The best tequilas for shots include:
- Casamigos Blanco
- Chamucos Blanco
- Cenote Blanco
- Espolon Blanco
- El Bandido Yankee
- El Jimador Silver
- El Tesoro Añejo
- Fortaleza Blanco
- Maestro Dobel Diamante
- Olmeca Altos Plata
- Siempre Tequila Plata
- Patron Silver
- Teremana Blanco
- 1800 Silver
- 818 Blanco
It makes the ideal foundation for well-known mixed drinks and cocktails like the margarita and tequila sunrise.
But because tequila is so adaptable, it’s also delicious on its own, straight out of a shot glass. I’ve discovered some of the best tequila for shots after some testing.
Keep reading.
Table of Contents
Best Tequila For Shots
Casamigos Blanco
Tequila produced by Casamigos is meant to be accessible to all and is known as the “people’s brand.” One of our top picks for tequila for shots. As a result of the cost-effective method, they describe themselves as a quality tequila brand. Compared to the majority of blanco tequilas, the Casamigos Blanco is stronger but milder.
With a strong blue agave flavor and recognizable vanilla notes, it is very palatable.
Chamucos Blanco
This tequila is flavorful and smooth, very deep and complex, yet happy and light. One of the best tequilas for shots, it has a very smooth but fiery finish and an expressive vanilla flavor blended with citrus, cinnamon, and fennel notes.
Small batches of this tequila are made, and the company is meticulous about every aspect of the manufacturing procedure. In particular, if you don’t have much tequila experience, this fruity and slightly floral tequila is ideal for shots.
Cenote Blanco
While the flavor of this tequila is intense and expressive, it doesn’t overpower you. Citrus and agave flavors gently entice you in the beginning, and the middle notes of vanilla and well-established agave continue to entice you. A soft, smooth black pepper flavor marks the end of the piece. It is therefore among the best tequilas for shots on our list.
During the three weeks that it spends maturing in oak barrels, this tequila also develops a faintly burnt aroma that gives the other flavors a nice once-over.
Espolon Blanco
100% Blue Weber Agave is used to make the tequila. It is also handcrafted and has one of the most harmonious and smooth tastes.
This tequila’s inventor aimed to produce a drink that people would enjoy. Maestro Cirilo noticed that his friends had switched from tequila to brandy because they weren’t enjoying it.
He decided to take action as a result. Tequila called Espolon Blanco pairs well with citrus flavors. However, it also stands on its own in a shot glass. Additionally, it is among the best tequilas for shots.
You won’t be let down, so trust me.
El Bandido Yankee
A high-quality, readily available, and reasonably priced tequila is what this brand of tequila is all about. Popularly called “the crowds’ tequila,” this spirit is indeed that, the people’s drink.
It has a vanilla and peppery beginning, a buttery middle, a long, smooth finish, and an unforgettable burn. Although this tequila was initially designed for slow sipping, it has evolved into a very popular option for shots as well as for cocktails.
El Jimador Silver
This long-established tequila brand takes great pride in the caliber of its product and is named after the men who gather the blue agave. One of the best tequilas available, this one has excellent quality.
This tequila is smooth and incredibly edgy, warm and sharp. Given that there are numerous facets to this spirit, it is adaptable and undoubtedly suitable for individuals with a range of tastes and preferences.
With a citrusy, lemony fresh note at the beginning, blue agave sweetness in the middle, and a smooth, spicy finish at the end.
This tequila definitely has a rich flavor and a strong but manageable burn. However, exercise caution because it’s simple to go too far.
El Tesoro Añejo
Although añejo tequilas are well-aged, smoky, rich, and meant to be savored slowly, the El Tesoro Añejo tequila seems to work exceptionally well for shots.
This tequila has a light bourbon flavor and a smoky sensation from being aged for up to three years in American oak barrels. It is darker than the typical tequilas made for shots, with a maple flavor at first, then flavors of dark caramel and smokiness, with hints of fruity and floral notes in between.
A shot of this tequila has a lot of flavor, is incredibly aromatic, smooth, and has a pleasant warm burn. Each subsequent shot is even smoother than the one before because the taste lingers and, in a way, coats your throat.
Fortaleza Blanco
This tequila is sophisticated and exceptionally potent. It has a fiery but smooth finish and a strong alcohol flavor. It still has the recognizable taste of sweet agave as well as a sophisticated, understated, but distinct vanilla note.
While some of the flavors in this tequila are uncommon for tequila, they are delightfully blended and go incredibly well in a shot of this tequila. It has a natural and herbal flavor that nicely balances the flavors of black pepper and olives. It is among the best tequilas for shots on our list.
Maestro Dobel Diamante
Given that Blanco tequila is known for its sharpness and the intensity of the burn it produces, this particular Blanco is unusually smooth and mild. Lemongrass, agave, charcoal, and oak aromas are the first to emerge.
It has a flavorful palate with notes of agave in the beginning, oak in the middle, and a smooth, spicy black pepper finish. This tequila is intense and full-flavored as a shot, and it draws you into its web only to leave you yearning for another.
Olmeca Altos Plata
This award-winning tequila is excellent and is definitely worth a try. It is a Blanco tequila type that retains the typical tequila aggression but has been softened by the sweetness of blue agave and the freshness of lemon, which makes this tequila one of the more refined ones.
This tequila seems to work well in all combinations, including shots, cocktails, and slow sipping, despite the fact that it is a blanco tequila, which is not typically meant for slow sipping. This tequila is considered by mixologists to be the best one for margaritas.
Siempre Tequila Plata
This tequila appears straightforward and simple, but it is actually more complex than it first appears to be. When it finishes so smoothly with strong floral and fruity notes, you’ll realize that this is not your average tequila. It starts off simply enough to give you the impression that it is just another alcoholic beverage.
It was initially created to be sipped slowly, but word quickly got out that it also works well for shots, earning it a spot on this list.
Many would argue that this tequila doesn’t shine fully as a shot because of the speed of drinking, but I would argue that you will be able to experience every last bit of flavor, albeit at a faster rate.
Patron Silver
Another popular gringo tequila is Patron Silver, which is renowned for its acridity and spiciness. It combines the tequila’s aggressivity with the blue agave’s sweetness, the freshness of citrus, and the heat of white pepper.
Citrus notes dominate the beginning, followed by sweet flavors and then a smooth white pepper finish. Unquestionably a great option for shots.
Teremana Blanco
Another sophisticated tequila company that places a premium on product quality is Teremana. The Blanco is the tequila I suggest for shots from the Teremana brand, which takes pride in its 100% agave tequila production.
The Teremana Blanco is incredibly sweet when taken as a shot and is adored by bartenders as a tequila that does great when mixed. It has a sweet flavor with hints of vanilla and white pepper; it is sharp at first, smooth at the end, and sweet in the middle. This tequila is unquestionably among the best available.
1800 Silver
This tequila’s boldness and sharpness make it unsuitable for drinkers who prefer a mild burn. Though it may appear delicate, this top-shelf tequila will burn you intensely, so don’t be fooled by its appearance.
The typical sweetness of blue agave is present at first, and from the middle to the end, it intensifies quickly. Although it has a smooth finish, which is typical for higher-end tequilas, it also has an expressive spicy finish that is dominated by the flavor of white pepper and a burn that will linger for some time.
818 Blanco
The smoothness and sweetness of this Blanco tequila, which was created especially for shots, are its distinguishing qualities. The producers were able to create a spirit that is so simple to drink and has a smooth, almost creamy consistency because it was made to be used for shots.
It has a vanilla flavor in the beginning, a cream soda flavor as it develops, and a powerful alcoholic and spicy flavor in the finish.
If you prefer drinks that are mild in flavor but not as mild in the burn, then this tequila is unquestionably a good choice for you. The burn, while unpleasant, is tolerable and usually lasts for some time after the shot.
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Which Is The Best Inexpensive Tequila For Shots?
When I’m in the mood for shots, Espolon Blanco is my go-to tequila.
This tequila offers pleasing warmth and a peppery profile that will add a nice kick to your shots. It is also reasonably priced, 100% agave, which is important to prevent headaches.
100% Agave Tequila Is Better For Shots
You can purchase even more affordable options, but those tequilas are not made entirely from agave. Stick with 100% agave tequilas; they have a special sugar composition that won’t give you a headache the next day.
Agave and sugar cane or grains are combined to make gold and mixto tequilas, which foretells a bad day’s head the next day due to the blending of sugar sources.
These tequilas also contain unhealthy flavorings, additives, and colorings.
Which Tequila Makes The Best Shots?
The best tequila shooters are made with Blanco, also known as Silver tequilas.
These tequilas are less expensive than reposados and aejos, which aged for months or years in wooden barrels. Reposados and añejos are more pricey and best enjoyed neat, so they are not the best choice for shots.
Expensive Tequilas Are Not For Shots
Contrary to what some websites advertise, buying a Casamigos, Patron, or Don Julio is pointless when taking shots. The more expensive tequilas are ones that are best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. When looking to make shots, don’t waste your hard-earned money on expensive tequilas.
What To Look For In Sipping The Best Tequila
Agave
You want tequila made entirely from blue agave. This ought to be mentioned on the label or the website of the product you’re interested in. Additionally, the agave in the glass should be detectable.
Smoothness
Any rough edges or ethanol burn will cause you to cough and clear your throat quickly when you’re drinking a spirit on its own. However, a good sipping tequila offers mellow, not harsh, heat, especially when paired with a reposado or an añejo.
Production Methods
Picky about this are aficionados. They frequently seek out the oldest techniques: crushing the agave with a tahona made of volcanic rock, roasting it in a brick oven, and distilling it in a copper pot still. There are undoubtedly excellent tequilas produced from agave that was crushed in roller mills and then cooked in autoclaves. However, in general, tequila becomes less sophisticated and palatable the faster the process is.
The Best Tequila Chasers
Straight tequila, though a common choice, can be potent, especially if you have one that burns a little. There are remedies, so don’t let the burn stop you from enjoying yourself. Many immediately reach for the lime and salt, but there are many other options that are just as effective and provide a different experience.
The suggestions below can be combined with tequila to make a shot with an entirely new flavor, or they can be used to chase a shot of tequila taken straight up.
Beer
A few sips of cold beer are an understated and straightforward way to counteract the tequila’s flavor. Consider adding a sip of Corona to the lime you already have on hand since Corona and lime are a well-liked combination.
Orange And Cinnamon
Having a citrus base, an orange slice is similar to a lime slice, though some people prefer the slightly sweeter flavor. Give the orange a cinnamon-dusted coating before beginning. While the salt and lime instantly annihilate the tequila’s flavor, the cinnamon gives the shot some warmth and the orange allows the flavor to linger.
Apple Juice
Many people also use something sweet that doesn’t have any acidity, like apple juice. It will soften the tequila’s bite and acridity while also blending well to produce a flavorful mixture overall. However, it’s crucial to pay attention to the apple juice’s brand.
Perhaps too sweet is the synthetic stuff made with high fructose corn syrup. Find a more natural apple juice that doesn’t contain high fructose corn syrup if you want to use it. Despite the fact that joven is a popular tequila variety for shots, try a reposado or anejo with the apple juice for a richer flavor.
Lemonade
Similar results can be achieved with lemonade instead of a lime wedge. Contrary to popular belief, many bartenders prefer lemonade over lime because of its sour tartness, which pairs perfectly with tequila.
FAQs
What Characteristics Characterize A Tasty Tequila?
That depends on the type of tequila you prefer. Choose a blanco if you want something with minerality and sweetness. Consider a reposado for its toasty and honey notes. Añjo is your drink if you want something with richness and smoothness akin to brandy. But regardless of the flavor, you want a tequila made with integrity and purpose, using only 100% agave and no additives. Purists adore copper pot-distilled, brick oven-roasted tequilas, but the key component is the agave flavor. Skip it and sip something else if it tastes more like ethanol or burns too much when you drink it.
Is It More Expensive To Drink Tequila In General?
Price ranges for sipping tequilas are extremely diverse. Spending a lot of money on a special bottle like the Don Ramon Limited Edition Extra Añejo that has been stored for a while in pricey wood casks has taken up distillery space. However, some products are quite affordable for their quality: That delicious El Tequileo Reposado costs less than $30.
How Should Tequila Be Sipped Neat?
This is solely a matter of taste! Pour it into a tequila glass that resembles a flute if you want to experience it the way distillers do, though. In order to enhance the flavors and aromas of any spirit served neat, consider adding a few drops of water. One large cube can also be added; as it slowly melts, it will add a luxurious texture and a cool sensation to your drink. Try drinking extra añjos and añjos out of a snifter as the tequila gets older and becomes more brandy-like.
Final Words
So there you have it. These are the tequilas I recommend for shots. Since each of these has something unique to offer, I chose them all to add a little variety.
I’m confident that each of these tequilas will help me when I need to put the stresses of the week behind me. Each of these varieties also blends well with flavors like pomegranate and does well in a citrusy cocktail.
There is nothing like tequila, in my opinion regardless of yours. After your final sip, you might find yourself wanting more. And it has enough force behind it to enable you to flee and forget all of your worries.
Consider trying one of these fantastic tequilas the next time you’re looking for a tasty shot. They also taste fantastic in tequila-based cocktails!
I appreciate you reading, a lot.
