CATEGORY

Margarita Mix

2008 CHEFSBEST® AWARD FOR BEST TASTE WINNER

Margaritaville

What Makes a Great Margarita Mix?

Wherever enchiladas, tacos and burritos are served, margaritas can’t be too far away. For your next fiesta, make a big batch of margaritas (with either tequila or non-alcoholic mixers) and you’ll have the perfect tart beverage to accompany hot salsas, cilantro and other spicy ingredients. However, that’s not the only reason to keep margarita mix handy: It’s also used as a marinade and flavoring in certain recipes.

Our chef experts define high quality liquid margarita mix as having a color that suggests natural ingredients; it should not be neon. Liquid margarita mix’s moderate aroma will have a complex and bright character that features multi-dimensional notes of fresh lime and orange, without any generic or acidic citrus off notes.

Margarita mix is in taste balance when the most evident basic tastes are equal levels of sweet and sour. A minimal amount of saltiness should follow.

Look for a moderately complex flavor intensity that reflects the aroma notes of freshly squeezed lime juice. The flavor character should be equally bright while avoiding dull, harsh, or overly spiking notes such as citrus acid.

The mouthweight of the best liquid margarita mix should be fairly lean and much closer to water than pure maple syrup. The aftertaste's character is best when smooth and rounded, rather than cloying and/or harsh. Expect a moderately short finish.

When blended with tequila and ice, margarita mix should neither overwhelm nor be overwhelmed by the tequila. Its own aromas and flavors should flow through gracefully, helping to create a cocktail with high drinkability.

Product Category Definition

The category judged was defined for the consumer market, not including bottled or ready to serve margarita, alcoholic beverages, or other mix products.

Also Judged:

Sauza, Mr. & Mrs. T, Jose Cuervo, Master of Mixes