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There have been many margarita and tequila based books written throughout the years covering the many aspects of the worlds number one cocktail and the agave based spirit. A few stand out above the rest and can successfully guide you to learning the history and production of tequila as well as crafting amazing margarita cocktails. Below are some of the best margarita and tequila books out in the market now. Have you read any of the below? We would enjoy hearing some others that offer great content. Post your favorites in the comments below.

 Viva Tequila!: Cocktails, Cooking, and Other Agave Adventures – Written by Lacinda Hutson, Viva Tequila -The author starts by discussing the history and culture of tequila. She offers advice on everything from hosting a tasting and choosing a style that best fits your tastes. Many margarita recipes and food pairings are presented throughout the book.

 ¡Tequila!: Distilling the Spirit of Mexico -Written by Marie Gayton – This book looks back to how tequila became Mexico’s national drink. It traces the history from Mexico’s colonial era and it’s rise to present day.

 101 Margaritas -Written by Kim Haasarud and Alexandra Grablewski. This book is exactly what the title says, 101 margaritas. The authors have a long history with creating signature drinks and bar concepts and provide everything from a strawberry margarita to an exotic passionfruit margarita. The beginning of the book also touches on ingredients and the history of the drink.

 Just Margaritas and Sangrias: A Little Book Of Liquid Sunshine – Written by Cheryl Charming – The authors bio reads that she is known as the “Martha Stewart” of modern cocktail culture and has written 9 books. She describes how to choose the best tequila for a margarita and using them in a drink. Some recipes include the classic margarita, millionaire margarita and blue coconut.

Tequila – Written by Alberto Ruy Sanchez and Margarita de Orellana – “Tequila” guides your through the different styles of tequila, production, history and its roile in Mexican film and poetry. The book ends with an illustrated gallery of tequila with descriptions.

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Tequila: A Great Gift Idea for the Wine and Spirit Connoisseurs on Your List

Suerte Anejo Tequila

We all have friends, family and co-workers who enjoy receiving alcohol as a gift. You immediately become someones favorite person when they open a present revealing a bottle of liquor. If you have decided to pick up a bottle of tequila as a gift, you have come to the right place. We can help you understand the types of tequila and hopefully steer you away from giving someone a plastic jug of cheap tequila.

Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant and is named for the specific region in which it is distilled. Due to Mexican laws regarding tequila, it is only produced in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and surrounding areas. It ranges in price from $10.00 to over $1,000 and is anywhere from 31% to 55% percent alcohol or 62 to 110 US proof. Before buying tequila as a gift, you should educate yourself on the different types available and how they are usually consumed.

Types of Tequila

Because there are several different types of tequila, you should keep the taste of the person who you will be giving it as a gift. Different types of tequila have different tastes and aromas.

The first distinction between tequila types is whether it is 100% blue agave or tequila mixto. 100% blue agave tequila is labeled as such and tequila mixto, which is 51% agave and 49% caramel coloring, oak extract flavoring, and sugar based syrups, is labeled simply as tequila. We highly recommend going the 100% blue agave route as the sugars in a mixto are known for causing hangovers.

Tequila also comes in several different types, based on how long it has been aged. The aging process affects the taste, harshness and aroma of the spirit. Some people prefer a smooth tequila that is more for drinking from a shot glass or margarita, while others prefer a more complex tequila with oak characteristics that can be sipped from a brandy or wine glass.

Blanco, or white, tequila is not aged and stored directly after it is distilled and usually used for drinking shots and is commonly found in margaritas. Joven or silver tequila is also not aged and is generally a mixto and is a popular tequila for restaurants to use in their house margaritas due to the cost.

The other three types of tequila are reposado or rested, aged at least 2 months but less than a year, anejo or aged, which is aged one to three years and extra anejo or extra aged, which is aged at least three years and was just established in 2006.  Longer aged tequilas have a stronger oak flavor, also because the aging process takes place in oak barrels. These types of tequila are a good gift idea for people who prefer to sip their spirits. Anejo and extra anejo will typically be priced higher than a reposado or blanco.

With the numerous types and greatly varying price range as well as alcohol percentages available with tequila, it’s easy to find one that fits the taste of someone on your gift list. If you have any questions about specific tequilas, feel free to contact us.

Recommended reading: Viva Tequila!: Cocktails, Cooking, and Other Agave Adventures

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Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant – San Antonio

San Antonio is one of our favorite spots in Texas. The city is rich in history with destinations like the Alamo and it is also known for restaurants and bars producing some amazing margaritas. The margarita recipes these establishments are creating remain as some of the best in the Lone Star State.  Frozen or on the rocks, you can find some of the best margaritas in San Antonio.

In alphabetical order:

Acenar – 146 E. Houston St., San Antonio, TX 78205 – We found this to be one of the freshest tasting margaritas available in San Antonio.

La Fogata – 2427 Vance Jackson Road, San Antonio, TX 78229 – This place receives a lot of buzz for serving up one of the best margaritas in San Antonio and deserves it.

La Margarita – 120 Produce Row, San Antonio, Texas 78207 – Great atmosphere for a delicious margarita indoors or out on the patio if the weather is nice.

Mamacita’s Mexican Restaurant – 8030 IH 10 W, San Antonio, TX 78230 – Located away from downtown San Antonio, Mamacita’s is making some great drinks.

Mi Tierra – 218 Produce Rd, San Antonio, TX 78207 – A historic restaurant and a must do on any trip to San Antonio and the margaritas are tasty too.

Rita’s on the River – 245 East Commerce Street, San Antonio, TX 78205 – Extensive list of margaritas on their menu and easy to find right on the Riverwalk.

Rosario’s – 910 S Alamo St, San Antonio, TX 78205 – Exceptional margaritas and a favorite of locals and out of town visitors.

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Acenar – San Antonio

Do you agree with the restaurants and bars making this Best Margarita in San Antonio list? What margaritas have we left off? If you have a hidden gem that is missing above, please let us know. We would enjoying hearing your experiences.

If you would like to see where our margarita tasting travels have taken us throughout Texas, check out our alphabetical listing of reviews or our interactive map.