A golden Margarita is a richer, bolder type of margarita and it’s got a whole lot to do with the tequila you use. If you taste it right alongside a regular Margarita it will be quite different.
This post may contain affiliate links. This post is meant for those of legal drinking age.
What is Golden Margarita ?
A golden Margarita is one that requires either gold or reposado tequila. The key difference is that reposado tequila is an aged tequila blanco (or silver), and as such it’s smoother, sweeter, with some caramel and vanilla notes. Gold tequila is only half agave, and half other sugars. Which you choose to use is up to you and your tastes, but the hue needs to be golden for the Margarita to look right.
I used gold tequila simply because it’s what I had on hand, but if you want a smoother flavor feel free to use reposado. Here’s how to make a golden Margarita.
Golden Margarita Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz tequila gold or reposado
- 0.75 oz triple sec
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 0.5 oz orange juice
- granulated sugar for the rim optional
Instructions
- If you want a sugar rim, wet the rim of a Margarita glass, dip it in the sugar, set aside.
- In a shaker combine tequila, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, orange juice, ice. Shake very well.
- Strain into Margarita glass.
Notes
When is this drink best ?
I think a golden Margarita is a great summer cocktail, just as any Margarita is. It’s strong, it’s a little fruity, it’s sweet and sour and it’s most likely going to please a crowd. Any Margarita is a safe bet, and so is golden Margarita.
My thoughts on Golden Margarita
I found the golden Margarita pretty good, especially considering I used gold tequila and not reposado.
The overall flavor is that of tequila, but mellowed by the simple syrup and triple sec. The splash of orange juice really helps the flavor, and also warms the golden hue. I wouldn’t say this version is an improvement on the original, but it definitely tastes a little mellower than a silver tequila-based Margarita. I imagine a reposado-based one would be even better.
If you like Golden Margarita, you might also like…
Texas Margarita – a much sourer version of Margarita
Italian Margarita – a Margarita with amaretto instead of triple sec
Classic Margarita – the classic version, but shaken instead of frozen
Tommy’s Margarita – a simpler, but arguably better Margarita
Notes, substitutes, and tips
Reposado tequila is a smoother, better tequila than gold – but it’s up to you if you want to use it or not. If you do use it, expect a milder, mellower, sweeter tequila.
If you use reposado, consider using Grand Marnier instead of triple sec. Grand Marnier has a distinct amber hue that will help the color of the Margarita, and it goes much better with reposado instead of gold tequila.
The orange juice you use really matters, even if it’s such a small amount. Carton orange juice has a bitter aftertaste that will ruin the entire drink. Make sure you use fresh orange juice, and to get the best tasting one you need navel oranges. They’re sweeter, juicier, and were bred for juicing.
