Best 5 Tequilas for Margaritas: (Top Picks)

Looking for the perfect Tequila for your Margaritas? Check out my top 5 picks for a smooth and tasty Marge that will have you coming back for more!

1800 Silver – Best for Smooth Margarita

• Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
• Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Jose Cuervo Silver

Taste:

The nose kicks-off with a smooth agave aroma, followed by black pepper, citrus and an alcoholic note that fades as you let it breathe.

On the palate, 1800 Silver is soft, with a sweet taste, some agave flavor, a touch of orange and a dash of black pepper.

It does not have much of a finish, yet leaves a subtle sweet note behind and a bit of pepper.

Is it good?

1800 Blanco is an overly smooth and sweet Tequila with a just a bit of black pepper on the tail but nothing off-putting.

Smooth enough to drink it neat or rocks although don’t expect any earth-shattering flavors as this Tequila is quite basic and somewhat dull.

But perfect when in the mood for an overly smooth Margarita.

Espolon Blanco – Best for a not so smooth Marge

• Nose: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
• Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar to: Altos Plata

Taste:

The nose is light displaying an earthy aroma, with a dash of black pepper and a bit of ethanol.

On the palate, Espolon Blanco is a bit warm at first, but as you let it develop it becomes somewhat sweet with some fruity notes and vanilla.

The finish has a medium-length, with citrus and a peppery and warming note.

Is it good?

In summary, Espolon Blanco offers a good taste, moderate sweetness, although a bit warm and peppery but nothing terrible or off-putting.

Espolon Blanco is good, making a solid tasting Tequila at this value; for the price is absolutely incredible.

This Tequila is neither mind blowing nor memorable but tastes right and will deliver you a good Margarita without breaking the bank.

Tapatio Blanco 110 – Best for punchy Margarita

• Nose: Agave, black pepper, grapefruit
• Palate: Agave, pepper, lime, mint, orange
• Alcohol content: 110 proof (55% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks
• Similar to: Cazcanes 9

Taste:

There is alcohol on the nose at first that rapidly gives way to cooked agave, along black pepper and a touch of grapefruit.

On the palate, Tapatio 110 feels creamy providing a great mouthfeel.

It hits with pleasing warmth that gives way to natural blue agave sweetness, lime, mint, orange and a subtle mineral and spicy hit.

The finish lingers with more pleasing warmth to it and agave sweetness.

Is it good?

110 implies that this Tequila is bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) which is high when compared to most Tequilas that are bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) meaning they have far less alcohol content.

What makes Tapatio special is that despite the high proof it doesn’t feel warm, drinks quite nicely and it’s a great option when in the mood to make overly tasty cocktails.

Cimarron Reposado – Best for Reposado Marge

• Nose: Agave, vanilla, oak
• Palate: Agave, caramel oak, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat or rocks
• Similar to: Cimarron Blanco

Taste:

The nose hits with a bit of alcohol at first, but gives way to agave, followed by vanilla and oak.

On the palate, Cimarron provides a good mouthfeel as it feels thick.

First sip hits with pleasing warmth, with a flavor rich in agave, caramel, oak and a dash of black pepper.

The finish lingers with satisfying warmth on the way down and a light peppery note.

Is it good?

Cimarron Reposado is just priced around $30 making it a steal given the quality of the pour as it goes toe to toe with Reposados that double it in price.

Not only good to make Margaritas with a subtle touch of oak but it’s good on its own as you can sip it on the rocks.

El Mayor Añejo – Best for Añejo Margarita

• Nose: Caramel, oak, raisin, vanilla
• Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla, caramel, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Espolon Añejo

Taste:

The nose brings bourbon-style notes of light caramel at first, followed by oak, vanilla and a touch of raisins.

On the palate, you get a fruity note up-front followed, by vanilla, caramel and a tad of toasted oak.

The finish has a decent length, brings a nice peppery hit, with no alcohol flavor or bad burn making it an enjoyable easy drinker at a price hard to beat.

Is it good?

El Mayor Añejo is another steal at its current price as it has a sweet and smooth flavor with some bourbon-like notes that not only sit well in Margaritas but in Tequila Old Fashioned.

You will be hard pressed to find a better Añejo at this price.

Top 5 Tequilas for Margaritas: Buying Guide

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Tequila	Price
1800 Silver	$23
Espolon Blanco	$23
Tapatio Blanco 110	$63
Cimarron Reposado	$29
El Mayor Añejo	$34

You don’t need an expensive Tequila to make Margaritas

As opposed to what you hear on the legacy media or other traditional sources you don’t need to break the bank on an expensive Tequila to make good cocktails.

While some top brands may offer subtle nuances in flavor, a good quality, affordable Tequila will work just as well in your Margarita recipe.

I recommend using a mid-range Tequila that won’t overpower the other ingredients in your cocktail.

So don’t be afraid to opt for a reasonably priced Tequila when making Margaritas, and enjoy a delicious and refreshing drink without the hefty price tag.