What tequila would you recommend if you want a very smooth but not overly expensive bottle for margarittas?!
Answers:
Well first things first!. Only drink 100% agave tequila!. Anything that doesn't say that on the label is only 51% agave, with the rest being corn sweeteners and grain alcohol (which give people the hangover often associated with tequila)!.
Then remember the aging classifications:
Blanco - not aged (sometimes called silver)
Reposado - minimally aged, 2 months up to 1 year (sometimes called gold)
Anejo - heavily aged, 1-3 years
Generally the more it's aged, the darker the color, smoother the flavor and more expensive!. Do avoid ones like Cuervo Black which add caramel color (sugar) to achieve the dark color rather than the traditional methods!.
For margaritas, anejo is a waste both taste and $$ wise!. Go for a blanco or reposado!.
If you want the best margarita in the world, skip the pre-made mixes and do the following:
(per margarita):
juice from 1 lime, freshly squeezed
1 TBS agave nectar or bar syrup
1-2 TBS water
2 oz!. 100% agave tequila
You can add a splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier if you like, but remember: orange liqueur is French, not Mexican, and while common these days, they are not traditional in margaritas!. Skip the triple sec altogether if you are adding orange liqueur!.
As for brands of tequila that aren't "overly" expensive, I would recommend the following, which you should find for $25 or less for a 750ml bottle:
Cabrito
Cazadores
Puerto Vallarta
1800
Cuervo Tradicional (one of only 2 Cuervo brands that are any good)
Milagro
------------------------------
The El Jimador that "honeybee" recommended above USED to be 100% agave, and now is not, except for their anejo!. It's are made by Herradura (generally an excellent producer) and they "cheapened" the El Jimador to better compete with Cuervo!. Unless you get their anejo, stay with ones that say 100% agave on them!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Then remember the aging classifications:
Blanco - not aged (sometimes called silver)
Reposado - minimally aged, 2 months up to 1 year (sometimes called gold)
Anejo - heavily aged, 1-3 years
Generally the more it's aged, the darker the color, smoother the flavor and more expensive!. Do avoid ones like Cuervo Black which add caramel color (sugar) to achieve the dark color rather than the traditional methods!.
For margaritas, anejo is a waste both taste and $$ wise!. Go for a blanco or reposado!.
If you want the best margarita in the world, skip the pre-made mixes and do the following:
(per margarita):
juice from 1 lime, freshly squeezed
1 TBS agave nectar or bar syrup
1-2 TBS water
2 oz!. 100% agave tequila
You can add a splash of Cointreau or Grand Marnier if you like, but remember: orange liqueur is French, not Mexican, and while common these days, they are not traditional in margaritas!. Skip the triple sec altogether if you are adding orange liqueur!.
As for brands of tequila that aren't "overly" expensive, I would recommend the following, which you should find for $25 or less for a 750ml bottle:
Cabrito
Cazadores
Puerto Vallarta
1800
Cuervo Tradicional (one of only 2 Cuervo brands that are any good)
Milagro
------------------------------
The El Jimador that "honeybee" recommended above USED to be 100% agave, and now is not, except for their anejo!. It's are made by Herradura (generally an excellent producer) and they "cheapened" the El Jimador to better compete with Cuervo!. Unless you get their anejo, stay with ones that say 100% agave on them!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
anything that says reposado on it is what you want to look for tequila-wise!.
of course, if you dont want it to be expensive you won't be able to afford anything reposado because those are the top shelf tequilas!.
after that there is a steady drop off!. to be honest!.!. there isnt much difference bettween the 8 dollar half gallon of generic whatever tequila and the 20 dollar fifth of jose cuervo!. here we have "tortilla gold"!.
since you're obviously looking for an improvement quality wise!.!.!. you're not going to get that using cuervo!.
im not sure if what you want exists!.!.!. i would check your local liquor stores sales shelves or lists for that month!. you can often find a 30-40 bottle of something like herradura or cabbo wabbo on sale!. it won't be reposado but it'll be an upgrade from jose!.
my personal favorite is the don!.!.!. don julio anejoWww@FoodAQ@Com
of course, if you dont want it to be expensive you won't be able to afford anything reposado because those are the top shelf tequilas!.
after that there is a steady drop off!. to be honest!.!. there isnt much difference bettween the 8 dollar half gallon of generic whatever tequila and the 20 dollar fifth of jose cuervo!. here we have "tortilla gold"!.
since you're obviously looking for an improvement quality wise!.!.!. you're not going to get that using cuervo!.
im not sure if what you want exists!.!.!. i would check your local liquor stores sales shelves or lists for that month!. you can often find a 30-40 bottle of something like herradura or cabbo wabbo on sale!. it won't be reposado but it'll be an upgrade from jose!.
my personal favorite is the don!.!.!. don julio anejoWww@FoodAQ@Com
keep in mind that you're flavoring the drink with a lime mix and a orange flavored sweetener!. After you pick a good, (not great or expensive) tequila then the orange liquor is the next most important ingredient!. I use cuervo gold and a good orange liquor!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
i would have to say that if your mixing it with other items, you don't rally need that great of a tequila!. Cuervo or even montezuma will do!. patron it meant for sipping straight!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Buy an Anejo Tequila such as Tres Generations Anejo!. It is inexpensive for the quality of taste!. Anejo's are aged in Oak Barrels longer which allow them to develop a more rounded pleasant flavor!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
Stay AWAY from Cuervo! We make Margaritas from scratch at our house and we really like El Jimador!. It is very smooth and reasonably priced!.Www@FoodAQ@Com
PATRONE IS PROLLY UR BEST BET, BUT IT IS A LIL PRICEY DEPENDING ON UR RANGE!.
THERE'S also 1800 AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE JOSE CUERVO!!Www@FoodAQ@Com
THERE'S also 1800 AND MY PERSONAL FAVORITE JOSE CUERVO!!Www@FoodAQ@Com
PatronasWww@FoodAQ@Com
I like Jose Cuervo Gold!Www@FoodAQ@Com
Go with Jose, mmmWww@FoodAQ@Com
joseWww@FoodAQ@Com