You may not know exactly why you’re celebrating Cinco de Mayo (you should, it’s interesting!), just that it’s a chance to enjoy Mexican beer, tequila, and mezcal throughout the coming holiday weekend. In a nutshell, the day isn’t Mexican Independence Day, as many people wrongly believe. That day is actually September 16th. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of the pivotal Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican army defeated the French on May 5th, 1862.
Regardless of how deep you dive into the history of Cinco de Mayo, the celebration aspects are well established. Meaning you’re probably going to need a margarita or two to wash down all the tacos you’re sure to eat. To help you out, we asked some of your favorite bartenders to tell us their go-to tequilas to mix into a marg.
Check out their answers below!
Don Fulano Reposado
Josh Cameron, head bartender at Boulton & Watt in New York
“Don Fulano Reposado. It’s so smooth and stands apart from most reposados thanks to its subtle aging in French Oak barrels. On top of that, the guys who make it are genuine tequila makers who launched their company from agave farming roots and still don’t take them themselves too seriously. Don Fulano literally means “Some Nobody Guy.”
Don Julio Silver
Neil Minger, head bartender at Ellington’s Mid Way Bar & Grill in Nashville
“I’m a huge tequila fan but am a purist — so I don’t like to mix too much. If I had to choose, it would be Don Julio Silver. It’s the best mainstream tequila on the market. The silver tastes like ripe pineapple and fresh roasted agave, it’s fantastic in a margarita.”
Tapatio 110
Casey Lyons, lead bartender at Pacific Hideaway in Huntington Beach, California
“What’s my favorite tequila to mix into a Margarita? Tapatio 110. Price and Punch. Neither can be beaten in a margarita format.”
Roca Patron
Cody Goldstein, cocktail consultant of muddling memories at The Flying Cock in New York City
“My favorite tequila would have to be Roca Patron. It is definitely a little more premium than your typical tequila for a margarita, but it’s totally worth it. The Reposado is my favorite, as it has notes of vanilla, ginger, and citrus which add a unique flavor to a margarita. It is also incredibly smooth, and I love the hint of amber color it adds after being slightly aged. I also really like how it is 42% abv, as it makes the tequila more pronounced compared to most 40% abv styles.”
Fortaleza Still Strength
Daniel Condliffe, lead bartender at JSix in San Diego
“What’s my go-to tequila to mix into a Margarita? Fortaleza still strength. I feel bad mixing said product but it’s at a higher proof and has its own complexity that stands out.”
Espolòn Blanco
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Ivy Mix, bartender at Leyenda Brooklyn Cocteleria in New York City
“What’s my favorite tequila to mix into a Margarita and why? I love Espolòn. It’s great for a Classic Margarita and it’s the best bang for your buck.”
Cimarron Reposado
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Andrew Erickson, bartender at L27 in Nashville
“Cimarron Reposado is the best valued Margarita tequila in my opinion. It will not break the bank and has a lot of flavor to add to any tequila cocktail. It has enough of an alcohol kick that lets you know its there, but it is not overly dominant. The aged tequila adds subtle notes of cinnamon, and I, like a lot of people, enjoy a spicy margarita.”
Altos Olmeca
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Lacy Hawkins, brand ambassador of Monkey 47 Gin
“I love an Altos Olmeca Tequila Margarita. Altos Olmeca is affordable enough to stock up for a big party and so delicious that even the non-tequila drinkers end up enjoying a few cocktails. The Altos Olmeca Reposado also makes a killer Tommy’s Margarita.”
Fortaleza Blanco
Jason O’Bryan, spirits director at The Florence in San Diego
“What I want from a Margarita tequila is persistent roasted agave flavor, and Fortaleza Blanco is the all-time favorite. Made by Guillermo Sauza the same way his great great grandfather made it 100+ years ago, it’s bursting at the seams with roasted agave, complemented with creamy vanilla and white & green pepper and everything I look for in a lowland tequila.”
Casamigos Reposado
Michael Rutherford, general manager at International Smoke in San Diego
“What’s my go-to tequila to mix into a Margarita and why? Casamigo’s Repo brings a nice richness to a margarita that I deeply appreciate.”
Maestro Dobel
Alex Vines, bartender at Fulton Alley in New Orleans
“Maestro Dobel is my favorite because it is an Anejo tequila that’s distilled until its clear. This tequila blends very well with other flavors including lime and blue agave.”
Tequila Chinaco
Sean Stangle at Estiatorio Milos in Las Vegas
“Tequila was my first love, (sorry, Sara). When crafting an ideal margarita, I try my best to stick to a 100% agave Blanco tequila, unaged. This is what the original cocktail was created with. I’ve always been fond of Tequila Chinaco, descending from Mexican royalty, this distillery has shown its merits through a continued quality product.”
