Ina Garten smiling.

Why Ina Garten Uses Cheap Tequila For Her Margaritas

NEWS

By MATTHEW LEE

Ina Garten smiling.
In an episode of “The Barefoot Contessa,” celebrity chef Ina Garten revealed all the juicy secrets to a good margarita, including the importance of using inexpensive tequila.
Wooden barrels.
The price of a bottle of tequila often reflects the aging process it goes through. These high-end types of tequilas are aged in oak barrels and can develop very complex flavors.
Tequila being poured neat into a shot glass.
While an aged tequila’s nuanced flavor makes it perfect for sipping neat or crafting certain cocktails, it can clash with margarita’s bright, citrusy notes and muddle the drink.
Two glasses of salt-rimmed margaritas with lime slices.
In contrast, cheaper types of tequilas, often labeled as “Blanco” or “silver,” boast a straightforward agave flavor that perfectly complements the lime and lemon in a margarita.
Cointreau liqueur bottle against a wooden background.
Plus, by opting for a more affordable tequila, you can splurge on high-quality fresh citrus and top-notch Triple Sec — ingredients that’ll actually make your margaritas tastier.