Written by: Lauren Wicks | Tasting Table
March 16, 2022
The margarita is America’s favorite cocktail, according to Major Market (via BinWise), and just like any libation, it requires a good-quality liquor to really sing. This is especially the case for margaritas, which are most often consumed in the afternoon and to kick off an evening instead of later in the night when one’s taste buds might be a bit dulled from a previous drink or two. The good thing is that, these days, a top-tier tequila doesn’t have to garner a top-tier price tag — you just have to know what to look for.
Equally as important as the brand of tequila you choose for your margarita, is the type of tequila you use to make one. Per MasterClass, there are five types of tequila but three main players: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, each of which have their own distinct flavor profiles and colors. Blanco (also known as Silver) is the most commonly used pick for margarita-making and offers a classic, clean agave taste that lets the citrus and salt flavors shine. Reposado is growing in popularity as a unique swap, as it has a richer, woodsier taste that’s more akin to bourbon which brings more complexity to the cocktail. Añejo, meanwhile, is not used for making margaritas, and it’s intended more for sipping, which usually means it carries a high price tag and some even richer, more complex flavors that are great on its own but not so much in a margarita.
Choosing the right tequila
Another key component of choosing the right tequila for margaritas — or any type of consumption for that matter — is to make sure it’s made from 100% blue agave. Lower-priced options like mixto tequilas (per Fine Cooking), which are only made with 51% blue agave (the rest is sugar) and are most commonly labeled as Gold or Joven tequilas, are likely to leave you feeling pretty low the next morning; the high existing sugar content doesn’t pair well with a traditional margarita recipe that calls for Blanco or Reposado tequila. There are a few exceptions however: The ever-popular (and pricey) Casa Dragones is actually a Joven tequila, but it is made from 100% blue agave.
If all this tequila talk seems overwhelming, we’ve narrowed down 15 picks that offer excellent quality across a range of price points to fit every budget and occasion. So long as you have a respectable brand of orange liqueur, opt for fresh over bottled lime juice, and have some sea salt on hand, you should be well on your way to a truly delicious margarita in no time.
Solento Organic Tequila Reposado
An ideal pick for both the wellness enthusiasts and the aesthetes, Solento Organic Tequila produces small-batch, single-estate tequilas in the most beautiful bottles worthy of display. The brand’s name is based on the Spanish translation of the words “slow sun,” and it invites Solento drinkers to slow down from their high-powered lives and enjoy each moment with every sip.
After being harvested from an estate in Jalisco, Solento’s agave hearts are cooked in stone ovens for two days before being pressed. The juice is naturally fermented and distilled, and is aged in oak barrels for another layer of complexity. The brand’s highly rated Reposado features slightly sweet notes of citrus, brioche, and caramel, plus a rich, amber color that enhances the margarita-drinking experience. It’s also USDA-certified organic — you know, if you’re into that sort of thing. Solento Tequila is available at select liquor stores nationwide and is available for purchase through its website. The Tequila Reposado retails for $66.
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