Paul Kushner
When it comes to enjoying a refreshing margarita on a hot summer day, choosing the right tequila is key. A quality blanco or silver tequila that is 100% agave will provide the best flavor for mixing in a margarita. Look for tequilas that are smooth and crisp without too much harshness, as the citrus and other mixers will accentuate those characteristics.
This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy
Margaritas made with the best tequila are perfect for relaxing at home or enjoying outdoors. The light and flavorful cocktail is approachable for tequila drinkers of all experience levels. With an emphasis on natural agave flavor over oak or smoke, a high quality blanco or silver tequila allows the fresh lime and other mixers to really shine through. Finding the right 100% agave option will ensure many enjoyable margaritas throughout the warmer months.
Espolón Blanco
An unaged tequila produced from all Blue Weber Agave, this spirit is remarkably smooth. The award-winning Espolòn Blanco packs a lot of sweet agave flavor with hints of tropical citrus. After the fruit flavors, spicier pepper tastes come through. These flavors pair well with lime juice and the added sweetness of orange liqueur, making for delicious margaritas! In margaritas, the clean finish with notes of vanilla lingers pleasantly on the palate for a complex aftertaste. I love blanco tequila in a classic margarita, so this is a top pick for me.
Patron Silver
A clear tequila handcrafted in small batches, Patron makes this blanco tequila in the traditional manner for an authentic tequila experience. This tequila has a distinct character from the 100% Agave used in the hand-numbered bottles. This spirit has a smooth and sweet taste from the agave flavors, but a citrusy aroma that pairs well with lime juice in a classic margarita. The peppery finish is what tequila fans enjoy most, especially in a margarita.
Olmeca Altos Plata
A favorite of bartenders, this Blanco tequila has won numerous awards. The aroma, especially when added to margaritas, presents herbal notes of steamed agave plant with a citrus twist. More citrus tones are also in the taste of this spirit. Notes of lemon and lime add to the tequila’s smooth and long-lasting finish. The result is a flavorful drink made with this delicious tequila, lime, triple sec, and agave syrup if you prefer more sweetness.
Casamigos Reposado
Casamigos doesn’t rush the process of creating their tequila. Starting with mature agave plants at least seven years old, the brand slowly roasts the agave in a traditional brick oven for three days. Slow fermentation with Casamigos proprietary yeast is also used. The resulting spirit is gold in color with fruity notes and some spicy ones from the aging process.
Avion Reposado
The best tequila for margaritas adds something extra to the standard variation. When choosing this reposado, you’ll add distinct fruity and floral notes to your cocktail. While the aroma has more herbal notes, like rosemary, on the palate, this tequila has a sweetly fruity taste. The finish showcases floral notes with hints of honey and citrus.
1800 Silver
A truly balanced tequila, 1800 Silver, is just as enjoyable as a shot as it sipped on the rocks. The smoothness of this spirit makes it feel at home anywhere, especially a sour margarita. The blended tequila adds character with hints of fruit and notes of spicy pepper. None of these flavors is overwhelming, making it an excellent choice for cocktails.
Milagro Reposado
Milagro Reposado has an attractive golden color after being rested for two to four months in American oak barrels. While resting, this tequila develops caramel notes with hints of vanilla and spice. On the palate, caramel is also present, along with peach and black pepper undertones. This tequila brings complex flavors to the classic margarita.
Don Julio Blanco
Another silver tequila with lots of agave flavor upfront, this spirit showcases citrus notes. Hints of grapefruit add a touch of bitterness to the otherwise sweet tequila. This light tequila has a super smooth finish, making it the perfect complement to tangy margaritas. It’s also an excellent option for drinking on the rocks!
Casa Dragones Blanco
What sets the Casa Dragones tequila brand apart is its exceptional water source containing minerals enhancing the spirit’s flavor. Using sustainable practices, this tequila has a strong herbal aroma with notes of green apple. Tasting notes include agave paired with warming spices. This combination adds a new spin to the typical margarita.
Cazadores Reposado
To be considered a reposado, tequila needs to rest for at least two months, but this spirit ages up to a year. The result is a balanced spirit with a pale gold color. Woody notes from the aging process are present, along with hints of vanilla and tropical fruit. This tequila is an excellent choice for margaritas because of its velvety smooth finish.
