When crafting the perfect margarita, selecting the right tequila isn’t just about flavor; it can mean the difference between waking up with a smile or a pounding headache. But with so many tequila styles available, ranging from Blanco to Extra Añejo, and different regions of production, choosing the ideal match for a classic marg can be daunting.
Seeking guidance, I consulted with several seasoned bartenders for their tequila preferences when creating a classic margarita. They unanimously agreed on two elements: Blanco tequilas made using agave sourced from the highlands. Here’s why.
The Best Tequila for a Margarita, According to Bartenders
One key reason Blanco tequila, also known as silver or white tequila, is favored for margaritas is its smoothness. It is the purest expression of the agave plant. It is unaged or minimally aged, unlike the Añejo and Extra Añejo, and it doesn’t spend any time in oak barrels like the Reposado. This allows the natural flavors of the agave to shine through without overpowering the drink.
Now, why the highlands? Glad you asked! Highland tequilas, distilled from agave grown in the elevated regions of Jalisco, offer a smoother and fruitier profile, while lowland tequilas, made using agave that is grown in the lower areas, are known for their earthy and herbal qualities.
If you want something with a bit of sweetness that won’t overpower, Will Carter, head bartender at El Vez in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, recommends the Michael Jordan-owned Cincoro Tequila, a Blanco that blends both highlands and lowlands. But the co-sign of arguably the world’s greatest athlete to ever live isn’t what earned Carter’s vote.
“I had no idea about Cincoro until somebody gave me a taster. It’s extracted with vanilla, so it has that sweet little aftertaste,” says Carter. “After I tried it and loved it, I found out it’s actually Michael Jordan’s tequila. The man makes good sneakers, plays good ball, and now sells great tequila.”
Of course, crafting the perfect margarita at home requires more than just a great tequila — using subpar ingredients could render that fine bottle useless. “The syrups and sour mixes are what makes people say, ‘Oh, I don’t like margaritas,’” says Carter, a sentiment that Rosario echoes: “The difference is just night and day. The bottled stuff usually has this bitter, weird taste. It doesn’t matter what you’re making. If you’re making a strawberry margarita, find some fresh strawberries. It’s always going to be a lot better.”
Buy: Cincoro Blanco Tequila, $74.99 for 750 ml at Total Wine
CREDITS: https://www.thekitchn.com/best-tequila-for-margaritas-23660306