Top-shelf tequilas are known for having a smoother taste and sweeter flavor, which makes them a popular choice for sipping on the rocks. However, one couple couldn’t believe how much it costs to use the high-quality liquor in their margaritas. Now, a new bartender questioned whether she was in the wrong.
In a video with over 10,000 views, TikToker Madison Delgado (@madisondelgado__) walked out of a shift as a bartender on Valentine’s Day. She explains that one couple asked for “top-shelf margaritas,” and she listed several options.
The couple ultimately confirmed that they’d like Don Julio 1942.
“So, I make them a 1942 margarita. And then I bring them their bill, and they’re like pissed,” Delgado says.
She continues that she was confused why they were angry after confirming their tequila preference and questions if she should have offered a lower tier tequila. In the caption, she notes that each margarita was around $50.
Should You Use Top-Shelf Tequila In A Margarita?
Many restaurants use lower-shelf tequilas like Patron Silver or Espolòn Tequila Blanco in their margaritas, as other ingredients like lime, sugar, and cocktail mix can overpower the taste of the alcohol. Top-shelf margaritas are a major debate on Reddit, with bartenders split on whether to offer the pricier option.
Some say they hate when customers order top-shelf tequila in a margarita because it’s a lose-lose situation: Either they don’t clarify, and the customer is shocked. Or they clarify, and the customer is offended.
“Every time someone orders one I don’t know if they want the most expensive tequila we have, or just not ‘well/rail’ (which at our bar is still a mid-shelf),” an original poster on r/bartenders explained. “And when I ask for clarification I’m met with a response as if I’m the a– and don’t know what I’m doing.”
Other bartenders suggested clarifying with the customers before pouring an over $50 drink.
One suggested, “I always say ‘top shelf margarita? Cool, are you thinking [our actual top shelf] or Casamigos?’ And 99% of the time they want Casamigos. If they don’t know tequila well enough to actually name the one they want.”
Another suggested bringing up the price directly. They wrote, “I always asked if they had a tequila preference? No? Price range preference? Usually makes it easier.”
Do Viewers Think The Bartender Was In The Wrong?
In the comments section, viewers weighed in on Delgado’s internal debate on whether she should have offered the couple a lower shelf tequila. Many came to her defense, placing the blame on the customers.
One wrote, “No you weren’t in the wrong at all. People order top shelf not knowing the price and that’s not your problem. It’s obv gonna be expensive lol.”
“As a former bartender ~ you are not in the wrong,” a second added.
Others explained what could have caused the confusion when the bill came out.
“I think they’ve probably ordered top shelf margaritas off the menu at some texmex places that are like $15-20 and thought it was gonna be the same at every other bar,” a viewer pointed out.
Another said, “If someone orders a top shelf marg they usually mean casamigos, patron or don julio. Rarely ever would they mean 1942.”
@madisondelgado__ $50 margaritas anyone ?? #topshelf #bartender #serverlife #margarita #valentinesday
BroBible reached out to Delgado via TikTok direct message and comment. We will update the story when she replies.