Olmeca Altos Premixed Margarita 750ML

Olmeca Altos Premixed Margarita 750ML is a ready-to-drink margarita made with 100% blue agave tequila, bottled at 15% ABV (30 proof). A Double Gold winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, this RTD cocktail stands apart from mass-market competitors by using the same tahona-and-roller-mill-blended Altos Plata tequila found behind craft cocktail bars worldwide.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15%  |  Origin: Los Altos, Jalisco, Mexico  |  Ready-to-Drink Margarita  |  Distillery: Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111)

Production & Heritage

Destilería Colonial de Jalisco, located in the highland region of Los Altos, Jalisco, produces the Olmeca Altos range using a distinctive dual-extraction process. A two-ton volcanic tahona stone — taking roughly two hours to crush 1.5 tons of cooked agave at the slow walking speed historically set by a donkey — yields a rich, mineral-laden juice that is blended with a second distillate from a modern roller mill. The premixed margarita combines this Altos Plata tequila with triple sec, natural lime flavor, and agave syrup, resulting in a cocktail designed to replicate bar-quality balance straight from the bottle.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Steamed agave leads, followed by bright lime zest and a faint herbal undertone. A subtle sweetness from the agave syrup rounds out the nose without becoming cloying.

Taste: The entry is citrus-forward — lime and a hint of lemon — with a clean, slightly sweet mid-palate driven by agave nectar. As the flavors develop, the cooked agave character of the base tequila becomes more prominent, lending an earthy complexity that separates it from simpler ready-to-drink options.

Finish: Medium in length with a pleasant, lingering citrus note and a gentle sweetness. The agave backbone stays present through the close, keeping the finish grounded rather than sugary.

How to Drink Altos Premixed Margarita

Pour over fresh ice in a salt-rimmed glass for the closest approximation to a bartender-made margarita — no blender, shaker, or additional ingredients required. For a frozen variation, blend with ice until smooth for a slushy texture that highlights the lime notes. Add a splash of fresh grapefruit juice and a pinch of salt for a quick Paloma-Margarita hybrid. Stir in muddled jalapeño slices and let sit briefly for a spicy margarita riff that plays well against the agave sweetness.

Best For

• Hosting a backyard gathering where speed and consistency behind the bar matter
• Bringing a quality cocktail to a beach, boat, or picnic without packing bar tools
• Introducing tequila-based cocktails to guests unfamiliar with the category
• Stocking a home bar with a reliable, pour-and-serve option for weeknight drinks

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Altos Premixed Margarita taste like? It leads with fresh lime and lemon citrus, supported by a noticeable cooked-agave sweetness and a subtle herbal quality from the highland tequila base. The overall impression is balanced and refreshing rather than artificially sweet.

How does Altos Premixed Margarita compare to Jose Cuervo Ready to Drink Classic Margarita? The Altos version uses 100% blue agave tequila produced through a tahona-and-roller-mill blending process, while the Cuervo RTD uses a mixto-style tequila base. This gives the Altos a more pronounced agave character and a less syrupy sweetness on the palate.

Is Altos Premixed Margarita good for parties? At 15% ABV and ready to pour over ice, it eliminates the need for multiple ingredients and barware, making it one of the more efficient ways to serve consistent margaritas to a group.

Where is Altos Premixed Margarita made? It is produced at Destilería Colonial de Jalisco (NOM 1111) in the Los Altos highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, the same facility where the full Olmeca Altos tequila range is distilled.

What foods pair well with Altos Premixed Margarita? Ceviche or shrimp cocktail, where the lime in the drink mirrors the citrus in the dish. Fish tacos with a cabbage slaw complement the bright acidity. Guacamole and chips provide a creamy, fatty contrast to the cocktail's tartness. Grilled chicken with a chili-lime rub echoes the citrus and agave notes. Mango with Tajín seasoning bridges the drink's sweetness and its subtle herbal edge.

What sizes does Altos Premixed Margarita come in? The standard widely available format is the 750ml bottle reviewed here.

Is Altos Premixed Margarita worth the price? It positions as a mid-tier ready-to-drink margarita, priced above basic mixto-based options but justified by its 100% blue agave tequila base and the tahona production process behind it — a method rarely found in the RTD category.

Why Altos Premixed Margarita?

The defining advantage here is the base spirit. Where most ready-to-drink margaritas rely on the cheapest tequila available, this one uses Altos Plata — a 100% blue agave expression blended from tahona-crushed and roller-mill juices, a production step that adds genuine agave depth to the finished cocktail. The Double Gold medal from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and a 92-point rating from the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2016 confirm that this is not merely a convenience product. In a crowded RTD market full of overly sweet, one-dimensional competitors, the Altos Premixed Margarita delivers identifiable tequila character and citrus balance that rewards drinkers who care about what goes into their glass, even when they do not feel like building a drink from scratch.