Margarita: 7 Best Tequila Brands & 3 Variations (+ Recipe)

Diana Barkley (Senior Editor)

A classic Margarita is one of the most popular and beloved alcoholic drinks out there. We take you through everything there is to know about this beverage, from its origin and history to an incredible step-by-step recipe to make your own Margarita at home.

There is a good reason why a Margarita is one of the most commonly ordered cocktails at any bar or restaurant. This classic drink is packed full of flavor and history alike. If you are interested in learning more about this beloved beverage, then stick around.

Today, we’ll be taking a look at everything about Margaritas, from their complex origin to the best brands of tequila to use when making one of these cocktails.

We’ll also provide a step-by-step recipe for the perfect Margarita that you can make at home. Let’s go ahead and jump right into it.

What Margarita Is

What Margarita Is

A Margarita is an extremely popular cocktail that is a beloved staple on the cocktail menu of many bars and restaurants all over the world. But where exactly did this drink originate?

What ingredients are needed to make it? Let’s go ahead and take a look at some facts that you should know about Margaritas.

Brief History / Origin

Brief History / Origin – Brandy Daisy

The Margarita has one of the most complex and highly disputed origin stories in the world of cocktails. There are several conflicting accounts of how this drink came to be, each of them disputed by several different cocktail historians.

One of the main theories as to how Margaritas came to be is posed by cocktail historian David Wondrich, who says that the Margarita is a variation of a Brandy Daisy cocktail, simply replacing brandy with tequila.

However, there is an account from Iowa newspaper editor James Graham regarding the discovery of a drink matching the description of a Margarita in 1963, well before any other reported accounts of the drink’s existence.

Another story regarding the invention of the drink takes place in 1938, by Carlos "Danny" Herrera at his restaurant Rancho La Gloria. It was said that the Margarita was invented for a regular customer, Marjorie King, who was allergic to many spirits but could drink tequila.

The best-selling brand of tequila Jose Cuervo attributes the invention of the cocktail to a bartender who allegedly created the drink in 1938 in honor of Mexican showgirl Rita de la Rosa. Hussong’s Cantina, a popular bar in Mexico, also claims to have invented the Margarita.

They say that the drink was invented by bartender Don Carlos Orozco in 1941, being named after a frequent customer named Margarita Henkel Cesena.

There are a wide range of other theories as to how this drink came to be. At this stage, there is no definite story regarding the invention of the Margarita.

Whatever the true story is, what we do know is that the drink skyrocketed in popularity, and remains one of the most famous cocktails in the world to this day.

These days, you can find a Margarita on the menu at most cocktail bars and restaurants. This classic drink has maintained its popularity over the years and is a staple drink in most bars.

Ingredients

Ingredients

So, what ingredients go into making a Margarita? This is a very simple cocktail that only has three ingredients. Let’s go ahead and take a look at what you’ll need to whip up one of these beloved cocktails at home.

Tequila – This is one of two alcoholic spirits that are used when making a Margarita. The smooth taste of tequila pairs well with the other ingredients in this drink, as does the slightly sweet and fruity taste that many brands of tequila provide.

Tequila

Triple sec – The second spirit that is included in a Margarita is triple sec, which gives it that iconic orange, fruity flavor. This compliments the subtle sweetness and fruity notes that are present in most tequilas, as well as the lime juice that is present in the drink.

Triple Sec

Lime juice – The final ingredient that is required in order to make a Margarita is freshly squeezed lime juice. This adds a hit of tang and acidity that cuts through the subtle sweetness in the drink. The fruity notes from the lime juice also complement the hints of orange from the triple sec and the fruit undertones in the tequila.

Lime Juice

Some bartenders will include a dash of simple syrup when making a Margarita for an extra boost of sweetness. While this is not a requirement when making the drink, it can be a great addition for those who enjoy a sweeter cocktail.

It is also a good addition to make if you have selected a tequila that is on the bitter side and want to add a bit more sweetness.

Best Tequila Brands for Margarita

Best Tequila Brands for Margarita

If you are planning on trying your hand at whipping up a Margarita at home, you may be asking yourself one question: what is the best brand of tequila to use? That’s where we come in. We’ve compiled our top picks for tequila to use in a Margarita, right here.

Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is one of the most popular liquor brands in the world – and for good reason. If you’re looking for a high-quality, authentic tequila, then this is definitely the way to go.

This tequila is smooth and sweet, with notes of agave and vanilla. The subtle sweetness of this tequila cuts through the tang of the lime juice, leaving you with a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Código 1530 Blanco

Código 1530 Blanco Has a Strong Zesty Kick

If you’re looking for a more citrusy tequila that is really going to bring out the natural flavors of the triple sec and the lime juice, then Código 1530 Blanco is the way to go. This tequila has a strong zesty kick to it that makes it a popular choice when making Margaritas.

El Tequileño Platinum

El Tequileño Platinum

With subtle sweetness and a touch of spice, El Tequileño Platinum is another tequila that is great for Margaritas. This tequila is smooth with a delicate finish, boasting flavors that pair extremely well with the triple sec and lime juice.

Quintaliza Reposado

Quintaliza Reposado Has Caramelized Flavors and Chocolatey Notes

Quintaliza Reposado is on the sweeter side for tequila, with caramelized flavors and chocolatey notes. If you want to make a sweeter Margarita without the use of sugar syrup, then this tequila is a great choice. The smooth mouthfeel and rich flavors make it perfect for cocktails.

La Gritona Tequila Reposado

La Gritona Tequila Reposado

Veering away from sweet tequilas, we have La Gritona Tequila Reposado. There is little to no sweetness in this tequila, just a refreshing and smooth taste. This is a tequila with very simple flavors that pair well with a wide range of other ingredients.

Tapatio Tequila Blanco

Tapatio Tequila Blanco Has a Smoky Taste

This is another tequila that is citrusy with a hint of sweetness and spice. Tapatio Tequila Blanco has a smoky taste that lingers on the tongue and pairs very well with the sharp tang of lime juice, making it the perfect pick for a Margarita.

Tequila Ocho Plata

Tequila Ocho Plata Has Peppery Notes

Another extremely popular and beloved brand of tequila is Tequila Ocho Plata. This tequila is extremely pure and smooth, with floral and peppery notes.

While this tequila is so delicious that it is often sipped plain over ice, it truly shines in a Margarita. While these are not the only brands of tequila that you can use when making a Margarita, these are our top picks for the brands that pair best with the other ingredients of a Margarita.

Feel free to explore different tequila brands to find your perfect Margarita mix.

Recipe – How to Make a Margarita

Recipe – How to Make a Margarita

Have you found yourself wanting to make a Margarita at home? We can’t blame you – that’s why we’ve got the perfect Margarita recipe for you, right here. Let’s go ahead and check it out.

Ingredients:

• 50ml tequila
• 20 ml triple sec
• 25 ml lime juice
• Ice
• Salt (for garnish)
• Lime wedges (for garnish)

Method:

1. Prepare your Margarita glass by sprinkling a few pinches of salt over a saucer. Rub a lime wedge along the rim of your glass, then dip it into the salt so that the rim is covered.
2. In a shaker, add a handful of ice. Pour in your tequila, triple sec, and lime juice.
3. Shake until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
4. Strain the mixture into your prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy.

Just like that, you’ve got yourself the perfect Margarita. If you want a sweeter Margarita, you can always add a shot of simple syrup to your shaker before combining your ingredients.

Time & Occasions for Drinking a Margarita

Time & Occasions for Drinking a Margarita

Since a Margarita is so refreshing and luxurious, this drink is most often enjoyed during the summer. This makes the perfect addition to any vacation, summertime dinner, or gathering. A frozen Margarita in an icy glass is one of the best ways to beat the heat and cool off on a hot day.

That being said, there is no wrong time to enjoy a Margarita. This drink is by no means a seasonal special and can be found on cocktail menus all year long, no matter the season. The simple yet powerful flavors of a Margarita will taste just as incredible no matter what time of year you elect to drink it.

Perfect Pairings

Perfect Pairings

The freshness of the lime juice, the fruity notes of the triple sec, and the subtle sweet burn of the tequila make a Margarita the perfect match for spicy foods. The refreshing elements of the drink combat the heat of the food. Meanwhile, the spicy notes of the tequila are highlighted beautifully.

Try pairing a Margarita with food such as spicy enchiladas, quesadillas, fajitas, or hot chicken wings. When it comes to lighter snacks, spicy corn chips with guacamole or salsa are always a good pairing for a Margarita. The flavors of a Margarita are strong, but not overpowering.

This means that this drink can be paired with a range of different foods without overshadowing the flavors that are present in them.

Best Glass to Serve a Margarita

Best Glass to Serve a Margarita

The best glass to serve a Margarita in is a traditional Margarita glass or a rocks glass. You want to be able to properly salt the rim, so a sturdy glass such as these with a decent-sized lip is preferable.

Many people also choose to serve their Margarita in a chilled or frosted glass in order to keep the drink cooler for longer. In these cases, a thicker glass that maintains that frost is the way to go.

Variations of Margarita

Variations of Margarita

There are a few different, extremely popular, variations of a classic Margarita out there. Some you may have already stumbled across, while some may be completely new to you.

Let’s go ahead and take a look at some common variations of a Margarita that you may find on a cocktail menu.

Strawberry Margarita

Strawberry Margarita

A Strawberry Margarita is one of the most popular Margarita variations out there. In order to make this popular drink, all that you will need to do is blend the ingredients of a classic Margarita together with a handful of frozen strawberries.

This makes for a super frosty and thick cocktail that has a sweet, fruity, and refreshing taste. A Strawberry Margarita is the perfect drink for the summertime – as well as the perfect drink for all strawberry lovers.

Frozen Margarita

Frozen Margarita

A frozen Margarita is simply a thicker and frostier version of a classic Margarita. This drink has a similar texture to a slushie rather than a thin, liquid drink.

To make this, all you need to do is add your Margarita ingredients and a handful of ice into a blender and combine them. A Frozen Margarita is a staple summer drink that is the perfect way to beat the heat.

The blended ice and thick texture keeps the drink frosty and cold for long periods of time and also gives the cocktail a unique mouthfeel.

Spicy Margarita

Spicy Margarita

There are a few different ways to go about making a Spicy Margarita, one of the most common ways being to muddle some slices of jalapeño together in your shaker before adding your ingredients.

The addition of jalapeño slices, or ‘jalapeño coins’, gives this drink a spicy, fiery kick that really highlights the subtle spice of the tequila. If you are on the hunt for a slightly more intense and interesting version of a classic Margarita, then a Spicy Margarita is definitely worth a try.

Similar Cocktails You Will Enjoy

Similar Cocktails You Will Enjoy

Are you a Margarita lover on the hunt for some other cocktails to try out? Then stick around. We’ve compiled a list of cocktails that are similar to a classic Margarita that you are sure to love.

Paloma

Paloma

A Paloma cocktail is a tequila-based drink that combines tequila, lime juice, and a grapefruit-flavored soda such as Fresca or Jarritos.

This cocktail is extremely similar to a Margarita – but rather than the hint of orange from the triple sec, you have the taste of grapefruit from the soda.

This drink is perfect for those who either love Margaritas and want to try something a little different, or those who love grapefruit. This cocktail is fairly popular and can be found on the menu of many cocktail bars and restaurants.

Michelada

Michelada

If you love a classic Margarita but want to try a more unique drink with interesting and complex flavors, then a Michelada cocktail is the way to go.

This is a Mexican drink that is made by combining a range of ingredients such as beer, lime juice, assorted sauces, spices, and chili peppers.

This spicy and intense drink is served in an icy, salt-rimmed glass, just like a Margarita. The complex and refreshing flavors of this drink make it a super unique and delicious tasting cocktail. This one is definitely worth a try if you enjoy a bit of spice in your cocktails.

Ponche

Ponche

Ponche, or Ponche Navideño, is a traditional Mexican punch that is made by combining a huge range of ingredients, including rum, cinnamon, lemon, apples, cloves, and much more.

The complex layers of flavor that this drink possesses are truly unmatched. This punch is a traditional part of many Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations in Mexico but can be enjoyed at any time.

This one is a little more complex to make at home, but if you have the chance to whip it up or spot it on a menu, it is absolutely worth a try.

Sangrita

Sangrita

A Sangrita is a classic cocktail that is made with tequila, grenadine, and a range of juices such as tomato, orange, and lime. A range of other ingredients are often also added to this drink, such as Tabasco and soy sauce. This is another spicy cocktail that most Margarita lovers are sure to be interested in.

The tequila and lime juice that is present in a Sangrita is reminiscent of a Margarita, while the additional juices and sauces add complex layers of flavor and spice.

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