The 3 best margaritas in Tucson, according to our readers

Are you on the hunt for the best margarita in Tucson? Look no further! After conducting a readers’ poll, we have uncovered the top three contenders for the title of the best margarita in town. Get ready to raise your glass to these magnificent margs!

Courtesy of Blanco

3. Blanco

Let’s take a minute to talk about a spot that’s shaking up the margarita scene in Tucson with a twist that’s as refreshing as a cool breeze on a hot desert day. Blanco, my friends, isn’t just serving up your average marg. Oh no, they’re on a mission to reimagine what a margarita can be, and let me tell you, they’re doing it with flair and a dash of daring.

Blanco’s mixologists, who are more like cocktail wizards, are mixing up concoctions that’ll make your taste buds do a double-take. Ever tried a margarita with a hint of lavender or a kick of jalapeño? If your answer is no, then brace yourself for a revelatory experience. Every unique flavor combination, every unexpected garnish, is carefully crafted to enhance the natural zest of the tequila. They’re pushing the boundaries, yes, but always with the aim of creating something memorable.

It’s this spirit of innovation that’s captured the hearts (and palates) of our readers, catapulting Blanco to the near top of our best margarita list.

Courtesy of El Chinto Gordo

2. El Chinito Gordo

If you’re thirsty for a cold marg on a hot day, stop in and say hola to El Chinito Gordo, where the Cadillac Margarita is a celebration in a fancy glass. This spot has quickly become a cherished upscale Mexican eatery for those who love a bit of pizzazz and personality.

From the tangy kick of fresh citrus to the smooth embrace of premium tequila, every sip is a testament to the craftsmanship of their mixologists. If you check out the rest of El Chinto Gordo’s cocktail menu, you’ll see they’ve got a knack for blending traditional flavors with modern twists, resulting in one-of-a-kind concoctions and upscale classics. And their extensive margarita menu has plenty of offerings for every taste. Fancy a marg that tingles your taste buds with a hint of spicy tamarind or soothes them with a touch of sweet mango? El Chinito Gordo has you covered. Not sure what flavors you’d like? Try a flight!

The tequila selection here is nothing short of impressive, featuring everything from the smoothest blancos to the most robust añejos. Each tequila is chosen for its ability to elevate the experience, ensuring that every drink is a masterpiece of flavors. So, if your margarita quest leads you to El Chinito Gordo, know that you’re in for a treat.

Courtesy of Guadalajara Grill

1. Guadalajara Grill

When we laid down the challenge to pinpoint the best margarita in town, our readers responded, and they agreed on one choice overall by a landslide. Participants ranged from lifelong residents with decades of taco Tuesdays under their belts to enthusiastic foodies and tourists who have fallen in love with this banging marg. 

A local chain with decades of experience, Guadalajara Grill knows how to perfectly blend tequila from Guadalajara, lime, triple sec, and their own secret ingredient. Their proprietary blend has captured the hearts and taste buds of Tucson.

What’s so special about Guadalajara Grill’s margarita? Is it the fresh lime juice? The Guadalajara tequila or … the 7up? The margarita masters at Guadalajara Grill don’t mind sharing their secret blend, and even made this instructional YouTube video for crafting the best margarita in town!

At Guadalajara Grill, their mixologists are artists and storytellers, each with a personal touch that turns a simple margarita into a masterpiece. Their skill lies in understanding the rhythm of the drink, the dance of flavors that makes each margarita not just good, but memorable. So basically, you can make one at home, but will it be just as good? We think not.