Actually, if the tequila is REALLY good, don't waste it in a margarita...SIP it!

I usually use Tortilla Gold -- most inexpensive that the New Hampshire Liquor Commission's (state) stores carry. It serves the purpose and is inoffensive. The flavor comes from the lime juice (and I really can't stand Rose's) and the dash of triple sec (orange). I prefer plain triple sec to fancy Cointreau or Grand Marnier.

Occasionally I've made margaritas with mezcal or half-and-half mezcal and tequila. I think mezcal tastes peppery -- like nasturtiums. I've read references to cumin or cayenne salt which might be nice to try sometime, but I'm running right out to try 'em. A splash of orange flower water might accentuate the triple sec, too.

I find Patron Silver overpriced and boring. (Sorry.)

Joe, my dear, that's probably a nice tasting drink, but it's not a margarita. (I'm a margarita purist -- mixes don't count at all.)

Yes, Slag, I've been married to Curmudgeon (Tom Hall), margarita enabler, for the past 28 years. I discovered margaritas at Tortilla Flat, a now defunct Portsmouth, NH watering hole, with my then co-worker Lily Rivera a couple months before I met Tom at the Christmas party at Fishtraks recording studio (that makes this a music thread, right?) December 15, 1980. Concertinas and banjos were involved. I also sing Shel Silverstein's "Pour Me Another Tequila, Sheila".

Linn