Best Tequila to Shoot

Discover the Best Tequila to shoot, approved by Tequila enthusiasts. From smooth to spicy, find your perfect shot with our ultimate shooting guide.

1800 Silver – Best for Super Smooth Shots

• Nose: Agave, pepper, orange, alcohol
• Palate: Fruity notes, agave, pepper, orange
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Cuervo Silver

1800 Silver is the best option for those who want a smooth shooter with no burn on the way down.

It is also quite cheap and works well in Tequila based cocktails making it versatile.

And finally, it is 100% agave (as every Tequila presented here) promising a hangover-free morning; as long as you show some restraint.

1800 Silver Taste:

The nose kicks-off with a smooth agave aroma, followed by black pepper, citrus and an alcoholic note that fades as you let it breathe.

On the palate, 1800 Silver is soft, with a sweet taste, some agave flavor, a touch of orange and a dash of black pepper.

It does not have much of a finish, yet leaves a subtle sweet note behind and a bit of pepper.

Ghost Tequila – Best for Spicy Shots

• Nose: Pepper, agave, floral, alcohol
• Palate: Orange, agave, black pepper, ghost pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar to: 21 Seeds Cucumber Jalapeño

Ghost is a Blanco Tequila infused with bhut jolokia peppers also known as ghost peppers.

In 2007, Guinness World Records certified ghost pepper as the world’s hottest chili pepper, 170 times hotter than Tabasco sauce. 

The peppery infusion is very light as it just provides a touch that does not overwhelm other flavors providing a good sip that works well when looking to add a bit of spice to your shoot.

Ghost Tequila taste:

Spicy nose full of pepper, followed by agave, along a floral note to it; there is a subtle whiff of alcohol that fades away shortly after.

On the palate, first sip brings a light orange note, followed by agave, black pepper and a subtle touch of ghost pepper providing a pleasant spicy kick.

The finish lingers with a bit of pepper and pleasing warmth on the way down.

Tapatio 110 – Best for High Proof Shots

• Nose: Agave, black pepper, grapefruit
• Palate: Agave, pepper, lime, mint, orange
• Alcohol content: 110 proof (55% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, High-end cocktails
• Similar to: Fortaleza Still Strength

Tapatio 110 is a high-proof Tequila ideal for those who want something more punchy.

110 implies that this Tequila is bottled at 110 proof (55% ABV) which is high when compared to most Tequilas that are bottled at 80 proof (40% ABV) meaning they have far less alcohol content.

What makes Tapatio 110 special is that despite the high proof it doesn’t feel warm, drinks quite nicely and it’s a great option when in the mood to make overly tasty cocktails or bold shots.

Tapatio 110 taste:

There is alcohol on the nose at first that rapidly gives way to cooked agave, along black pepper and a touch of grapefruit.

On the palate, Tapatio 110 feels creamy providing a great mouthfeel.

It hits with pleasing warmth that gives way to natural blue agave sweetness, lime, mint, orange and a subtle mineral and spicy hit.

The finish lingers with more pleasing warmth to it and agave sweetness.

1800 Añejo Cristalino – Best for Sweet Shots

• Nose: Vanilla, anise
• Palate: Cherry, vanilla, oak, black pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 Proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks
• Similar to: Don Julio 70

1800 Añejo Cristalino is a Cristalino Tequila.

This is the type of Tequila that has been filtered before bottling removing the characteristic amber hue of aged Tequilas along some rough edges making it easy to drink.

This Tequila is finished in ex-Port wine casks, a dark red fortified wine, originally from Portugal, commonly drunk as a dessert wine; can’t recommend this wine enough as it is delicious.

It tastes more like a flavored Vodka than to a Tequila, though, but if you want a super smooth and sweet shooter this is your best choice.

1800 Cristalino taste:

On the nose, 1800 Cristalino is quite smooth with just a bit of vanilla scent and a note that reminds of anise.

On the palate, a strong cherry note hits first, followed by vanilla, subtle oak and just a tad of black pepper.

The finish is short, leaving a sweet aftertaste with a bit of black pepper and no burn or bad bite.

Espolon Blanco – Best for Mild Peppery Shots

• Nose: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
• Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Cocktails
• Similar to: Altos Plata

Espolon Blanco is one of the best, if not the best Tequila for mixed drinks as it provides a pleasant peppery taste that works incredibly well in cocktails.

It also works nicely in shots as it feels tasty yet doesn’t overwhelm providing a good experience.

The skeleton in the bottle looks super cool standing-out in the cabinet.

Espolon Blanco taste:

The nose is light displaying an earthy aroma, with a dash of black pepper and a bit of ethanol.

On the palate, Espolon Blanco is a bit warm at first, but as you let it develop it becomes somewhat sweet with some fruity notes and vanilla.

The finish has a medium-length, with citrus and a peppery and warming note.

Tres Agaves Blanco – Best Organic Option

• Nose: Agave, orange, floral
• Palate: Agave, lemon, orange, pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, cocktails
• Similar to: Dulce Vida Blanco

Tres Agaves is one of the best Blancos under $30 with a taste that goes toe to toe with some of the best Blanco Tequilas.

Made from 100% organic agaves providing the best option for those who are fond of consuming organic foods.

Tres Agaves taste:

The nose is quite good as it hits with agave at first, followed by a rich orange note and the smell of bright flowers.

On the palate, Tres Agaves feels viscous providing a good texture.

Flavor brings agave, that gives way to a pleasing lemon and orange taste. with just a bit of black pepper spice but nothing severe.

The finish lacks a bit in length, with very little warmth to it, leaving a sweet touch behind.

Tequileño Reposado – Best Reposado for Shots

• Nose: Agave, oak, vanilla, apple
• Palate: Agave, oak, cinnamon, clove, apple
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: Cimarron Reposado

Tequileño Reposado is the best choice for those who want a Reposado Tequila providing a light oak note, along vanilla and caramel hints coming from the bourbon barrels in which it was aged.

Hard to believe this Tequila is so affordable given the quality and the tasting notes making it not only good as a Tequila shooter but something you can drink rocks.

Tequileño Reposado taste:

On the nose, you get a rich agave scent, followed by apple, oak and vanilla and a bit of alcohol.

Flavor is rich in agave, with more of the apple you get on the nose, along cinnamon, clove and just a bit of oak spice.

Finish is long and pleasantly warm, with a rich citrus note and subtle oak.

El Mayor Añejo – Best Añejo for Shots

• Nose: Caramel, oak, raisin, vanilla
• Palate: Ripe fruit, vanilla, caramel, oak
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Neat, rocks
• Similar to: 1800 Añejo

This Tequila is sweet and smooth at a price hard to beat for an Añejo Tequila making it a no-brainer.

This is the poor man’s Don Julio 1942 as it provides caramel, vanilla and oak notes with very little warmth making something that you can either shoot or taste in a Tequila Old Fashioned.

El Mayor Añejo taste:

The nose brings bourbon-style notes of light caramel at first, followed by oak, vanilla and a touch of raisins.

On the palate, you get a fruity note up-front followed, by vanilla, caramel and a tad of toasted oak.

The finish has a decent length, brings a nice peppery hit, with no alcohol flavor or bad burn making it an enjoyable easy drinker.

El Mayor Añejo is surprisingly good for the price as you are unlikely to find a good tasting Añejo Tequila at this price.

Don Julio Blanco

• Nose: Agave, alcohol, citrus, earth
• Palate: Agave, black pepper, citrus, alcohol
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks
• Similar to: Casamigos Blanco

Don Julio Blanco has lost some of its shine but it’s widely available as you can find it in any bar or pub.

Sweet and smooth making something you can not only shoot down but drink on the rocks.

Don Julio Blanco taste:

On the nose, Don Julio Blanco is boozy as it has a high alcoholic note making you think that this is a warm tequila.

On the palate, you get a smooth and sweet tequila, rich in citrus, along an earthy note, minerals, and just a dash of black pepper.

There is very little heat to it although lacks a bit in texture.

The finish has a decent length, mostly sweet with just a bit of bite that reminds you that you are drinking Tequila.

Herradura Silver

• Nose: Olive brine, earthy, agave
• Palate: Agave, oak, citrus, black pepper
• Alcohol content: 80 proof (40% ABV)
• How to drink: Rocks, Cocktails
• Similar to: Patron Silver

Herradura Blanco is another widely available Tequila that you can find in the bar or at the liquor shoppe.

A bit more bitey than Don Julio Blanco making a better option for those who want something more punchy but still entirely approachable.

Herradura Silver taste:

Herradura Silver is an unaged spirit offering tequila’s traditional taste.

The nose is subtle, rich in olive brine and agave, with an earthy note to it and a touch of black pepper.

On the palate, Herradura Silver delivers some warmth at first that mellows out into an oaky flavor, along a citrus and earthy note.

The finish is long, pleasantly warm with more of that earthy note that is present from start to finish.

Best Tequilas to Shoot: Buying Guide

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Tequila	Price
1800 Silver	$23
Ghost Tequila	$33
Tapatio Blanco 110	$64
1800 Cristalino	$59
Espolon Blanco	$24
Tres Agaves Blanco	$28
Tequileño Reposado	$25
El Mayor Añejo	$34
Don Julio Blanco	$38
Herradura Silver	$34

Tequila shots FAQ

These little FAQ will answer all your related doubts:

What is a Tequila shot?

A shot is a small amount of Tequila (usually 1-2 ounces) consumed quickly in one single gulp.

What is the best way to take a Tequila shot?

The traditional way to take a Tequila shot is to lick salt off the back of your hand, take the shot, and then suck on a lime wedge.

What type of Tequila is best for shots?

Blanco Tequilas make the best option as they have a neutral flavor profile and they tend to be cheaper. Yet, Reposados and Añejos also work.

Can you mix Tequila with anything for a shot?

Lime soda or pineapple juice can get the trick done when looking for something to make your shot milder.

How many Tequila shots is too many?

One might me too many for many people while folks like me can stand several shots. It depends on the individual’s tolerance and how quickly they consume the shots. It’s important to drink responsibly and know your limits.

Is it safe to take Tequila shots?

NO! Like any alcoholic beverage, consuming Tequila shots in excess can be harmful. It’s important to drink responsibly and in moderation.