They’re the culprit behind most of our nasty tequila hangovers. El Destilador – $15. A great example of what a blanco tequila can be. On the palate, there’s vanilla, coconut, and a whiff of baking spice. By chilling it down, the cold temperatures will balance out the higher-proof burn of making shots with this tequila. Once you’ve selected your cheap tequila, there’s a lot that can be done to spice up your mixed drinks. … She is based in Toronto and holds a Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level III qualification. Kate Dingwall is a sommelier and spirits writer. The oak adds subtle smokey flavors and warm vanilla spices. All of its expressions are delicious and highly underrated.”, The tequila, which is aged between two and four months in white oak barrels, "is a great sipper," says The Holler's Ray. “Give your margarita some punch with Arette Blanco, a steal for a cheaper tequila,” says Hurst. That said, “it makes a great margarita and an easy shooter,” says Ray. "This crisp tequila works particularly well in cocktails. Silver is the brand’s … By law, tequila is only required to be 51% blue agave. After maturing for around 8 years, their hearts — or piñas — are ripped out, steamed, crushed, and fermented into tequila. If it’s sweetness you’re after, Hornitos may also be for you. The Best Tequilas You Can Buy for Under $30. Several brands produce excellent inexpensive tequilas suitable for sipping and making cocktails, such as margaritas, sangritas, and bloody marias. The flavor has sweet caramelized agave and pepper notes with a creamy finish, resulting in a serious bang for your buck. Jose Cuervo is probably the best-known name in tequila, mainly for its cheap mixto expressions. With subtle … Hope Ray, a bartender at The Holler in Bentonville, Arkansas, reaches for Agavales Blanco because it often “runs under $20, so you can’t go wrong with this in your home bar.” The budget bottle clocks in at a spicy 110 proof, so it'll add a little heat in each sip. For margaritas, make sure you have agave nectar. ", "The crystal-clear Bribon is unaged and approachable with vegetal earthy notes. The brand is still run by the Orendain brothers, who are descendants of some of the oldest tequila producers in the country. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our Milagro Silver Tequila $24 Yes, the bottle looks like a Cancun airport souvenir, but this is one of the best values in tequila—period. Either one works in a pinch, but try both and see which you prefer. The sweetness and smoothness of … To make your own spicy tequila martini, here’s what you’ll need: First, pour tequila and vermouth into a cocktail shaker with ice. And the long finish is sweet, presenting agave, fruit, and pepper. The 30 Best Tequilas for Every Budget (2020) Corralejo Reposado. Well, Espolòn Blanco’s distillers play rock music to help “inspire” their vats of fermenting agave. Meticulously aged and exceptionally pure, this ultra-smooth, clean-tasting tequila is gently nutty yet delicately sweet. Unlike whiskey, rum, gin, or vodka, … She has even harvested her own agave. Camarena is a solid mixing tequila for palomas and margaritas, perfect to please your next party crowd. For a 100 percent agave tequila that works particularly well in cocktails, go for our top pick: El Jimador Silver (view at Drizly). Nowadays, each piña is roasted in a clay oven before being double-distilled and rested for 2 months in American oak bourbon barrels. Garnish with spicy olives to taste. It sounds a little like an SAT question: All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Gran Centenario Plata. Pueblo Viejo Blanco Tequila ($18) Hands down one of the best values on the market, this tequila’s vibrant acidity is perfect for refreshing summer cocktails. This highland tequila is super solid, particularly mixed into cocktails. We may receive compensation if you click on a link. If you like a tequila that bites back a little, Sauza is for you. For medium spice, try one de-seeded cayenne pepper for about 80 minutes. A wonderful pink-gold hue makes this reposado inviting from the get-go. Grapefruit soda with tequila is called a paloma. Traditionally, and even now in at least one place, it’s still done by donkey. Sip it and look for flavors of fresh agave, rosemary, thyme, and sage. The name El Jimador tips a hat to the farmers, the Jimadors, who lovingly grow and harvest all the agave in Jalisco, Mexico. Here’s what you need for this delicious twist on a classic margarita: First, shake tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar with ice. “It's smooth … With this information, you’re ready to prepare some epic mixed cheap tequila cocktails for your next hangout with friends. Answers will vary. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with grated nutmeg. The Tequila Sherry Flip is an acquired taste, so proceed with caution. So, we found the cheapest tequilas on the liquor store’s shelves and set out to find the best one to drink on a dime. A good garnish bar has ample variety for guests looking to go sweet, spicy, or savory. Cheap tequila gets a bad rap for a good reason: True tequila can only be produced in Mexico, and in specific parts of Mexico at that. A great post-dessert treat. Perfect to mix into cocktails, Olmeca Altos is also delicious straight. In fact, ‘tequila’ has some unique and tasty cousins, also produced in Mexico from the agave plant, such as mezcal, sotol and raicilla. In the Camarena distillation process, the piñas, or hearts of the agave, are slow roasted in traditional stone ovens for several days before the juices are fermented and distilled. The body is dry and fruity. “Probably the best inexpensive tequila for the money is the El Jimador Blanco,” says Gavin Humes, food and beverage director of Scratch Bar & Kitchen in Los Angeles. Tequila Herradura Selección Suprema ($350) "Selección Suprema is very special for many reasons,” says Ruben Aceves, Tequila Herradura Global Brand Ambassador. This blanco offers the scent of vanilla and marshmallow. The Absolute Best Cheap Tequilas Under $20. And all without missing your next student loan payment. ", "If you want a crowd-pleasing bottle, this is the one. The tahona process gives Olmeca incredible complexity and depth. Shake, strain, and serve. Best Under $50: Los Arango Blanco. But don’t be afraid of the Peligroso Silver. Basically, a massive volcanic wheel rolls over the steamed agave hearts. In reality, its Blanco is one of the … Crafted with some of the oldest distilling methods on Earth, Cazcanes Organic Blanco combines tradition with true artistry. To mix grapefruit juice with your tequila, mix 3 parts juice and 2 parts tequila. To accommodate all your guests, it’s best to keep a variety of spicy salts on hand. It’s perfect for that spicy cocktail party you’ve been planning. El Jimador Reposado carries the name of the master Jimadores, who at one time cut out each agave heart by hand. While both brands are famous for their cheap gold tequilas, Sauza’s 100% blue Weber agave silver tequila is a smoother option for tequila shots when you want to save money. “Bribon is a solid tequila for its price,” says Fallon. Read on to discover our pick of the best tequila. These are the best cheap tequila brands, ranked from best to worst by user votes. 100% blue agave and double-distilled, Hornitos Plata is peppery and hot. Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata … “Espolon is definitely my favorite inexpensive tequila,” says Kira Calder, general manager of Lona Cocina & Tequileria in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Add ice, top with grapefruit soda, and stir. Milagro Silver. And it only has one life to give for our drinking amusement. The Cazcabel cheap tequila Reposado is rested in American oak barrels for a minimum of 9 … Candied grapefruit peel or dried pineapple ring, for garnish, Spicy marinated olives (you can buy these from a store or, if you’re feeling inspired, you can make your own), Does it mix well? And be sure to offer your guests the option. Once you’ve selected your cheap tequila, try these fun tequila-themed accessories. It all leads to a mildly spicy finish. On the palate, it’s exceptionally soft and smooth, exhibiting hints of sweet vanilla and savory brown sugar spices. The nastiest hangovers come from tequila that's not made from 100 percent agave, because it's mixed with sugar and other additives (a.k.a. Which is the best cheap tequila reposado in the market? There are also subtle notes of baked pear, warm cinnamon, vanilla, oak, and a peppery finish. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks. Club soda contains trace minerals that many say enhance the best flavors of the tequila. And for martinis, don’t forget the dry vermouth and orange bitters. Lowland tequilas are grown and produced deep in the Tequila Valley outside of the cities of Tequila and Guadalajara, while highland (Los Altos) tequilas come from higher-altitude regions surrounding the valleys. El Destilador Blanco Tequila. Here’s what you need: Rub the edge of the glass with a lime wedge, then roll in chili salt. Once you’ve selected a cheap tequila from our list, make it spicy. Usually, when I order a margarita, I'm okay with the bottom shelf tequila in the … Kate Dingwall is a freelance writer whose work focuses on food, drinks, and travel. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, 10 Best Tequilas for Margaritas and Shots in 2021, Best for Sipping: We took shots of each with a variety of chasers, recorded it and ranked them from the best … Keep soda water on hand for some fizz. Olmeca Altos is incredibly refreshing, with light notes of ripe lemon, limes, and a balanced jalapeno spice. Here are some must-haves to allow your party guests to customize their cheap tequila cocktail creations. Peligroso Silver is spicier than many silver tequilas, but also green and vegetal, with grassiness and a raw agave character. Straight from the bottle, you may detect the aroma of agave, as well as an earthy brininess. Reminiscent of gin, Cazadores Tequila Blanco is bright and clean, with an aroma of mint and dill as well as an edge of spice. These cheap bottles of Tequila in the $10 to $30 range are excellent value picks that'll help you gain a deeper appreciation of the spirit. For the finishing touch, add a chili-lime cantaloupe spear. You might expect this to make Espolòn an intense, hard-rocking experience. ", "Olmeca Altos makes sure to use eco-conscious production methods. Olmeca Altos also carries the faint aroma of tobacco, as well as the unusual scent of fresh-fallen leaves, as reported by some fans of the tequila. Follow these simple guidelines and you and your friends will be raving for weeks about your next cocktail party. “If you want a crowd-pleasing bottle, this is the one.” Consider putting it in the freezer before enjoying. Then, strain into a cayenne-salt-rimmed glass. “My favorite cheaper tequila is Olmeca Altos Plata,” says Josue Gonzalez, beverage director at Seven Reasons in Washington, D.C. “It's in the lower price range, plus it’s an exceptional highland tequila that's great for both cocktails and shots. A lot of tequilas advertise themselves as ‘Blue Agave,’ but since the legal requirement is 51%, distillers are allowed to fill out the rest with neutral spirits made from cane sugar juice. This tequila made from 100% agave is one of the best tequilas for 'beginners' as it has heavy aromatic and citrus flavours which leave a pleasant aftertaste and smoothness in … Tequila Don Julio Blanco is mild. Frugal shoppers can find a wide range of delicious 100% agave tequila for less than $30, though. Also notable is the subtle taste of vanilla extract, followed up with baking spice, salted caramel, and citrus. Made from 100% blue agave, Camarena Silver Tequila presents rich notes of toasted agave and fresh green herbs. But you love your friends and you want them to have fun next time they’re over for some drinks. For an extra spicy tequila, infuse it with 2 Thai chilis. Good, cheap tequilas still need to be 100% agave. We get it: You’re not made of money, and liquor store tabs add up quick. There’s a little light oak and cinnamon in the mix, and a touch of earthiness, adding complexity to the flavor profile. ). Made in Jalisco, this 100 percent agave tequila rests for 40 days before it's bottled and sent to thirsty drinkers. You may also find the taste of roasted golden beet and delicate Latin herbs. There you have it. Peligroso Silver is a great choice if you’re looking for a delicious, dessert-like experience. And rounding it all out is a peppercorn finish. To be labeled anejo, a tequila has to be aged between one and three years in barrels, so expect a lot of time and investment to go into each bottle. Made from the finest agave in Jalisco, Cabrito Reposado is a superior cheap tequila. On the nose, El Jimador carries notes of cooked agave, oak, and vanilla as well as slight hints of baked cherry pie. The design on the label features a tribute to Mexican culture, inspired by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. It is HARD to find cheap tequila, much less cheap tequila that actually tastes good. Open the bottle, and on the nose, you’re greeted with a nice kick of roasted agave. That’s it. If chocolate-y tequila sounds like a recipe for a hangover, you haven’t tried Tanteo Cocoa. On the palate, there’s coconut and pineapple, finishing with hints of cinnamon and lemon peel. Oh yeah, and the Kardashians love it. There’s even the flavor of clay, according to some fans of the tequila. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. For a garnish, we recommend candied grapefruit peel or a dried pineapple ring. Dulce Vida Organic Blanco Tequila. Cabo Wabo Blanco. “It's smooth enough for shooting, but has enough kick to stand up well in cocktails. 16 Best Cheap Tequila Bottles Under … Cazadores finishes with a hint of fresh cut grass and watermelon rind. Hornitos’ finish is short, and it’s here the heat returns, as well as some bitterness. But a good tequila doesn’t have to equal an average car payment. These are known as mixtos, and perhaps unsurprisingly, are lower quality. Try it and find out. Best Tequila Under $100 Añejos are the product of patience, richer and more full-bodied thanks to a painstaking aging process. Bribon Reposado Tequila, The 8 Best Flavored Syrups for Beverages in 2021, The 7 Best Cheap Scotch Whiskies to Drink in 2021, The Well-Crafted Tequilas of Maestro Dobel, The 15 Best Whiskey Bottles to Buy in 2021. I love making margaritas with this tequila, and it looks like I'm not the only one—the prestigious 50 Best Bars Awards have named Altos Plata the best tequila for a margarita.”. Get easy-to-follow, delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox. Jimador is the Spanish word for the fieldworker who hand-harvests the agave plant. Overall, this light-bodied blanco is known to be easy to drink: sweet, energetic, and straightforward. A spicy tequila needs some fiery salt. Stir well before straining into a chilled coupe glass. The 100 percent agave tequila is made with agave plants aged over seven years, roasted, distilled, and then left to rest in reused bourbon barrels for between 12 and 18 months. We gathered six cheap … This ultra-smooth, delicately nuanced organic tequila is a great sipping tequilas for any occasion. ", The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. We did extensive research through hundreds of customer reports and expert reviews to separate the good from the bad from the truly awful. Buy on Drizly Buy on Minibar Delivery. Best enjoyed on its own, Cabrito Reposado is wonderfully rich, with an even and satisfying finish. Some distillers play classical music for their tequila while it’s fermenting. We reviewed recent and past results of the respected Ultimate Beverage … Gran Centenario Añejo. It’s good enough to sip on its own, but is also ideal for a Bloody Maria or other savory mixed drink. ", "It's perfect for spirit-forward tequila cocktails. Its light body is fresh and zippy with hints of lemony citrus, followed by a minty finish. Here’s what RAVE recommends. Can it stand on its own as a sipping tequila? He also recommends the distillery’s reposado (also budget-friendly) because it's “a great sipper and adds complexity to the paloma cocktail.”. If you’re making palomas, stock up on grapefruit soda. A quality, 100% blue agave tequila, Sauza Silver is a workhorse. Espolòn Blanco. She has been writing about wine and spirits for five years and has visited the Jalisco region over a dozen times. We researched top brands to find premier bottles for sipping straight, mixing drinks, and, yes, taking shots. Making tequila is not a quick process. Hornitos Plata is the perfect complement to a paloma or margarita, and it’s hard to beat the price. Try Milagro Silver and you’ll see why it’s easily our favorite cheap tequila. Try it with a bit of agave syrup and Angostura bitters to make a spicy riff on an old-fashioned. Here are a few unexpected things that mix well with tequila. The agave used in Peligroso is sourced from the Highlands, and it creates a spirit with citrus character, a touch of minerality, and baking spice. The crystal-clear Bribon is unaged with vegetal earthy notes that work well in a margarita, paloma, or old-fashioned, though Jessica Fallon, general Manager of Ladybirds in Houston, Texas, says she prefers drinking it on the rocks. But that burn, after all, is how we know we’re alive. Camarena Silver is clear, with a pure, platinum sheen. Because it's on the lower end of the price scale, it's not as elegant in cocktails as some other options are. As we reviewed dozens of brands to select the best cheap tequila, these were the criteria that we focused on: Milagro Silver Tequila uses only the finest, estate-grown blue agave, aged up to 12 years. Agave is sort of like a cactus, but it’s really a succulent. Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata. For more like this, visit our reviews section and find taste tests of pisco, gin, vodka, rum and much more. Overall, this tequila has a clean, electric flavor with floral and herbal notes. Peppered with citrus and sage, it’s a clean and palatable sipping blanco that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. Lunazul Blanco – $20. Don’t miss the agave sweetness, and a zesty, herbaceous, citrusy mid-palate. It’s best with just a few ice cubes, although I also suggest drinking it with a lemon peel to bring out the citrus notes.”. The best tequila … But affordable tequilas can also be suitable for sipping. What’s the difference between a highland and lowland tequila? This is one of those tequilas you'll always remember. It’s great mixed and even better straight. “It’s a tequila I recommend to new agave drinks because it’s approachable and has a bright flavor.”. This results in a crisp tequila that works particularly well in cocktails, and the fact that it’s one of the best-selling brands in Mexico confirms that. To prepare for your cocktail party, juice up to 50 limes, depending on how many people you’re expecting. Here are some of the best cheap sipping tequilas on the market that won’t require a bank loan to purchase. Agave plants take seven to 12 years to reach maturity, and once harvested, they need to be roasted, distilled, and left to rest for months to years depending on the style. The overall profile reveals peppery agave notes and plenty of sweetness. Sauza Silver is not afraid to let the alcohol burn. Sauza Silver is earthy and clear, with interesting mineral aromas. When satisfied, strain out the pepper. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Arette Blanco Tequila at Minibar Delivery, Best for Margaritas: Sip Cabrito, and taste pepper as well as the sweet oaky flavor of the barrel. Elvelo Reposado. Pour the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt into the glass. Considering Olmeca’s competitive price tag, this is a go-to-choice for any party or gathering. So we here at RAVE Reviews, out of the goodness of our hearts, decided to put together everything you need to know in order to make delicious, cheap cocktails with some of the best tequila around. However, there’s none of the brininess on the palate you might expect. It all explodes into citrusy flavors like sweet pink grapefruit or lemon. Hornitos Plata. Cazcabel Reposado Tequila. Accept nothing less. Aromatic, cheerful and inexpensive, Milagro has been a staple amongst millennials, as well as the shot of choice of many tequila-loving bar-goers. Some good cheap tequila brands are made with mixtos while other top inexpensive tequilas use 100 percent agave. You can find Espolòn Blanco almost anywhere, and unlike some cheap tequila, its ubiquity and moderately low price don't mean it's bad. (Bonus points for tequilas that can do both. To make it, you’ll need an ounce of smooth sherry, an ounce of tequila, an egg, and a pinch of nutmeg. The tequila shelf is full of bargains and great value, and it's the perfect spirit for summer sipping. BEST CHEAP TEQUILAS. Instead, Espolòn is mellow, with clean, mildly fruity flavors. On the nose, expect sea salt and lime peel from this unaged tequila. Find it: totalwine.com 6 of 10 the recipe for disaster). On the nose, there’s an intense aroma. Shop Milagro Silver. This subtle tequila from master distiller Felipe Camarena heads toward the lighter, greener side of agave, with grass and mint. A few of the best cheap tequila … But how spicy is spicy enough? The best cheap tequila brands come in many forms. And all this flavor soon gives way to agave and spice with grassy notes. This tequila is a must-try. It's aged for a minimum of two-and-a-half years in American white-oak barrels and is the best choice for the tequila connoisseurs in your life. It makes a … The tasting differences are relatively subtle, but experts note that highland tequilas are more floral, while lowland tequilas are more vegetal and herbal. Cazadores Tequila Blanco is a great cheap option for sipping, as a lead into a meal, or as a solid base for any tequila cocktail. If money’s tight, our pick for the best cheap tequila is Milagro Silver. Does it make the spirit more sophisticated? The Best Cheap Tequilas For Summer, According To Bartenders Music We ranked them hot, hotter, and hottest. Peligroso means danger in Spanish. If you're looking to rip shots, your best bet is Agavales Blanco (view at Drizly). Beyond a bartender co-sign, this bottle has received many medals awarded at international spirits competitions. Each bottle is made with care in the town of Tequila, right outside Guadalajara. Copyright ©2020 Rave Reviews, All Rights Reserved. Other flavors reported include bread, spiced plums, and melon. We slept in a barrel and drank tequila; Unlimited Tequila on a train and distillery tour; Tequila and family with Master Distiller Carlos Camarena; 5 Best Cheap Tequilas For Margaritas; Starting a brand with Scott Willis of Tequila … We recommend products based on unbiased research from our editorial team. There’s a lot of cheap tequila on the market these days, and — let’s face it — most of it is bad. But Espolòn is filtered before bottling. To make Leche Mexicana, a cream-based tequila drink, add 2 oz creme de cocoa, 1½ oz tequila, and 1 oz of half-and-half to a shaker with ice. Patrón Extra Añejo spends over three years in … The nose is fruity with a spicy kick that evokes grappa. Want to serve a classic paloma with a kick at your next party? Cazadores Tequila Blanco. Traditionally, one way those piñas are crushed is the tahona process. Like some winemakers, Cazadores has adopted the practice of playing classical music round the clock during fermentation. Luckily, Lunazul offers a rare, wallet-friendly option in this category. “Jose Cuervo … A guide to the best cheap tequilas for under $25. Though the price is approachable, Olmeca Altos makes sure to use eco-conscious production methods, which is pretty rare for tequilas at this price point. The simple, elegant bottle is smooth and balanced, with pure agave flavors. That said, the tequila still holds the same quality it did generations ago, with flavors of jackfruit, lime zest, and green pepper. “Probably the best inexpensive tequila for the money is the El Jimador Blanco,” says Gavin Humes, food and beverage director of Scratch Bar & Kitchen in Los Angeles. “It has a touch of sweetness and citrus. Produced in Zapopan in the state of Jalisco, El Destilador is, one of the best buys on the list considering it is made from 100% ... Sauza Blue Silver – $17. Tasting notes of roasted agave, lemon, and honey pair particularly well in a paloma. Bottles of Bribon are produced at the historic Casa Don Roberto distillery (a company started by Spanish immigrants in 1924) in the heart of Tequila town. Cabrito is both smooth enough to sip and rich and complex enough for cocktails. Add a lime slice for some complexity. Overall, it’s a very elegant unaged tequila, balancing big peppery notes while finishing with finesse. For mild spice, go with one de-seeded jalapeño for about an hour. Expect strong fruity citrus notes, as well as a little hot pepper in the delivery, and in the finish. There’s bright cayenne on the tongue, with notes of terra cotta. We recommend mixing club soda with your tequila instead of seltzer water. With its light, highly drinkable character, Espolòn is an ideal cheap tequila choice for mixing. While many high-quality tequilas come with a steep price tag, you can certainly find bottles to fit your budget—and not all are strictly for shooting. Anything else is mezcal, which can be made from over 30 varieties of agave. Rested in old American oak barrels, Cabrito Reposado is known for incredible smoothness. Best Budget: Jose Cuervo Tradicional Silver. The 13 Tequila Brands We’re Drinking Right Now These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello … The brand El Jimador is a lowlands tequila … To find out what the best cheap tequilas are, I tasted 13 bottles under $20 that are … If you’re new to making mixed drinks with the best cheap tequila, try these classic recipes and you won’t be disappointed. Let sit for 2 hours. Picking a cheap tequila shouldn’t feel like settling for second best. The Camarena family has been planting and harvesting agave in the Jalisco Highlands (Los Altos) since 1860. This single-estate tequila from Casa San Matias has aromas of agave and raw eggplant. Olmeca Altos is produced using agave from the highlands, processed with the traditional tahona method. Combine in a shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds. Overall, Milagro Silver is an outstanding cheap tequila. Produced at Tequilera Corralejo in the state of Guanajuato, Jalisco’s eastern neighbor, Los Arango Blanco … Crisp and refreshing (and very affordable), La Gritona is enjoyed by entry-level tequila fans as well as tequila enthusiasts and connoisseurs. “The reposado is rested in American oak barrels, which creates subtle notes of vanilla and caramel—perfect for spirit-forward tequila cocktails. “I like tequilas that have a strong family history and [companies who] choose to do the right thing for the land and the people,” says Dean Hurst, beverage director for Datz Restaurant Group.
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