The margarita is a classic cocktail, beloved for its simplicity and endless variations. From fruity riffs to spicy twists, the possibilities are endless.
But have you ever tried a Golden Margarita? The key to this luxurious version lies in the tequila. Is using gold tequila the same as using other types? Let’s find out.
Understanding gold tequila
You may know gold tequila by its other name: joven, which means “young” in Spanish. Gold tequila often contains added flavor and color, and that’s one of the things that distinguishes it from other types of tequila, like blanco (or silver), reposado, and añejo.
Blanco tequila is bottled immediately, while reposado (“rested”) tequila is aged in oak barrels for a period of months, and añejo (“aged”) tequila is aged for a year or more.
Gold tequila vs. other tequilas in a margarita
Gold tequila has a sweeter, earthier flavor than other tequilas. Blanco tequila is now often preferred in margaritas because the cost of good-quality gold tequila has risen.
The Golden Margarita recipe & variations
The Golden Margarita is a simple drink that’s easy to customize to your own tastes. Here’s how to make the classic version, plus a few variations.
Classic Golden Margarita Recipe
The basic ingredients are gold tequila, orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec, Cointreau, or Grand Marnier), lime juice, and a splash of sour mix. The exact ratios are up to you, but a good starting point is 2 parts tequila, 1 part orange liqueur, 1 part lime juice, and a splash of sour mix.
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. The salt rim is key to balancing the sweetness and tartness of the drink!
Recipe Variations & Customization
One easy way to customize your Golden Margarita is to play around with the orange liqueur. Cointreau will give you a smoother, more citrusy flavor, while Grand Marnier will add a hint of cognac. You can also add a splash of orange juice for extra sweetness and color.
For a truly decadent drink, try a “Golden Grand Margarita” with top-shelf tequila and Grand Marnier. The possibilities are endless!
Fresh vs. Bottled Margarita Mix
A Golden Margarita is all about quality, and that starts with the sour mix. You could use a bottled mix, but I wouldn’t recommend it. Here’s why:
- Fresh is Best: Fresh lime juice and a little simple syrup will give you a brighter, cleaner flavor that no bottled mix can match.
- Bottled is Bogus: Most bottled mixes contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colors that can make your margarita taste fake and overly sweet.
Making your own sour mix is easy: just combine lime juice and simple syrup to taste!
JOSE CUERVO RTD GOLDEN MARGARITA
Jose Cuervo also offers a ready-to-drink (RTD) Golden Margarita. This is a pre-mixed option that’s designed for convenience.
The RTD version contains Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila, triple sec, agave nectar, and lime juice.
RTD margaritas are designed for people who want a quick and easy cocktail without having to mix it themselves.
To Conclude
The golden margarita is all about using gold tequila and fresh ingredients. The recipe is easy to adapt, so you can make it your own.
Whether you make a golden margarita at home or pick up an RTD version, it’s a delicious choice.
Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find your perfect golden margarita!