But how spicy is spicy enough? There’s a little light oak and cinnamon in the mix, and a touch of earthiness, adding complexity to the flavor profile. Either one works in a pinch, but try both and see which you prefer. And all this flavor soon gives way to agave and spice with grassy notes. Here’s what you need: Rub the edge of the glass with a lime wedge, then roll in chili salt. The overall profile reveals peppery agave notes and plenty of sweetness. Instead, Espolòn is mellow, with clean, mildly fruity flavors. Overall, Sauza Silver is a vibrant blanco with a snappy finish. Let sit for 2 hours. “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. Milagro Silver. That’s it. The Tequila Sherry Flip is an acquired taste, so proceed with caution. Made from 100% blue agave, Camarena Silver Tequila presents rich notes of toasted agave and fresh green herbs. 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. Gran Centenario Plata. Peligroso Silver is a great choice if you’re looking for a delicious, dessert-like experience. For a 100 percent agave tequila that works particularly well in cocktails, go for our top pick: El Jimador Silver (view at Drizly). Made in Jalisco, this 100 percent agave tequila rests for 40 days before it's bottled and sent to thirsty drinkers. There you have it. You may also find the taste of roasted golden beet and delicate Latin herbs. 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. Unlike whiskey, rum, gin, or vodka, … Odds are you’re looking for the best cheap tequila to mix in your cocktails. 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. A great post-dessert treat. ", "The crystal-clear Bribon is unaged and approachable with vegetal earthy notes. For more like this, visit our reviews section and find taste tests of pisco, gin, vodka, rum and much more. That said, “it makes a great margarita and an easy shooter,” says Ray. ", "Try it with agave syrup and Angostura bitters for a twist on an old-fashioned. We ranked them hot, hotter, and hottest. Overall, this light-bodied blanco is known to be easy to drink: sweet, energetic, and straightforward. Milagro Silver Tequila $24 Yes, the bottle looks like a Cancun airport souvenir, but this is one of the best values in tequila—period. Don’t miss the agave sweetness, and a zesty, herbaceous, citrusy mid-palate. She is based in Toronto and holds a Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level III qualification. 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. Shop Milagro Silver. Follow these simple guidelines and you and your friends will be raving for weeks about your next cocktail party. Each bottle is made with care in the town of Tequila, right outside Guadalajara. Traditionally, and even now in at least one place, it’s still done by donkey. In fact, ‘tequila’ has some unique and tasty cousins, also produced in Mexico from the agave plant, such as mezcal, sotol and raicilla. By using The Spruce Eats, you accept our, Arette Blanco Tequila at Minibar Delivery, Best for Margaritas: Keep soda water on hand for some fizz. El Destilador – $15. 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. “It's smooth … 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.”. For medium spice, try one de-seeded cayenne pepper for about 80 minutes. There’s bright cayenne on the tongue, with notes of terra cotta. If you’re making palomas, stock up on grapefruit soda. Best Under $50: Los Arango Blanco. It all explodes into citrusy flavors like sweet pink grapefruit or lemon. Look out for citrus, pepper, and brine. Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, 10 Best Tequilas for Margaritas and Shots in 2021, Best for Sipping: The oak adds subtle smokey flavors and warm vanilla spices. We get it: You’re not made of money, and liquor store tabs add up quick. Peppered with citrus and sage, it’s a clean and palatable sipping blanco that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. That said, the tequila still holds the same quality it did generations ago, with flavors of jackfruit, lime zest, and green pepper. Espolòn Blanco. We recommend products based on unbiased research from our editorial team. 100% blue agave and double-distilled, Hornitos Plata is peppery and hot. A guide to the best cheap tequilas for under $25. Crafted with some of the oldest distilling methods on Earth, Cazcanes Organic Blanco combines tradition with true artistry. A wonderful pink-gold hue makes this reposado inviting from the get-go. The body is dry and fruity. Because it's on the lower end of the price scale, it's not as elegant in cocktails as some other options are. 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. Want to serve a classic paloma with a kick at your next party? Don’t forget to sample your tequila about every 20 minutes. For an extra spicy tequila, infuse it with 2 Thai chilis. “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. Made from the finest agave in Jalisco, Cabrito Reposado is a superior cheap tequila. You can find Espolòn Blanco almost anywhere, and unlike some cheap tequila, its ubiquity and moderately low price don't mean it's bad. The simple, elegant bottle is smooth and balanced, with pure agave flavors. Pour the tequila, lime juice, and a pinch of salt into the glass. (Bonus points for tequilas that can do both. 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. Garnish with spicy olives to taste. Does it make the spirit more sophisticated? Try it with a bit of agave syrup and Angostura bitters to make a spicy riff on an old-fashioned. But you love your friends and you want them to have fun next time they’re over for some drinks. Elvelo Reposado. Peligroso Silver is spicier than many silver tequilas, but also green and vegetal, with grassiness and a raw agave character. Also notable is the subtle taste of vanilla extract, followed up with baking spice, salted caramel, and citrus. Milagro, which translates to “miracle,” is distilled 3 times: twice in a pot still and once in a stainless-steel column still. The nose is fruity with a spicy kick that evokes grappa. Which is the best cheap tequila reposado in the market? These are known as mixtos, and perhaps unsurprisingly, are lower quality. “The reposado is rested in American oak barrels, which creates subtle notes of vanilla and caramel—perfect for spirit-forward tequila cocktails. 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. Usually, when I order a margarita, I'm okay with the bottom shelf tequila in the … Here are a few unexpected things that mix well with tequila. Try it and find out. If money’s tight, our pick for the best cheap tequila is Milagro Silver. That’s the list. We may receive compensation if you click on a link. What’s the difference between a highland and lowland tequila? With its light, highly drinkable character, Espolòn is an ideal cheap tequila choice for mixing. The design on the label features a tribute to Mexican culture, inspired by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. Overall, Milagro Silver is an outstanding cheap tequila. Olmeca Altos is produced using agave from the highlands, processed with the traditional tahona method. 16 Best Cheap Tequila Bottles Under … BEST CHEAP TEQUILAS. But that burn, after all, is how we know we’re alive. The sweetness and smoothness of … On the nose, El Jimador carries notes of cooked agave, oak, and vanilla as well as slight hints of baked cherry pie. Enjoy it neat or on the rocks. He also recommends the distillery’s reposado (also budget-friendly) because it's “a great sipper and adds complexity to the paloma cocktail.”. 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. Enjoy! Find it: totalwine.com 6 of 10 … 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. Camarena is a solid mixing tequila for palomas and margaritas, perfect to please your next party crowd. There’s a lot of cheap tequila on the market these days, and — let’s face it — most of it is bad. Here are some of the best cheap sipping tequilas on the market that won’t require a bank loan to purchase. Club soda contains trace minerals that many say enhance the best flavors of the tequila. Accept nothing less. It’s tough to find an anejo tequila on a budget. Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata … Lunazul Blanco – $20. Crisp and refreshing (and very affordable), La Gritona is enjoyed by entry-level tequila fans as well as tequila enthusiasts and connoisseurs. It’s perfect for that spicy cocktail party you’ve been planning. Shake, strain, and serve. For mild spice, go with one de-seeded jalapeño for about an hour. ", "This tequila holds the same quality it did generations ago. Nowadays, each piña is roasted in a clay oven before being double-distilled and rested for 2 months in American oak bourbon barrels. The tahona process gives Olmeca incredible complexity and depth. Can it stand on its own as a sipping tequila? If it’s sweetness you’re after, Hornitos may also be for you. El Jimador Reposado is known for a medium length finish, with flashes of alcohol, white pepper, and agave at the outset, while hints of agave nectar and cherry top it all off. But on the palate, there’s the taste of tropical fruits, though understated, as well as the mild and savory scent of fresh oregano, tomato, and bell pepper. 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. Several brands produce excellent inexpensive tequilas suitable for sipping and making cocktails, such as margaritas, sangritas, and bloody marias. For the finishing touch, add a chili-lime cantaloupe spear. And the long finish is sweet, presenting agave, fruit, and pepper. The best tequila … Best enjoyed on its own, Cabrito Reposado is wonderfully rich, with an even and satisfying finish. This tequila is a must-try. This blanco offers the scent of vanilla and marshmallow. Silver is the brand’s … We gathered six cheap … Infused with raw cacao, this tequila is surprisingly complex yet very smooth. On the nose, expect sea salt and lime peel from this unaged tequila. Hornitos Plata. With subtle … We took shots of each with a variety of chasers, recorded it and ranked them from the best … 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. 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. Sauza Silver is not afraid to let the alcohol burn. On the palate, there’s vanilla, coconut, and a whiff of baking spice. For margaritas, make sure you have agave nectar. Tasting notes of roasted agave, lemon, and honey pair particularly well in a paloma. Reminiscent of gin, Cazadores Tequila Blanco is bright and clean, with an aroma of mint and dill as well as an edge of spice. By law, tequila is only required to be 51% blue agave. A quality, 100% blue agave tequila, Sauza Silver is a workhorse. 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. It all leads to a mildly spicy finish. These are the best cheap tequila brands, ranked from best to worst by user votes. To make your own spicy tequila martini, here’s what you’ll need: First, pour tequila and vermouth into a cocktail shaker with ice. Sip Cabrito, and taste pepper as well as the sweet oaky flavor of the barrel. Open the bottle, and on the nose, you’re greeted with a nice kick of roasted agave. “Give your margarita some punch with Arette Blanco, a steal for a cheaper tequila,” says Hurst. But don’t be afraid of the Peligroso Silver. Kate Dingwall is a sommelier and spirits writer. Anything else is mezcal, which can be made from over 30 varieties of agave. Combine in a shaker with ice and shake for 20 seconds. 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. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with grated nutmeg. When satisfied, strain out the pepper. In addition, you may taste notes of black pepper, accompanied by a distinctive salinity. Basically, a massive volcanic wheel rolls over the steamed agave hearts. 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 … However, there’s none of the brininess on the palate you might expect. But a good tequila doesn’t have to equal an average car payment. The Best Cheap Tequilas For Summer, According To Bartenders Music A great example of what a blanco tequila can be. “Bribon is a solid tequila for its price,” says Fallon. Sip it and look for flavors of fresh agave, rosemary, thyme, and sage. This gives the liquid a more refined flavor similar to a sipping whiskey or Cognac. On the palate, it’s exceptionally soft and smooth, exhibiting hints of sweet vanilla and savory brown sugar spices. So instead, you’ll find exceptional smoothness and bright, clear taste, as well as the flavor of premium agave that tequila aficionados demand. We reviewed recent and past results of the respected Ultimate Beverage … The Cazcabel cheap tequila Reposado is rested in American oak barrels for a minimum of 9 … ", "Olmeca Altos makes sure to use eco-conscious production methods. Olmeca Altos is incredibly refreshing, with light notes of ripe lemon, limes, and a balanced jalapeno spice. To prepare for your cocktail party, juice up to 50 limes, depending on how many people you’re expecting. It makes a … Kate Dingwall is a freelance writer whose work focuses on food, drinks, and travel. But Espolòn is filtered before bottling. Once you’ve selected your cheap tequila, there’s a lot that can be done to spice up your mixed drinks. “Jose Cuervo … The best cheap tequila brands come in many forms. Expect strong fruity citrus notes, as well as a little hot pepper in the delivery, and in the finish. 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. Overall, it’s a very elegant unaged tequila, balancing big peppery notes while finishing with finesse. ", "If you want a crowd-pleasing bottle, this is the one. Dulce Vida Organic Blanco Tequila. Cazcabel Reposado Tequila. Patrón Extra Añejo spends over three years in … the recipe for disaster). Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata. Answers will vary. Tequila Herradura Selección Suprema ($350) "Selección Suprema is very special for many reasons,” says Ruben Aceves, Tequila Herradura Global Brand Ambassador. To make it, you’ll need an ounce of smooth sherry, an ounce of tequila, an egg, and a pinch of nutmeg. The Absolute Best Cheap Tequilas Under $20. “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. Milagro Silver is surprisingly smooth, whether you’re mixing it or enjoying it on its own. Then, strain into a cayenne-salt-rimmed glass. “It's smooth enough for shooting, but has enough kick to stand up well in cocktails. Get easy-to-follow, delicious recipes delivered right to your inbox. Hornitos Plata is the perfect complement to a paloma or margarita, and it’s hard to beat the price. Tequila Don Julio Blanco is mild. Perfect to mix into cocktails, Olmeca Altos is also delicious straight. 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 … 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. Cabrito is both smooth enough to sip and rich and complex enough for cocktails. Jimador is the Spanish word for the fieldworker who hand-harvests the agave plant. El Destilador Blanco Tequila. Frugal shoppers can find a wide range of delicious 100% agave tequila for less than $30, though. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. They’re the culprit behind most of our nasty tequila hangovers. Considering Olmeca’s competitive price tag, this is a go-to-choice for any party or gathering. On the palate, there’s coconut and pineapple, finishing with hints of cinnamon and lemon peel. We recommend mixing club soda with your tequila instead of seltzer water. She has been writing about wine and spirits for five years and has visited the Jalisco region over a dozen times. Here are some must-haves to allow your party guests to customize their cheap tequila cocktail creations. Like some winemakers, Cazadores has adopted the practice of playing classical music round the clock during fermentation. By chilling it down, the cold temperatures will balance out the higher-proof burn of making shots with this tequila. Its light body is fresh and zippy with hints of lemony citrus, followed by a minty finish. The 30 Best Tequilas for Every Budget (2020) Corralejo Reposado. The brand is still run by the Orendain brothers, who are descendants of some of the oldest tequila producers in the country. review process here. El Jimador Silver – $20. 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 subtle tequila from master distiller Felipe Camarena heads toward the lighter, greener side of agave, with grass and mint. ", "It's perfect for spirit-forward tequila cocktails. Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our There are also subtle notes of baked pear, warm cinnamon, vanilla, oak, and a peppery finish. Some distillers play classical music for their tequila while it’s fermenting. 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. Oh yeah, and the Kardashians love it. We researched top brands to find premier bottles for sipping straight, mixing drinks, and, yes, taking shots. A few of the best cheap tequila … ", The Spruce Eats uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. It's difficult to find a good quality, 100% blue agave silver tequila with a price tag that doesn’t … On the nose, there’s an intense aroma. Agave is sort of like a cactus, but it’s really a succulent. Here’s what you need for this delicious twist on a classic margarita: First, shake tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar with ice. Aromatic, cheerful and inexpensive, Milagro has been a staple amongst millennials, as well as the shot of choice of many tequila-loving bar-goers. "This crisp tequila works particularly well in cocktails. And it only has one life to give for our drinking amusement. Well, Espolòn Blanco’s distillers play rock music to help “inspire” their vats of fermenting agave. This is one of those tequilas you'll always remember. 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. You might expect this to make Espolòn an intense, hard-rocking experience. 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. Best Tequila Under $100 Añejos are the product of patience, richer and more full-bodied thanks to a painstaking aging process. We did extensive research through hundreds of customer reports and expert reviews to separate the good from the bad from the truly awful. 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. 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. This single-estate tequila from Casa San Matias has aromas of agave and raw eggplant. Some good cheap tequila brands are made with mixtos while other top inexpensive tequilas use 100 percent agave. While I might not crave a glass of it on the rocks, the price is hard to beat.”. If you're looking to rip shots, your best bet is Agavales Blanco (view at Drizly).