Popular Tequila Brands Ranked Worst To Best
Tequila is the great equalizer of a night out, in that everyone’s going to equally regret those four rapid rounds of shots they decided to do after midnight. However, the classic late-night-at-club unwise decision of the salt-rimmed variety is far from the only face of this agave spirit. Delicious as they may be, margaritas, too, are only scratching the surface.
A quality tequila can be just as fine a sipping alcohol as any Scotch or bourbon out there. The trick is to find out precisely which tequilas are the good stuff, and which ones are best reserved for those barely-remembered early morning hours. What’s more, an aspiring tequila enthusiast needs to make sure that they have reliable access to some of the better brands. In order to determine what the true delicacies of the tequila world are, and to ensure maximum access to them, we’ve taken a look at some of the most popular tequila brands out there and ranked them from worst to best.
Is Espolon A Good Tequila
tequilaEspolontequilatequila
. Similarly one may ask, is Espolon a tequila?
Espolon. Tequila El Espolón is a brand of tequila from Campari America. Made entirely from blue agave, El Espolón was created by Cirilo Oropeza, and was first produced in 1998.
Similarly, which is best tequila? The 13 Best Tequila Brands for Every Occasion
- Roca Patrón Reposado.
Subsequently, question is, what is the smoothest tequila?
Here are five of the best sipping tequilas on the market:
- Casa Dragones.
How many calories are in a shot of Espolon tequila?
It only has 69 calories per ounce and no carbohydrates thanks to the distillation process.
Easy: Reposado Perfect Manhattan
Tequila can have a bit of spice to itso were playing that up with just a bit of 100-proof rye, along with both sweet and dry vermouth for an elegant Manhattan version that has a real bite. Delicious and sophisticated.
Instructions: In a mixing glass with ice, combine 1 1/2 ounces of reposado tequila, 1/2 ounce 100-proof rye , 1/2 an ounce of sweet vermouth and 1/2 an ounce of dry vermouth. Add 1 dash of Angostura bitters. Stir until well-chilled. Strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with a big twist of lime peel and a thin peel of lemon.
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Tequila El Espolon Blanco
El Espolon Blanco Tequila The dedicated smoothness and exquisite bouquet of the Espolon Silver Tequila recalls the memory of the characteristic agave aromas from which the spirit is made. It is filtered before bottling so that the clean, clear taste of our Tequila can be fully enjoyed by aficionados who crave the true original taste of premium agave.
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How To Drink Tequila Like A Non

Before we get into the details of how to drink tequila like a Mexican, lets take a good hard stare at how the rest of us tend to approach the subject of tequila drinkingor should I say tequila slamming.
More often that not, it goes a little something like this:
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What Kind Of Soda To Mix With Tequila
You can use Club Soda, Seltzer or Sparkling Mineral Water. I usually make my own bubbly water with my SodaStream but each option will work in this recipe and be a 0 calorie mixer.
The key is to not use a sweet mixer. Tonic Water, Sprite or Seven-Up will increase your caloric intake. You want the crispness of the sparkling water without the added sugar or calories of a sweet mixer.
History Of The Margarita
If you follow Ramshackle Pantry you know that we strive to make some great recipes, like we are going to do in our current . Another thing that we like to do is explore everything about a classic dish or cocktail, including history.
One thing about food and cocktail history is that it is often filled with myth and marketing, which can muddle the story of a dish. There is plenty of muddling that goes on with the history of the margarita and that is what we are going to try and wade through today. We are going to look at Margarita history and try to uncover some of the origin stories for the classic cocktail.
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What Tequila Should You Use For A Margarita
To make the classic version of the Margarita you will want to use blanco tequila, which means it has been aged or rested for no longer than 2 months .
It is raw, bold, a bit in your face, and absolutely delicious.
I highly encourage you to not buy bottles of tequila at prices that seem way too good to be true. Most of the time really cheap tequilas are cut with another alcohol, have quite a harsh burn, and leave that frat party aftertaste which you really want to leave out of your cocktails.
TIP:
Stay clear of tequila that does not say 100% agave! Bottles that don’t say that are typically “watered down” with neutral grain alcohol which gives it the frat party taste mentioned above.
If you would like, you can also use a reposado or anejo tequila which have been barrel aged to mellow out their flavor. These options will have a bit of caramel and vanilla notes to them that usually make the finished drink come off as a bit more sweet and mellow.
Tequila Tours In Mexico
For now, tequila tours havent hit the stage of mass tourism outside Mexico . For that reason, I was one of only two non-Mexicans on a 52-seater coach tour. Dont worry if your Spanish isnt great the guide on the bus and the tour guide at the distillery could speak good English. Plus, drinking tequila with 50 Mexicans is the perfect time to learn some new words. Salud!
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Best In A Bramble: Don Julio Reposado Tequila
Courtesy of Drizly.com
Great for any type of cocktail, this classic reposado is aged eight months in American white oak and is produced by Don Julio, which has been making tequila since 1942. This one goes down nice and easy, according to Easterbrook. Its super smooth, but it stands up to mixers and sweeteners. One of his favorite ways to use a reposado like this is in cocktails with muddled fresh berries and herbs: cilantro and blackberries, mint and strawberries, or any other combination. Its an amazing, delicious marriage, he says.
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How Much Tequila Is In A Margarita
Most standard recipes are made with 2 Oz of blanco tequila, then orange liqueur and lime juice in varying proportions based on taste.
However, in thumbing through the Death & Co. cocktail book I found this version which differs from the original recipe by adding a touch of agave to the mix. As a result of the added sweetness you need to use more lime and less orange liqueur which tastes great. Give it a go!
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Best Under $: Don Sergio Aejo Tequila
Courtesy of Tequila Match Maker
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Impressive value for the price
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Great for cocktails
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Not as smooth as others
Its not easy to find an añejo tequila under $30. You might think, then, that if you could find anything at that price point, that it would be of poor quality. In the case of Don Sergio, you would be wrong. Its made with 100 percent blue agave and is a delight to drink. In fact, this budget-friendly bottle won a Silver Medal at the San Francisco Spirits Competition in 2013.
With aromas of vanilla, baking spices, and white pepper, Don Sergio makes an excellent after-dinner drink and, at this price, can be mixed into your favorite whiskey cocktails without breaking the bank. Its finish isnt quite as smooth as the ultra-premium stuff, but it beats plenty of bottles at twice the price.
Aged: 2.5 years in American oak barrels | TastingNotes: Vanilla, baking spices, and white pepper
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What Is A Margarita

A Margarita is a cocktail that consists of tequila, a sweetener , lime, and salt. Yes, there are plenty of different variations of this that cover the whole lexicon of tastes and wants.
What we are on the quest for, however, is a perfect margarita. One that embodies the tradition of the drink and tastes fabulous. We will also be making some variation recipes, but today, we are looking for the perfect margarita.
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How To Make The Perfect Classic Margarita Cocktail
The Margarita is like lots of classics in that we really are not sure where it came from.
There are a few versions of where the famed tequila classic originated, but Iâll let you go search those on the internet yourself to see what you believe.
The bottom line is somebody made a really tasty cocktail and you should treat yourself.
What Is The Best Tequila To Drink Straight
Here are the best sipping tequilas our experts recommend to drink right now.
- Best Overall: Tequila Ocho Plata.
- Best Blanco: Don Fulano Blanco.
- Best Reposado: Siete Leguas Reposado.
- Best Añejo: Don Julio Añejo.
- Best Extra Añejo: Gran Patrón Burdeos.
- Best Valley: Fortaleza Blanco.
- Best Highlands: El Tesoro Reposado.
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Review: Espolon Blanco Tequila
A Long Island Iced Tea is a cocktail composed of vodka, tequila, light rum, Triple Sec, gin, and a dash of cola, which gives the drink an amber tint similar to that of iced tea. The drink tastes fantastic when made properly and doesnt have to be an evening drink.
A well-made tequila tastes grassy and mildly peppery, with hints of citrus and floral flavors. A good margarita should bring all of those agave flavors, especially the grassy and peppery notes, into the drink, while the tart lime and triple sec should combine into a citrus flavor that enhances and brings out the floral, aromatic side of tequila.
Following its 2009 purchase by Gruppo Campari, cult favorite Espolón Tequila was reintroduced to the United States last year with new packaging and a lower price point. Now managed in the U.S. by Skyy Spirits, Espolón recently sent its Blanco and Reposado releases for review, along with recipes from three top mixologists to liven up this weeks Cinco de Mayo festivities .
Whats The Best Tequila For A Cadillac Margarita
Taste is subjective, and everybody has their own idea of the best tequila. Personal budgets are a factor as well. For some people, a $30 bottle of tequila is a luxury, whereas others might consider tequilas over $50 to be top-shelf. The simplest recommendation is to pour the premium tequila that is a luxury to you. After all, youre the one drinking the Cadillac margarita, so you should enjoy it and be comfortable with the amount of money you spend.
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Cocktails That Are Even Better With Tequila
Celebrate #NationalTequilaDay with killer tequila twists on every drink imaginable.
National Tequila Day is July 24, so its only natural that we mark this somewhat dubious holiday by celebrating the worlds most popular agave-based spirit.
We all know about classic tequila-spiked cocktails like and palomas. But how about tequila in drinks that traditionally arent comprised of tequila, from sturdy favorites like the and Old Fashioned to fanciful craft cocktails being whipped up at bars across America.
How does tequila play in drinks that arent typically made with it? According to Johnny Swet, head mixologist at Skylark in Manhattan, its a match made in cocktail heaven.
Tequilas are wonderfully complex with some amazing notes and flavors, he says. I often substitute tequila in cocktails that call for rye or bourbon. I tend to use silver tequilas in juice and fruit-forward cocktails, but prefer the aging of reposado and anejo for stirred and boozy cocktails.
Jonathan Shock, bartender at Detroits Prime + Proper, says tequilas complex vegetal notes make it a solid substitute for gin in a drink like a Negroni. It provides a rich and complex flavor profile while also having the grace to play well with other ingredients without bullying them.
Its no surprise that tequila has had the most dramatic sales growth of any spirit over the last ten years, says bar manager Kaitlyn Fischer at South Bostons Loco Taqueria & Oyster Bar.
The 10 Smoothest Tequilas To Try In 2021
- Next Luxury / Food And Drink by Jono Elderton
Tequila is the market-moving spirit of 2021. Development in ultra-premium tequila rivals seltzer for becoming the largest growth area for spirits. Everyday tequila remains popular, while craft expressions are being distilled under clear direction from the Mexican government to increase quality, depth of flavor, and personality.
How you like to drink tequila often determines the type of spirit you wish to purchase. There are three main types of tequila silver , Reposado , and Anejo .
These core types have expanded in recent times to include Cristalino and Joven . Theres also Mixto tequila, the cheap tequila youll find on supermarket shelves and in frozen batches that can leave you in a sorry state the next day.
Tequila Blanco is the most common expression and the type of bottle bartenders recommend for classic cocktail making, with a clearly agave heavy taste. The other types add other flavor elements during the distillation process to create individual taste and nuance that are perfect for sipping tequila.
You can find smooth-tasting tequila bottles within all tequila types and across a range of prices. The collection of bottles below are fine examples of some of the markets smoothest tequilas to try in 2021, whether you want to make a margarita, fit out a tequila cocktail party, or enjoy a simple tequila shot.
Best Buy
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Champagne & Tequila Cocktail
Add some sparkle to your evening with this tasty Champagne & Tequila Cocktail! Youll be feeling fancy and sophisticated with this low-calorie tequila drink. Plus, its super simple to make with just four ingredients.
Pick your favorite champagne and tequila, then add some triple sec and pomegranate juice, and you are ready to go.
Is Milagro Tequila Any Good

It is Vibrant & has Spicy taste Clear water herbal agave, white pepper and citrus aromas palate follows the nose with sweet green herbal flavor and long peppery finish. Awesome. Looking for a smooth sipping tequila? Milagro is a smooth, clean tequila you can sip, shoot or mix in your favorite cocktails.
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Sipped Neat And Versatile In Cocktails This Spirit Can Do It All
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Liquor / Chloe Jeong
Theres a reason bar industry experts gravitate towards reposado tequila. Meaning rested, reposado sits for at least two months, but generally less than a year, in the barrel. Most oftentimes, theyre American oak casks that once held whiskey. Its like the VSOP of tequila, aged but not too aged, with some wood but not overly decadent, says Ivy Mix, owner of New Yorks Leyenda and author of Spirits of Latin America. She quotes Carlos Camarena, master distiller of Jalisco La Alteña distillery, where Tequila Ocho is made: He says aging is supposed to be like a picture frame, and in this case, the picture is of agave. You dont want the frame to overtake the picture but to bring out best attributes and highlight them.
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Intermediate: Grapefruit & Rosemary
Reposado tequila makes a delicious margarita. But its great in more complex drinks, too, like this shaken cocktail with grapefruit and Aperol and a big rosemary garnish that brings out some of the spirits herbaceous qualities. Warning: These go down easy.
Instructions: To a cocktail shaker with ice, add 1 1/2 ounces of reposado tequila, 3/4 ounce of grapefruit juice, 1/4 ounce fresh lime juice, 3/4 ounce of Aperol, 1/4 ounce of agave syrup , and 1 dash of orange bitters. Shake it all up and strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a big sprig of rosemary.
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Best Under $: Cazadores Tequila Aejo
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Great for mixing or sipping
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Sustainably made, zero waste
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May be difficult to find in stores
Cazadores Añejo is made with 100 percent blue agave, which is fermented twice and distilled twice before spending at least a year in new, small American white oak barrels. New oak barrels have more flavor to impart, and this highland tequila boasts layers of itthink spiced apple pie, pecans, vanilla bean, a salted chocolate almond bar. It would pair nicely with dessert, but its also wonderful sipped neat.
Cazadores means hunters in Spanish, a reference to founder Don Jose Maria Bañueloss obsession with protecting the quality and uniqueness of his tequila. It is said he even went so far as to hide his tequila recipe in the walls of his house. Cazadores has fine-tuned its process to be both sustainable and zero-waste , meaning you can feel even better about sipping this delicious tequila.
Aged: At least one year in new, small, American white oak barrels | TastingNotes: Spiced apple pie, pecans, vanilla bean
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Extra smooth with pastry-like flavors
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A special category
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Pricey
Añejo means old in Spanish. Extra Añejo tequila, therefore, is olderit must have been aged for at least three years in oak barrels. El Tesoro introduced its first extra añejo tequila in 1994 before the Consejo Regulador de Tequila had even created a special classification for the style.
Aged: 4 to 5 years in ex-bourbon barrels | TastingNotes: Café au lait and dark chocolate almond bar