Your Guide to Tequila and the Perfect Margarita

The way I look at it, the margarita is to cocktails what pizza is to food.

And no, it’s not just because there’s a margarita pizza, although that happy coincidence might help my case. I say this because, like pizza, the margarita has a simple, crowd-pleasing base that’s wildly popular on its own but also easily adapted with a wide range of ingredients. Another fun similarity? You can add pineapple to both. And I’ll go ahead and say it: adding pineapple to a margarita is way less controversial than putting it on pizza.

The margarita’s simple ingredients and full-flavored profile make it an approachable drink for those just getting into the world of cocktails. But even with its simplicity, there’s a surprising amount of variety in how it’s made and served and those differences matter. In this blog, I’ll explore the different ways a margarita can be made, so you can look like a pro the next time you head out for marg night with your friends.

Tequila

Tequila is, without a doubt, the most important ingredient in a margarita, it makes up most of the drink’s volume. Knowing more about the tequila you’re drinking can help you better understand what’s coming to your table when you order.

All tequilas are made from the blue agave plant and must come from the Mexican state of Jalisco (or a few approved surrounding regions). The key differences between types of tequila come down to the aging process:

• Blanco tequila is clear, unaged, and typically used in cocktails. It has a clean, bold agave flavor.

• Reposado tequila is aged in barrels for 2 to 12 months. This process adds complexity and softens the sharper edges of the spirit, giving it subtle notes of oak, vanilla, or spice.

• Añejo tequila is aged for 1 to 3 years, developing deeper flavors, like caramel, oak, and earthiness, and a smoother finish.

The longer a tequila has aged, the more flavor it draws from the barrel. This is something to keep in mind when choosing a margarita, as the type of tequila used can drastically affect the drink’s profile.

Types of Margaritas

There are about a million riffs on the margarita, but a few core styles are worth knowing. Across all margaritas, you’ll always find tequila and fresh lime, but the other ingredients can vary quite a bit.

Classic Margarita

Cucumber Margarita

The classic margarita is a "daisy-style" cocktail, in fact, margarita is the Spanish word for daisy. In a daisy cocktail, the sweetness typically comes from a liqueur rather than a sugar syrup.

A classic margarita usually features:

• Tequila

• Fresh lime juice

• An orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau

Some bartenders will also add a splash of simple syrup for balance. The exact liqueur and proportions may vary depending on where you’re drinking.

Frozen Margarita

Many people are introduced to margaritas through frozen (or even virgin) versions, which can give the impression that frozen is the standard. But unless it’s specified on the menu, or you ask for it, a margarita usually comes shaken and served over ice or up.

That said, margaritas make excellent frozen cocktails. Their bold flavors, rich tequila, zesty lime, and sweet orange, stand up well to dilution from the ice. A frozen margarita is perfect for a hot summer day.

Tommy’s Margarita

Lychee Margarita

Tommy’s Margarita is a modern variation that swaps out the orange liqueur and simple syrup for agave nectar. This thick, honey-like sweetener is made from the same plant as tequila and brings a clean, natural sweetness that complements the spirit beautifully.

Personally, this is my favorite way to enjoy a margarita, the agave syrup enhances the agave flavor of the tequila without tasting overly sweet or artificial.

Spicy Margarita

Spicy Mango Margarita

The spicy margarita has surged in popularity in recent years, and I’m absolutely here for it.

Why does it work so well? A classic margarita already hits all the major flavor notes: sweet, sour, salty, and boozy. Adding heat brings the whole thing together with an extra layer of complexity.

You can add spice to a margarita in several ways:

• Muddling fresh peppers (like jalapeño or serrano)

• Using spicy bitters

• Infusing the tequila with chili peppers

It’s bold, balanced, and just the right amount of kick.

Next time you order a margarita, take a moment to look at the ingredients and ask yourself what kind of tequila is being used. Maybe even try something new, a Tommy’s version, a smoky mezcal twist, or that pineapple addition we talked about (trust me, it works).