Best Cheap Tequilas for Shots of 2024

Last Updated on: 17th May 2024, 05:49 pm

J Highland

J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as an agave spirits distiller.

Looking for a smooth Tequila shot without the burn doesn't mean breaking the bank.

My guide, created with the assistance of Tequila expert Neil Coleman and customer insights, highlights Tequilas that are both smooth and wallet-friendly.

Enjoy great-tasting shots that are gentle on both your palate and your budget.

Written by: J Highland

Choosing the Best Cheap Tequila to Shoot

Craving a smooth and easy shot?

• 1800 Silver: Smooth Tequila for Easy Shooting (sweet, agave, orange, mild black pepper)
• Tres Agaves Blanco: A Budget-Friendly Gem (smooth, agave, lemon, orange, black pepper)
• Dulce Vida Blanco: A Solid Silver Tequila Choice (agave, moderate pepper spice, olive, green apple)

Looking for a budget-friendly shot with a kick?

• 3 Amigos Organic: A Budget-Friendly Tequila with a Kick (agave, lime, black pepper, warm finish)
• Gonzalez 1939: Budget-Friendly Shooter with a Twist (citrus, agave, spearmint, anise, black pepper)

Prefer a unique flavor profile in your cheap shot?

• Arette Blanco: Great for Shots, Great Price (agave, salty, fruity, peppery, cinnamon)
• Mi Campo Blanco: A Uniquely Aged Blanco with a Sweet Twist (agave, orange, vanilla, oak)
• Don Roberto Blanco: Earthy Agave with a Hint of Wood (floral notes, black pepper, woody character)
• Altos Plata: Earthy Tequila Perfect for Shooting (earthy, vegetal, agave, orange, mint, peppery)
• Teremana Blanco: Surprisingly Authentic Tequila from The Rock (agave, green peppers, earthy minerals, black pepper)

Important Note:

• Mi Campo Blanco uses a unique aging process that may not be preferred by everyone.

Remember, these are just descriptions, so trying the tequila yourself is always the best way to see if you like it!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as an agave spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Quick Look at the Best Affordable Tequila Shooters

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Arette Blanco: Great for Shots, Great Price

Arette Blanco punches above its weight, excelling as both a sipper and shooter. Expect a unique aroma of agave with salty and fruity hints. The taste is a delightful dance of warmth, agave, pepper, citrus, and earthy minerals. The finish lingers with pleasant heat, cinnamon, and agave sweetness.

This additive-free Blanco boasts a complex flavor profile rivaling pricier tequilas, making it a fantastic choice for both sipping and budget-friendly shots, states tequila expert Neil Coleman.

Espolon Blanco: A Solid Choice for Sipping or Shots

Espolon Blanco offers an earthy aroma with hints of black pepper and spice. The initial warmth gives way to moderate sweetness with fruity and vanilla notes. The finish is a pleasant blend of citrus, pepper, and a lingering warmth.

This high-quality tequila is enjoyable neat or in cocktails. Its balanced sweetness, warmth, and peppery finish make it a great choice for both sipping and shots.

1800 Silver: Smooth Tequila for Easy Shooting

1800 Silver presents a mellow nose of agave, accented by black pepper, citrus, and a hint of fading alcohol. Its taste is smooth and sweet, featuring agave, orange, and a touch of black pepper. This straightforward tequila prioritizes smoothness and sweetness, with a mild black pepper kick at the end.

Great for those seeking a clean and easy-drinking blanco tequila, 1800 Silver shines in simple cocktails or chilled shots. While not complex, it's enjoyable neat or on the rocks, making it a versatile choice for a variety of sipping or mixing preferences.

Mi Campo Blanco: A Uniquely Aged Blanco with a Sweet Twist

Mi Campo Blanco stands out with its three-week French oak chardonnay barrel finish, creating a unique flavor profile unlike most Blanco tequilas. This results in a predominantly sweet taste, perfect for those who enjoy a smoother tequila experience.

On the nose, expect a delightful mix of roasted agave, white grapes, orange peel, vanilla, and a subtle hint of oak. The taste is a balanced combination of agave, orange, vanilla, black pepper, and oak, with a smooth and oily texture. The finish is slightly bitter with oak spice, but not overwhelming, and lingers with a touch of vanilla and minimal heat. This makes it ideal for shooting or drinking on the rocks.

3 Amigos Organic: A Budget-Friendly Tequila with a Kick

Despite a slight initial alcohol scent, 3 Amigos Organic quickly reveals a pleasant aroma of roasted agave and black pepper. The texture is surprisingly thick and enjoyable, while the taste offers a warming yet non-harsh experience. Expect flavors of agave, lime, and black pepper, with a lingering warm and peppery finish.

While not the smoothest, 3 Amigos stands out for its price point. It punches above its weight compared to other tequilas in this range, offering a flavor profile reminiscent of Patron Silver. This organic silver tequila is a great budget option, perfect for mixing cocktails or enjoying in affordable shots.

Gonzalez 1939: Budget-Friendly Shooter with a Twist

Sure, the name Gonzalez 1939 is undeniably cool, but what truly matters is what's inside the bottle. This brand offers a budget-friendly choice for those seeking a solid tequila for shots.

The aroma is a rich blend of agave with citrus notes of orange peel, lime, and a hint of minerals. The initial taste is smooth, with a burst of citrus perfect for cocktails like Long Islands. Hints of agave and spearmint emerge, followed by a unique touch of anise that sets it apart. The finish is long and warming, with a lingering black pepper kick.

While not the smoothest tequila, Gonzalez 1939 excels as a mixer and delivers a flavorful punch in shots.

Don Roberto Blanco: Earthy Agave with a Hint of Wood

Don Roberto Blanco offers a pleasant aroma, earthy like coffee brewed in a clay pot, with hints of roasted agave and black pepper. The texture is smooth and satisfying on the palate.

Flavor-wise, expect a mix of vibrant floral notes, agave, and black pepper. The use of oak vats during fermentation adds a subtle woody character, differentiating it from standard Blanco tequilas. The finish is decently long, with a touch of warmth and a slight bitterness.

Don Roberto is enjoyable neat or on the rocks, and its budget-friendly price makes it a great option for cocktails or shots. It delivers the expected Blanco tequila profile with a touch of unique earthiness and wood.

Tres Agaves Blanco: A Budget-Friendly Gem

Tres Agaves Blanco impresses with its inviting aroma of agave, orange, and floral notes. The smooth and oily texture complements the flavors of agave, lemon, orange, and a touch of black pepper. The finish is short and slightly sweet, with minimal heat.

Despite its affordable price, Tres Agaves delivers exceptional value. This additive-free tequila boasts a taste profile that rivals pricier tequilas. It shines in cocktails and makes for a smooth and enjoyable shot. Highly recommended for those seeking a top-notch budget-friendly Blanco tequila.

Dulce Vida Blanco: A Solid Silver Tequila Choice

Dulce Vida Blanco offers a pleasant aroma of apple, agave, and a hint of alcohol. The taste is nicely balanced with a rich agave note, moderate pepper spice, and a touch of olive and green apple. The finish is pleasantly warm with a balanced sweetness of agave and lingering pepper spice.

This well-rounded tequila is a great choice for both sipping and mixing cocktails. Its smooth taste with no unpleasant aftertaste makes it a solid Silver Tequila worth considering for any occasion.

Altos Plata: Earthy Tequila Perfect for Shooting

Altos Plata, crafted by two British bartenders, is a budget-friendly tequila designed for mixing and shots.

The aroma is earthy and vegetal, with hints of agave, orange, and a touch of mint. On the palate, expect herbal flavors that transition to a spicy sweetness from the agave. The finish is warm and peppery with a slight burn and a salty aftertaste.

While not the smoothest for sipping neat, Altos Plata shines in cocktails and shots. Its rich earthy and vegetal notes create a complex base for mixed drinks. This traditional production method, using a two-ton tahona stone and brick ovens, contributes to a unique flavor profile that avoids the taste of a mass-produced tequila.

Teremana Blanco: Surprisingly Authentic Tequila from The Rock

Teremana Blanco, backed by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, shatters the mold of celebrity tequilas.

It delivers an authentic experience free from additives or artificial flavors, unlike many Americanized brands. The aroma is bold with agave, accented by hints of citrus and ethanol.

The taste starts with a warming sensation that transitions to a satisfying blend of agave sweetness, green peppers, and earthy minerals. The finish is long, warm, and slightly bitter with lingering black pepper and agave notes.

Teremana Blanco is a versatile tequila, perfect for shooting or crafting cocktails like Mojitos or Mexican Mules– all at a reasonable price.

How to Choose a Good Cheap Tequila for Shots

1. 100% Agave: Prioritize Tequilas made from 100% Blue Weber agave to ensure purity and minimize the likelihood of hangovers.
2. Blanco Variety: Opt for Blanco Tequilas for shots. They are unaged, preserving the natural flavors of the agave, and are usually more budget-friendly.
3. Smoothness Over Complexity: Inexpensive Tequilas might lack the depth of pricier options, but look for ones that offer a smooth finish to make the shot experience more enjoyable.
4. Customer Reviews and Recommendations: Refer to customer feedback and expert reviews. Brands with positive reviews in the budget category are likely to provide a satisfactory shot experience.
5. Brand Reputation: Even in the budget segment, some brands are known for their consistent quality. Researching brand history can guide your choice.
6. Alcohol Content: Standard 80 proof (40% ABV) Tequilas strike a good balance between flavor and strength for shots.
7. Flavor Profile: While complexity isn't crucial for shots, a pleasant taste profile that balances agave's natural sweetness with a hint of spice can enhance the experience.

By considering these factors, you can select an affordable Tequila that suits your taste and budget, perfect for enjoying shots without compromising on quality.