Which tequila is better for margaritas? Gold or Silver?
People go crazy over margaritas. Whether or not you know much about tequila or even enjoy drinking it, chances are you’ve ordered a margarita at some point in your life.
They’re a go-to drink to make in batches for parties and days spent at the pool, but they can also be very high-end, as some tequilas costing a few hundred dollars per bottle, and upwards of thousands of dollars for the rarest and most expensive ones.
Typically, margaritas (whether homemade or at the bar) are made from silver or white tequila, with Patrón as a very popular, mid-priced choice. It has also become very popular with celebrities, with some even starting their own brand (such as Rande Gerber and George Clooney with Casamigos).
Many people are now declaring tequila is their drink of choice, given the fact it’s one of the healthiest of all types of alcohol. This is because it’s the lowest in sugar and has the cleanest process for how it’s made.
That brings us back to margaritas, which can range from being sugary and cheap to simple and expensive. This might leave you wondering, is gold tequila or silver tequila better for margaritas? Read on to find out.
What Is The History Of Tequila, And How Is It Made?
To understand which is the better tequila for making margaritas, we must first understand the history of tequila and the process in which it is made. Believe it or not, tequila is reported to be 2,000 years old, with its origins stemming from special ceremonies in Mexico.
In fact, legend has it tequila was created on top of a volcano and blessed by the gods. At one time, there were two competing families who produced tequila in Mexico; the Cuervos and the Sauzas.
They had a deeply-rooted rivalry that lasted for many years. Now, you can find countless tequila distilleries and brands throughout the country. It’s a drink that can be enjoyed by everyone at any (legal) age. As for its name? This drink got its name from the town of Tequila, which is near Guadalajara.
For centuries, it was used ceremoniously, just as it was when it originated. However, in roughly the last hundred years or so, it developed into alcohol to be used for drinks and shots. Now it’s used to get the party going or to be sipped on slowly and savored.
All types of tequila are made from the blue agave plant, and it has to be made in a certain region, or it’s considered mezcal. To make tequila, agave is first harvested and processed (baked). Then, once it is cooked well enough, it is crushed to release the juice. These juices then move on to the fermentation and distilling processes.
The end result is tequila, which can then either be bottled or aged in barrels. Some companies are very traditional, using large stones and donkeys to help crush the agave plant for its juice, while others are fully using machinery to make the process easier.
What started as a drink that supposedly came from the gods is now a commonplace beverage you can find in any bar, restaurant, and most households. And that’s not even considering all the delicious cocktails that you can find it in!
What’s The Difference Between Gold And Silver Tequila?
The obvious difference between the two types of tequila is the color, with silver tequila being clear in color and gold tequila being an amber/caramel color that can range in shades of light and dark.
The biggest and most important difference between the two is how long they are aged, which gives them a difference in color and flavor. Silver tequila is typically bottled immediately after it is distilled, but it can age for a maximum of two months.
It is also distilled in stainless steel, which prevents it from changing or acquiring any color. Basically, this is what keeps it clear in color. The taste is also different from gold tequila. Silver tequila is strong and harsh, which is why people use lemon or lime to neutralize it in drinks or shots.
Gold tequila is distilled in barrels. These barrels are what give the tequila its golden color (although some brands do add in coloring). The length of time spent in the barrels makes the shade of gold vary, with a longer amount of time resulting in a darker shade.
The longer gold tequila ages in the barrel, the more expensive and high-quality it will be. Typically it is aged anywhere from 60 days to a year, but some brands will age it for years.
So, Which Kind Works Better In Margaritas?
Now, to finally answer the question at hand: which is better for making a margarita? While at the end of the day, it really is your preference, mixologists and tequila experts agree that there is a better choice when it comes to tequila for margaritas.
The tequila winner across the board for margaritas is silver or white (plata or blanco). This is because silver tequila ages for the shortest amount of time, giving it the strongest and purest taste so it can cut through the other flavorings that you’re adding.
When you use silver tequila for margaritas, you are getting a pure tequila taste, which will blend well with other flavorings and mixes. People prefer to sip on gold tequila rather than diluting it into mixed drinks because it has a more unique flavor profile.
How Do You Make A Margarita? How Do You Make A Margarita?
One of the best things about margaritas is that they are so versatile and customizable. You can make them with pretty much any flavor combination you can think of. When out at the bar, you’ll likely see the option for frozen margaritas, which are sugary and sweet and perfect for a hot summer’s day. But not all margaritas are like that!
Regular margaritas contain lime juice, tequila, and salt or sugar around the rim, with other flavors as well. Many people like to play with the flavor profiles of different recipes and create margaritas using fresh juice and fruit wedges. Tequila also pairs well with spice, making things like jalapeno and cayenne popular additions.
Other than that, they are typically fruit-based drinks. The basic things you will need to make a margarita on the rocks is silver tequila, limes, salt or sugar, and some sort of flavoring (although some like their margaritas as just tequila with a bit of lime juice). They also frequently contain triple sec or Cointreau for an extra boost of flavor.
Start by rimming your cup— dab it in lime juice or water, and then add your coarse salt or sugar. Many people consider margaritas made best in a shaker, so add your ice, all your ingredients, and get to shaking. Pour into your glass and enjoy! Once you’ve mastered the single-serving margarita, consider trying big batch options or more unique flavor profiles for your next party.
If you want to make a frozen margarita, you will just need ice, silver tequila, and a margarita mix for the simplest method. Blend all these things together, and you’re good to go.
Conclusion
When it comes down to it, silver tequila is better for margaritas than gold tequila. They are aged differently, with silver tequila boasting a stronger, purer taste while being clear in color. Its simplicity makes it the perfect companion to mixed drinks, as it matches beautifully with other flavor profiles.
Gold tequila is best served solo, as it is meant to be sipped and savored. It is aged in barrels for months or years, resulting in a range of light to dark amber and caramel colors.
Tequila has been around for roughly 2,000 years, and it has been used in mixed drinks and shots for around one hundred of those years. Today, you can easily make your own margarita with a few simple ingredients, including silver tequila, limes, and salt or sugar. And as for the best place to get your tequila? Saucey is here for all your alcohol needs.
