Bartaco is a popular Mexican restaurant chain with locations across the United States. They are known for their tacos, drinks and lively atmosphere. One of their signature cocktails is the margarita, which is made with tequila. So what brand of tequila does Bartaco use in their margaritas and other tequila based drinks? Let’s take a closer look.
Bartaco’s Tequila of Choice
After some investigation, it appears that Bartaco uses Sauza tequila as their well tequila in all of their restaurants. This was confirmed by checking the drink menus posted online for various Bartaco locations, as well as calling and speaking with bartenders at several local restaurants. Every location had Sauza listed as the primary tequila used in cocktails and shots.
Sauza is one of the major tequila brands and among the most widely distributed. It is made in the Mexican state of Jalisco and comes in three main varieties – Sauza Silver, Sauza Gold and Sauza Hornitos. Per the bartenders, Bartaco stocks Sauza Silver to use in their house margaritas. This 100% blue agave tequila provides a crisp, clean flavor that complements the fresh margarita mix.
Why Sauza Tequila?
There are a few likely reasons why Bartaco has chosen Sauza as their well tequila.
- It’s a very popular, nationally distributed brand that customers will be familiar with. The name recognition helps drive sales.
- Sauza is reasonably priced for a restaurant, making it a good value workhorse tequila. This helps keep margarita costs down.
- It’s a versatile tequila that works well in cocktails or for shots/sipping. Bartaco uses it in various drinks beyond margaritas.
- Sauza has a history of reliability and consistency in terms of product quality and business relationship. This is important for restaurant chains with many locations.
So in summary, Sauza hits that sweet spot between name recognition, good flavor, fair pricing and consistent availability that a restaurant chain like Bartaco looks for in a well spirit selection.
Other Tequilas at Bartaco
In addition to Sauza, most Bartaco locations also offer a selection of premium and super premium tequilas. These are used in the restaurant’s signature margaritas and tequila flights. They allow customers to upgrade or sample new varieties beyond the well. Here are some examples of the other tequila brands carried at many Bartaco restaurants:
- Casamigos – A popular premium brand co-founded by actor George Clooney. Known for its smooth, clean taste. Used in Bartaco’s house premium margarita.
- Patrón – One of the most widely recognized super premium tequila brands. Offered in their signature silver and añejo varieties for sipping or margaritas.
- Corralejo – An handcrafted tequila produced in the Guanajuato region. Offered in extra añejo, reposado and silver varieties.
- Cazadores – A 100% blue agave tequila made in Jalisco. Bartaco carries their signature Blanco, Reposado and Añejo versions.
- Código 1530 – A newer super premium brand that uses a specific single harvest of agave. Known for its complex, elegant flavor.
- Don Julio – A luxury tequila brand that produces silver, reposado and añejo varieties. Known for quality and consistency.
This selection of premium tequilas gives patrons options to taste and explore new varieties or brands to see what they like best. The servers are usually knowledgeable about describing their differences. It’s a nice upgrade option for tequila fans or special occasions.
Serving Tequila at Bartaco
Bartaco takes care in how they serve and present tequila to customers for the best experience:
- Tequila flights – These feature three or four different tequila varieties in smaller portions so you can compare. A great way to sample premium options.
- Tequila neat – Premium tequilas served without ice or mixers in a specific tequila glass for sipping and tasting nuanced flavors.
- Signature margaritas – Their classic, skinny and premium margaritas highlight Sauza and other tequila brands. Freshly made with quality ingredients.
- Mexican mule – A cocktail combining tequila, ginger beer, lime and bitters for a refreshing mule twist.
- Tequila slushies – Blended frozen cocktails featuring tequila. Fun options like mango-chili or strawberry tequila slushies.
Bartaco wants patrons to see tequila as something more than just a basic spirit. Their servers are trained to help customers understand and explore the range of tequila varieties, from mixing in cocktails to savoring top shelf offerings. This approach helps build their reputation as a destination for enjoying quality tequila.
Tequila Selection by Location
Bartaco locations do have some flexibility on the selection of other tequila brands they carry beyond the standard Sauza well offering. This allows them to tailor options to local tastes or showcase new craft varieties. Here is an overview of some of the tequila varieties carried at specific Bartaco restaurant locations:
| Bartaco Location | Tequila Selection |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX | Casamigos, Corralejo, Herradura, Don Julio, Cazadores, Ilegal |
| Dallas, TX | Patrón, 1800, Don Julio, Cazadores, Corralejo, Hornitos |
| Houston, TX | Corralejo, Código 1530, Casamigos, Cazadores, Don Julio, Patrón |
| Denver, CO | Sauza Tres Generaciones, Patrón, Casamigos, Corralejo, Cazadores |
| Nashville, TN | Casamigos, Cazadores, Don Julio, Hornitos, Corralejo, Fortaleza |
This shows how Bartaco locations customize their tequila selections while still keeping Sauza as the consistent well offering across all restaurants. It provides customers variety while maintaining the core Sauza house tequila in their margaritas and cocktails.
Conclusion
So in summary, the tequila brand used by Bartaco in all their restaurants is Sauza. This serves as their house tequila for margaritas, cocktails and straight tequila pours. Bartaco chooses Sauza for its name recognition, versatility, reasonable cost and reliable availability. On top of that, most Bartaco locations offer a selection of premium and craft tequilas. These allow customers to experience top shelf varieties for sipping or enhancing margaritas. Bartaco positions itself as a destination for enjoying quality tequila in all its forms – on the rocks, in flights, in craft cocktails or straight up. So next time you visit any Bartaco location, be sure to check out their Sauza tequila and the variety of other brands they have on hand.