There are excellent tequilas from brands using traditional methods as well as distilleries using modern technology like diffusers. The grapefruit and lime in [Ocean Prime’s signature margarita] pair perfectly with the agave spirit.”, According to bar manager Cari Hah of Big Bar in Los Angeles, “balance is the key to any great cocktail. This last component is by far the most important, and luckily, we are awash in options. Pouring a Chardonnay-esque pale gold, this tequila serves up vanilla cookies and agave notes on the nose, followed by salted caramel and black pepper on the palate. 14 Things You Should Know About Herradura, 5 Great Online Wine Retailers That Deliver to Your Door, Castello Banfi ‘San Angelo’ Pinot Grigio Toscana 2019, Tuscany, Italy, The Best Cheap Tequilas Under $25 Right Now | VinePair, https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-cheap-tequila-brands-ranked/, wbs_cat Spirit, wbs_type Tequila, wbs_brand Arrete, wbs_brand Cazadores, wbs_brand Espolon, wbs_brand Jose Cuervo, wbs_brand Lunazul, wbs_brand Milagro, wbs_brand Olmeca Altos, wbs_brand Tequila Bribón, best tequila, buy this booze, cheap, tequila, We Asked 10 Beverage Pros: What’s the Best Irish Whiskey for St. Patrick’s Day? That means there's no need to hesitate about mixing any of the tequilas on this list into your favorite tequila cocktails. While all of the tequilas are very enjoyable, the brand’s reposado is superb. The beauty of the tequila revolution is that there is a tequila out there for everyone. Casa Noble Blanco.

Without barrel aging, there’s no extra flavor to disguise a poorly crafted liquor, so it’s important to choose wisely. This tequila is very affordable and can compete with some of the most expensive tequilas. The flavors complement the tanginess of a traditional margarita well.”, A popular prestige tequila, Don Julio Blanco is the margarita tequila of choice for beverage director Andrea Cornwell of Ocean Prime, who tells us that “[Don Julio Blanco] is clean, soft and a great complement to fruit notes. Average price: $21. However, mixologist Daniel Rodriguez of Cantina Rooftop in NYC appreciates Añejo’s complexity when making a “Cadillac” margarita, a spin on the classic marg that utilizes aged tequila and Cognac in lieu of blanco tequila and triple sec. Considered the best of any brand’s portfolio, añejos are higher priced and typically reserved for high-end cocktails or sipping straight.

Reposado tequilas are aged for three to nine months, so they’re gently rested and pick up a perfect amount of oak flavors.

The nose is dominated by fresh notes of green bell pepper and brined vegetables, while the palate evokes agave syrup and the prickly heat of freshly crushed peppercorns. This is a versatile spirit, and one you should get to know by mixing in brunch cocktails like a Bloody Maria, as well as classics like the Paloma and Margarita. If you are looking to mix up some of the best tequila drinks you can afford, it’s the tequila to keep in your bar. Take this bottle to a dinner party full of cocktail enthusiasts and you won’t disappoint. Many of our surveyed bartenders selected clean, lightweight blanco (unaged) tequilas as their picks for margarita inclusion. Typically, every tequila brand's portfolio will offer a blanco, reposado, and añejo tequila. Corazón is a great value for the money and one of the best options available at a mid-range price. (Alternatively, pick up a bottle of Cazadores Reposado, which is equally delicious, and introduces savory notes and a faintly smoky character to the palate.) Oozing in character, Olmeca Altos Plata is minty and herbal, with a well-balanced bitter chocolate finish. ", "The aged tequila you won’t want to miss because it makes superior margaritas.