I would like to make margaritas for a 4th of July BBQ we are having on Monday. As much as I like my guests, I don't think I want to use $50 tequila in their margaritas (just because I don't really think they would appreciate it). Any recommendations for budget "party" margarita tequila? Let's say under $35. I was thinking maybe El Tesoro Platinum ($35) or Cazadores Blanco or Reposado ($23/$27). I have had these in bars but don't remember them that well. Any suggestions?

Those would be plenty good for margaritas, and you can get away with cheaper really. Do you have a Costco or Sam's Club near you? I like Kirkland's margarita mix a lot and just get that now - $11 for 1.75L, tequila already mixed in, tastes good. If you already have mix or are making them from scratch you could pick up a big 1.75L bottle of something like Hornitos reposado for under $35.

Shelly, both the ones you listed would be in my top three. The third would be Sauza Hornitos. I'd go with the El Tesoro.

Absolutely classic. I can't stand the stuff made with mixes.

Personally, I go dirt cheap with Sauza Gold for the tequila, and spend a bit more by using Cointreau instead of Triple Sec...

El Tesoro ftw, especially if you are taking the trouble to use fresh ingredients.

This is per Becky, as you know I am a non cocktail person, and wish to retain my good standing in that proud club.

Just trying to help a friend out, especially in light of the Red Sox likely sweep of the stro's this weekend.

Edited July 2, 201114 yr by agile_one

I like the hornitos as much as any top shelf tequila.

I agree with my cocktailians and closet cocktailian, but I would probably pick Cazadores Reposado if I were making them. Plus, I recently learned that triple sec or cointreau are not needed at all with decent tequila and fresh lime and sugar. The tequila flavor comes through more and it is the true classic, I believe.

Bought some El Tesoro Platinum and just opened the bottle to sip a bit. It is really quite nice!

I thought I had a bunch of Cointreau left but just found out that it is almost gone. I have plenty of other orange liqueurs to use however: Gran Gala, Senor Curacao, Paula's Texas Orange Liqueur (and GM which I will save for myself) so I should be ok there.

Gene: I will be quietly rooting for the Red Sox this Sunday in Minute Maid Park. Actually, the Stros suck so bad this year, it doesn't actually hurt to see them lose anymore... it is just a fact of life.

Edited July 2, 201114 yr by shellylh

After some thought, I decided to go back and get some more Cointreau, it just works in a margarita.

After some thought, I decided to go back and get some more Cointreau, it just works in a margarita.

Agreed.

Yeah? I'll have to check that out!

i actually prefer Gran Gala. has more bite.

I will have to scientifically test that tomorrow. I ran out of limes tonight.

Shelly, if you can get Clement Creole Shrubb, definitely try that. It's amazing. Plus, I need more

it's cheaper, too.

Shelly, if you can get Clement Creole Shrubb, definitely try that. It's amazing. Plus, I need more

So much good stuff I can't try in Nova Scotia. Stupid regulated liquor board

but at least you don't get fire ants

They regulate fire ants in Nova Scotia?

Shelly, if you can get Clement Creole Shrubb, definitely try that. It's amazing. Plus, I need more

They claim to have it at Specs downtown! I'll be sure to pick up a bottle of that the next time I am there.

That's great to know. That's where a friend got the VSOP for me. I have him grab another bottle when he comes this way. The Shrubb works very well in any drink calling for a curaçao and sometimes you can use it for triple sec. I think you'll like it. It has a very nice vanilla hint that goes very well with a reposado tequila for whatever reason. Not a combo I would have guessed, but very nice now that I've tried it.

but at least you don't get fire ants

Yeah we do. And they regulate the pesticides you are allowed to use on them as well...

But at least you have Kraft Dinner. Or do you just say 'KD?'. That's not regulated, is it?

Back on topic (almost) ... Anyone into mescal? I would like a really good bottle or two.

And Shelly, I'm looking forward to the results of your science experiment!

Edited July 3, 201114 yr by jvlgato

But at least you have Kraft Dinner. Or do you just say 'KD?'. That's not regulated, is it?

I'm sure that it is regulated in some way!

Back on topic (almost) ... Anyone into mescal? I would like a really good bottle or two.And Shelly, I'm looking forward to the results of your science experiment!

Oooooh, my teenage experiences with mezcal were pretty bad. I don't touch the stuff.

Edited July 3, 201114 yr by Beefy

Had my first shots of Mezcal last week. Tasted like gasoline

And Shelly, I'm looking forward to the results of your science experiment!

Headed to the store for limes right now!