pleasant sweetness with whispers of fruit and vanilla. The moderately long finish adds a citrus and peppery kick, making it a well-rounded tequila.
Espolón Blanco's hidden depths shine in cocktails, solidifying its place as a top choice for a budget-friendly Blanco tequila under $30.
Olmeca Altos Plata: Cheap Margarita Maestro
Olmeca Altos Plata goes beyond your average budget tequila.
It boasts a unique earthy and vegetal aroma with hints of agave, orange, and mint. The taste is a delightful mix of herbal and spicy notes, balanced by a pleasant agave sweetness. This complexity extends to the finish, which is warm with a slight burn, saltiness, and a touch of peppercorn.
Unlike many budget tequilas, Olmeca Altos Plata is enjoyable to sip neat, but it truly shines in cocktails. Its peppery and vegetal notes elevate margaritas to new heights without breaking the bank.
Peligroso Silver: Budget-Friendly Tequila with a Margarita Punch
Looking for a budget-friendly tequila that packs a punch in your margaritas? Look no further than Peligroso Silver!
The initial burst of alcohol on the nose mellows out with time, revealing a mix of orange, lime, mint, and agave. While the peppery finish and slight burn might not make it the smoothest sipper, Peligroso Silver's affordability and bold flavor profile make it a perfect choice for creating delicious margaritas without straining your wallet.
Espolón Reposado: Beyond Budget-Friendly Bliss
Espolón Reposado transcends the typical affordable tequila.
Forget the harsh bite - this Reposado greets you with a light, balanced aroma of agave, citrus, and a hint of spice. The taste is a delightful journey, unfolding with agave sweetness and surprising hints of butterscotch, vanilla, and even sugar cookie, all gently wrapped in oaky spice. A touch of pepper adds complexity to the warm, oaky finish.
Espolón Reposado goes beyond budget-friendly. It offers a surprising depth of flavor that makes it great for sipping neat. But fear not, margarita lovers!
How to Select a Good Cheap Tequila for Making Margaritas?
- Prefer Blanco or Silver Tequila: Choose for its clean, neutral flavor profile.
- Seek Affordable Quality: Look for a balance of taste and affordability.
- Opt for 100% Agave: This ensures higher quality and a smoother experience in your cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Blanco Tequila the Best Choice for Margaritas?
- Clean, Neutral Flavor: Blanco Tequila is ideal for Margaritas due to its clean and neutral taste, allowing other cocktail ingredients to shine.
- Crisp Taste: It offers a crisp and vibrant flavor, enhancing the refreshing quality of Margaritas.
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable than aged Tequilas, it provides a balance of quality and price.
What Makes the Selected Tequilas Ideal for Margaritas?
- Balanced Flavor: These Tequilas are chosen for their well-rounded and vibrant flavors, perfect for mixing.
- Positive Reviews: Selected based on favorable customer feedback and ratings.
- Expert Recommendations: Chosen with the insights of bartenders and Tequila experts, including Neil Coleman.
- Purity and Quality: Focus on 100% agave Tequilas with no additives, ensuring a cleaner taste in cocktails.
- Value for Money: Offers excellent quality at an affordable price point.
How Does Using Blanco Tequila Over Aged Tequilas Affect a Margarita?
- Enhances Other Ingredients: Blanco Tequila's neutral flavor allows the taste of lime juice and sweeteners to be more prominent.
- Crisp and Vibrant Taste: Adds to the refreshing nature of the cocktail.
- More Economical: Using expensive aged Tequilas (like Reposado or Añejo) in a Margarita may not significantly enhance the flavor, making Blanco a more cost-effective choice.