Need help with tequila

[Luanne]

Not with drinking it, but with buying it. I decided to start making my own margaritas. Never done it before so I'm kind of clueless about what kind of tequila to buy. There are so many choices! Any types, brands, etc. I should consider. Thanks from a tequila newbie.

[barndweller]

Bought some Hornitos for Margaritas. It was the only brand I recognized and it was on sale. The Margaritas were tasty!

[tonyg]

Try rum instead.

[Ryne08]

Costco has an excellent brand of Anejo Tequilla Ultra Premiun Extra Aged; but they sell an awesome Premium Golden Margarita ready to drink made with their Anejo Tequila.

Plus, Costco also sell a non-alcoholic premium margarita cocktail mix.

[rikkis_playpen]

Perhaps a tasting party is a good idea! There have to be some other forum members in your general area- so name a time and place and have everybody bring a different brand! Immediately after the party, everyone can try to type in replies on the thread about which drink was their favorite (or at least which one they can REMEMBER as their favorite!)..

While those of us who aren't geographically close to you wouldn't be able to participate- we could live vicariously and get a few laughs from the after posts!

Just a thought..

[gophish]

Here are a few basics.

Buy a 100% blue agave. It has to be that to be tequila. Others are a mix and need only be 51% blue agave and the rest is other distilled sugars.

The types of tequila:

Silver(blanco or white) -
Is bottled right after distilling with no or little (2 Months or less) or aging.
this is the cheapest form of tequila and has all the flavors from the pressing and fermenting process. Used mainly for mixed drinks and is usually harsh when drank straight.

Reposado - This is the middle form of tequila. It is aged between 2 months and 11 months and takes on smoothness and character during this aging. It is excellent for both mixed drinks and sipping. This is my choice due to it's versatility and reasonable price.

Anejo - This is the higher form of tequila. It is aged for at least 1 year and has characteristics and smoothness like a good whiskey or scotch. This is best for sipping and would be a waste to use for mixed drinks.

As I said I would recommend buying a reposado as it is much better tasting even in mixed drink and will also be good if you want to try sipping it.

There are lots and lots of brands of tequila. A couple of good ones in my opinion are 1921, don Abraham, Arette, and El Ultimo.
You can also ask at your local liquor store.

Hope these basics are helpful but here is as web site with much more info:
tequila.com

[Luanne]

Originally Posted by tonyg

Try rum instead.

Not for a margarita thank you.

[Luanne]

Thanks for all of the replies and suggestions (I like the tasting party idea, but I'd probably be more confused....and drunk.........after that). Dh said we'll get it at Costco (due to pricing) so I'd better go in with some ideas.

[chellej]

After a similar search we ended up with a good mixer (tried several scratch recipes but prefer Jose Cuervo or On the Border) Reposado Tequila (I agree to ask your local store for recomendations) and Grand Marnier. 3 parts mixer to 1 part tequila to 1/2 part grand Marnier. Brought back Arette from Puerto Vallarta and really enjoyed it.

[Ryne08]

gophish thanks for the educational lesson on the various varieties of tequila !!!!