Top shelf margarita - What exactly does "Top shelf" mean?

Question

Top shelf margarita - What exactly does "Top shelf" mean?

Answer 1

It means you get Patrons instead of Jose Cuervo.

Answer 2

"High quality?"

Top shelf.  That's where the good stuff goes.

Answer 3

Bars keep the more expensive bottles on the top shelf where they are most visible.  If you order a top shelf drink, expect to pay significantly more for it.

Answer 4

Top shelf would be whatever their high or higher end tequila is (usually Cuervo 1800), and instead of triple sec, they usually use Gran Marnier, which is an orange flavored liqueur or after dinner drink. All other ingredients (ice, mixer, lime juice) would be the same as a regular margarita.

"Top shelf" literally means they keep it on the top shelf behind the bar. The reason is that it's the more or most expensive brand they carry, and therefore isn't ordered as often as the other brands which they need to keep readily handy.

Answer 5

"Top shelf" refers to higher end/quality alcohol. Opposite of the cheap stuff.

Answer 6

On the top. The Best.

Answer 7

When you order a top shelf margarita it means that they use the higher end tequila.