One of the most popular classic cocktails among leisure-lovers all across the Americas is the margarita, as they deliver a perfect marriage of sweet, sour, and salty. Traditionally made with fresh lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur, margaritas are served blended with ice or unblended and poured over ice (also known as “on the rocks”). They can be perfectly customized down to every last detail using a wide range of fruits, flavors, different quality liquors, liqueurs, and garnishes.
However, there is age-old, ongoing dispute over which type of tequila makes a better margarita; light or dark? Some will say that a true margarita is made with aged gold tequila, while many others will argue that Blanco tequila is the best.
If you love margaritas but have never understood which kind of tequila to order them with, you are not alone. Continue reading to learn the difference between silver and gold tequila, and some tips on using them to make margaritas.
Gold Tequila is Aged Tequila
Gold tequila is colloquially referred to as dark tequila, or aged tequila. This version is made by distilling the juice from a blue agave plant and turning it into a liquor. Most dark tequila brands that are not aged are not 100% pure agave. They are usually mixes that only contain around 51% agave tequila.
Dark tequila can get its color from two different places: wood barrels or caramel additives. For instance, Reposado (rested) in 200-liter white oak barrels for at least 2 months, while Añejo (aged) tequila is aged for 12 months. Reposado and Añejo are the only tequilas that have to be aged according to regulations.
Aside from wood barrels, the dark color can also come from caramel coloring and sugar that is added to the batch before fermentation. Most of the time, these additives are for the purpose of mimicking the gold hue of high quality aged tequilas. However, they are also attributed to giving the tequila a smoother taste, which is why they are the preferred choice for taking shots.
Silver Tequila is Agave Tequila
Silver tequila is also known as light, white, or Blanco tequila since it has a clear, transparent color similar to vodka or gin. It is distilled in stainless steel containers and can be either 100% pure agave or a mix. Similar to dark tequila, it is derived from the blue agave plant and distilled into a liquor, but the rather than aging, it is usually bottled right after distillation. In fact, it is rarely ever aged, and if so, only for a very short amount of time. This makes many tequila drinkers believe that it has a harsher taste, given that it is not aged like higher quality tequilas.
Choosing a Tequila for Your Margarita
When it comes to making a great, classic margarita, the truth is that both light and dark tequilas are well-suited for the job; it really comes down to personal preference. But if you were to ask the professionals, they will likely tell you to go for the Gold. Gold tequila tends to have sweeter notes and a smoother finish, making them especially perfect for frozen margaritas.
Ready for a frosty, frothy margarita customized to your liking? Visit English Ivy’s in Downtown Indianapolis for daily food and drink specials and more! Join us every Wednesday for $4 margaritas, $7 Patrons, and $3 Coronas! We also accept takeout and call ahead orders!
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