Have you ever entered a spirits store searching for the ideal tequila for your margaritas, only to feel completely swamped by the choices? Typically, when the store personnel approach to help, I end up saying, “No, thanks!” in a hurry, snatch the nearest bottle, and rush to the checkout.
While I can recognize a quality tequila by taste, explaining what I’m after is where I struggle, making the task of choosing from the myriad of options feel daunting. These days, perusing the shelves is akin to reading a tabloid, with celebrity-endorsed tequilas popping up left and right, each one beckoning like a personalized advertisement.
Moreover, the decision carries weight for me. Since I don’t drink tequila often, any bottle I buy is likely to last. I need a straightforward, expert recommendation on what to purchase—a tequila consultant, if you will. With this in mind, I consulted several mixology experts to find out their top tequila picks for margaritas. To my surprise, they introduced me to a new favorite: LALO Blanco Tequila.
The Experts I Consulted
- Julianna McIntosh: Co-host of The Art of Drinking podcast and author of Pretty Simple Cocktails
- Suzanne Critchlow: Beverage Director at Pascual in Washington, DC
- Natalie Migliarini: Drinks influencer and author of Beautiful Booze: Stylish Cocktails to Make at Home
- Ricardo Flores: Bar Manager at Hot Tin and Bayou Bar in New Orleans
The Favorite Tequila for Margaritas According to Experts
What initially drew me to LALO was its affordability. A 750-ml bottle costs about $40, which is less than I’ve previously spent on less satisfying options. LALO is a blanco, or unaged, tequila, making it an excellent choice for a crisp, refreshing margarita. It’s made from only three ingredients—agave, yeast, and water—ensuring a pure flavor.
The simplicity and purity were key factors for the experts I consulted. “It’s certified additive-free,” McIntosh pointed out, “which gives it a vibrant, agave-forward taste that’s very smooth.” She also appreciated the subtle layers of flavor in LALO, noting its hints of cinnamon and citrus that make it particularly appealing for a margarita, as these flavors can be playfully integrated into the drink.
Critchlow concurred, stating, “LALO has a dominant citrus profile with gentle nuances of spice and floral notes. These flavors harmonize beautifully with the traditional components of a margarita.”
Indeed, with so few ingredients in the drink—just tequila, triple sec, and fresh lime juice—choosing a high-quality tequila is essential, as Migliarini explained. “You can really taste the quality of each component,” she said. “LALO focuses solely on producing blanco tequila of the highest quality, which results in a vibrant flavor profile of citrus and spice that perfectly complements and enhances a margarita.”
Flores added, “LALO is celebrated for its smooth, crisp taste and its clean finish, making it a flexible and inviting choice that lets it excel in a margarita without overwhelming the other ingredients.”
I took their advice and whipped up a batch of my favorite spicy margaritas over the weekend using my new bottle of LALO. I can confidently say this bottle won’t be gathering dust. The clarity and distinct flavors of LALO were unlike any tequila I’ve tried before. I savored every nuanced sip.
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Riley Morgan simplifies health and wellness topics, providing readers with practical advice and insights. Dedicated to empowering others, Riley covers everything from mental health to medical breakthroughs.
