5 Cheap Tequilas that Taste Anything But

Cheap tequila.

Do those two words bring about bad feelings? Is there even such a thing as GOOD, cheap tequila?

I did the hard work of researching this 😉 and I’m happy to report that there are plenty of quality, low-cost tequilas out there that taste nothing like cheap tequila!

On our honeymoon in Mexico, my husband and I were introduced to the world of tequila. I was never a big fan, only ever having tequila in the form of margaritas and maybe a cheap shot once or twice. But once I learned how to taste tequila, the different varieties, and how to appreciate it, I’ve been trying every brand I can find!

First, Some Tequila Basics:

Tequila is made from the blue agave plant. This plant takes about 6-8 years to mature. Almost all tequila is made in one region of Mexico- the state of Jalisco. The process is super labor intensive, but absolutely worth it!

Once the tequila has been made, it becomes a different type of tequila depending on how long it ages:

Blanco/Silver– (aged 0-2 months) These are the clear tequilas. They are typically not aged and are bottled immediately. They can be sipped, but the flavors of a blanco go very well with the orange and lime flavors in a margarita.

Reposado– (aged 2-11 months) This is tequila that has been aged in wood barrels. This gives it it’s gold color. Reposados have a smoky, oak-like flavor to them. They make for a delicious margarita, but for the price, you might find you’re muting some of their amazing flavors. Try sipping on this one.

Anejo– (aged 1 year +) This tequila is usually darker than the reposado because it is aged longer. The anejo has a stronger, almost caramel-like flavor. This is definitely a sipping tequila. I’ve even had it on its own, paired with dessert!

Which one you choose will depend on what flavors you are looking for and of course, what you plan to do with it. You can’t go wrong with any of these for sipping! I have favorite brands of tequila in each category, but my favorite type of tequila for a margarita is a blanco.

A Note About ‘Gold’ Tequila:

True Gold tequila is a mixture of blanco and reposado tequilas. However, most of the ‘gold’ tequilas you will see in restaurants and on store shelves is actually a mixto. This means that the tequila is mixed with sugar, flavors, and water. This takes away its true flavor and leaves you with headaches, extra calories, and bad memories of your night out. If it doesn’t say “100% agave” on the label, it is not true tequila.

My advice- steer clear of the ‘gold’!

So What Brands are Best?

What I’ve found is that some of the more popular, premium brands (Patron, Don Julio, Avion) are not actually my favorites. These premium tequilas are excellent. However, there are plenty of tequilas that cost a little less that are equally delicious, if not better!

These five brands, all within the $20-30 range, are delicious on their own, but make an excellent margarita!

El Jimador Silver

Espolon Blanco

Peligroso Silver

Olmeca Altos Plata

Exotico Blanco

Each of these tequilas have distinct flavors because there are many differences in how a tequila is made. The flavors can depend on the ripeness of the agave when it is used. There are different methods of cooking the agave and in the distillation process, too.

Also, each brand uses agave grown in different regions of Mexico, which can result in slightly different flavor notes (much like you’d find in good coffee or craft beer). A Highlands tequila is known to be a little sweeter and spicier. A Lowlands tequila is known to have a more earthy flavor.

There are so many variables in the tequila making process that make each one unique! Before mixing the tequila into a drink, take a sip and see what flavors you can find!

If you’re willing to spend just a few more dollars, my two favorite tequilas are in the high $20 to low $30 range: