I am planning on making margaritas tonight and need to pick up some triple sec. I usually just get the cheap stuff. for tequila I usually use Patron.

should I use a higher end Orange liquor like Grand Marnier or Cointreau? will it make any real difference in the taste?

thanks

I recommend stepping down on your tequila grade to Sauza Tres Generaciones Anejo---better, smokier flavor in a margarita--and stepping up to Grand Marnier. These two in combination, even with Cuervo prefab maragarita mix, is pretty damn fine.

The Tres costs half of what Patron costs, and is better suited to this purpose. (For shooting, try these Anejos: Chinaco, Tonala, Paradiso, Herradura.) I'm not a big whacking patron fan anyway, as it's made by the same peeps who make Paul Mitchell shampoo. Regardless, I think you'll find the Tres better suited to margs.

I actually prefer tuaca,instead of gran mariner, which is an orange and vanilla infused brandy from Italy. It makes really good margaritas.

As far as tequila, I personally would go with a silver, brighter flavor and you can taste it more in a mixed drink.

I would get cazadores bout $35, or azuel(???)made by centarino about$20(spelling)

What #2 says...don't use the premium tequila in a margarita...save it for drinking shots.

Short answer: Yes, if you are going to use patron in a mixed drink, don't short yourself by using crappy other ingredients, Use fresh sweet and sour (easy to make, use google), a nice orange liqueur like grand mariner or patron citron.

Long answer: Why are you using patron in mixed drinks? I have over 20 different kinds of tequila at home and I sip my good stuff, not waste it in a mixed drink. Sure, once in a while maybe but you should hrab a bottle of Cazadores or similar level 100% blue agave tequila for your usual mixed drink.

In the end, it is your money, but either go all the way in your drink or stick to a different price level (which I would do anyways).

^

*grab

Milagro is also a great tequila for mixed drinks. Around 22 bucks a bottle too.

depends on what you are making. I like Blue Carisou(i have no idea how its spelles)

I have over 20 different kinds of tequila at home

====================

that is why I use Patron, it is the only thing I have at home right now - that way I can sip or mix. I may pick up something else and save the the Patron as I will likely go through most of a bottle tonight.

thanks to all for the suggestions

The blue carisou is used in the blue whale or blue smurf. Its a good triple sec

since the massive influence of the citric acid in the lime pretty much kills your taste buds, I'd buy the cheapest crap possible.

I agree with #10^. But then again, I ran out of tequila so I substituted vodka...lol

dont waste Patron on mixes....no way beautiful chilled straight

I have to agree with #10.

Now if I was drinking shots I would use top shelf tequila

Agree with#6, Milagros is good and not too expensive.........and add Cointreau fo sho..

Hornitos and Gran Marnier.. and fresh lime juice....works every time.