Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage that originated in Mexico. It’s made from the blue agave plant, which grows primarily in the region surrounding the city of Tequila, in the state of Jalisco.

Tequila is regulated by the Mexican government and must meet certain standards to be classified as “tequila.” It’s typically 35-55% alcohol by volume and can be consumed straight, mixed into cocktails, or used as a base for margaritas.

You can find many types of tequila, including blanco (unaged), reposado (aged between 2-12 months), añejo (aged between 1-3 years), and extra añejo (aged for over three years).

Each type has a distinct flavor and aroma and is often used on its own or in cocktails and mixed drinks.

The price of tequila can vary widely depending on several factors, such as the quality of the agave used, the aging process, and the brand.

Also check: Top 15 Tequila for Shots

Generally, more expensive tequilas contain higher-quality agave. They’re also aged for longer periods, which can result in a more complex and refined flavor profile.

On the other hand, cheaper tequilas contain lower-quality agave and may not be aged or for a shorter period, resulting in a simpler and more straightforward taste.

Below, I will list the cheapest tequila brands that taste good, so let’s jump right in.

21 Bottom Shelf Tequila Brands

Price doesn’t always equate to quality or taste.

There’s a wide array of high-quality, affordable tequilas and many expensive tequilas that may not be worth the price.

Here’s a list of cheap tequila brands you can try today!

1. Espolòn Tequila

Made in Jalisco, Mexico, Espolòn Tequila is available in various expressions, including blanco, reposado, and añejo. Espolòn Tequila has a distinctive, authentic taste characteristic of traditional, high-quality tequila. It’s made using 100% Blue Weber agave, which gives it a unique flavor profile.

The flavor of Espolòn Tequila is typically described as smooth and balanced, with a combination of sweet, earthy, and floral notes. It may have hints of citrus, vanilla, and caramel, depending on the specific type of tequila.

The ABV of Espolòn Tequila varies depending on the type of tequila. In general, the ABV of Espolòn Tequila is 40% which is typical for premium tequilas.

Espolòn Tequila is considered to be a mid-range to premium tequila brand.

It may be more expensive than lower quality or more mass-produced tequilas. Still, it’s also considered more affordable than some of the available ultra-premium tequilas.

You can buy a 750 ml bottle of Espolòn Tequila for about $25-$45.

2. Olmeca Altos Tequila

Olmeca Altos Tequila is a mid-range tequila made from 100% blue agave in Jalisco, Mexico.

It comes in plata, reposado, and añejo varieties, each with a distinct flavor profile. Olmeca Altos Tequila is known for its high quality, balanced flavor, and moderate price point. Its ABV ranges from 38-40%.

As a mid-range tequila, the average price typically falls between $20-$40 per 750ml bottle. The plata variety is usually the least expensive, while the reposado and añejo varieties are generally more expensive due to their aging process.

3. Cimarrón Tequila

Cimarrón Tequila is a 100% Blue Weber agave tequila brand made in Atotonilco El Alto, in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It has a bold and fruity flavor, with notes of agave, citrus, and pepper smooth, slightly sweet finish.

Cimarrón Tequila is available in blanco , reposado ,añejo and cristalino expressions, with an ABV of about 40%. It’s considered a mid-range tequila option, and its average price is typically around $30-$40 per 750ml bottle.

4. 1800 Tequila

1800 Tequila is a brand of premium tequila produced in Mexico. It was first introduced in 1975 and is named after the year that tequila was first aged in oak barrels.

1800 Tequila consists of 100% Blue Weber agave and is double-distilled for a smooth, clean taste. The brand offers a range of tequila products, including silver, reposado, añejo, coconut,milenio, and cristalino.

The ABV is typically around 40%. Prices can vary, but it’s generally considered a mid-range tequila, and its price typically ranges from about $25 to $50 for a 750ml bottle.

5. Corralejo Tequila

Corralejo Tequila is made in the town of Penjamo, Guanajuato, Mexico. It’s a premium tequila that comes in various types, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.

Corralejo Tequila has an alcohol by volume of 40% and a smooth and rich flavor, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.

This tequila is generally considered a mid-range tequila in terms of price. So, expect to pay about $40 per bottle.

6. El Jimador Tequila

El Jimador Tequila is made in the town of Amatitan, Jalisco, Mexico. It’s a well-known tequila of various types, including blanco, reposado, and añejo.

El Jimador Tequila has a smooth and earthy flavor with agave and citrus notes.  It has an ABV of 40% and is considered a cheaper tequila option, with an average price of $25 per bottle.

7. Sauza Tequila

Sauza Tequila is made in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. It’s a widely available tequila that comes in various types, including blanco, gold, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.

Sauza Tequila is known for its crisp and refreshing flavor, which has notes of agave and pepper. It has an ABV of 40% and an average price of $20.

8. Hornitos Tequila

Hornitos Tequila is made in the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.

It’s a premium tequila that comes in various types, including plata, reposado, añejo, cristalino, and black barrel.

The plata is unaged, the reposado is aged for at least two months, and the añejo and cristalino are aged for at least a year.

Hornitos black barrel tequila is aged for 12 months in oak barrels and finished in charred oak casks for four months.

Hornitos Tequila is known for its bold and spicy flavor, with notes of pepper, vanilla, and agave. It has an ABV of 40% and an average price of $30.

9. Camarena Tequila

Camarena Tequila is made in the town of Arandas, Jalisco, Mexico. It’s a high-quality tequila of various types, including silver, reposado, and añejo.

Camarena Tequila is known for its smooth and fruity flavor, which has vanilla, caramel, and agave notes. It has an ABV of 40% and an average price of $25.

10. Tres Agaves Tequila

Tres Agaves Tequila is produced in the town of Amatitan in the state of Jalisco, one of the best regions in Mexico for growing blue agave.

It’s made from 100% organic blue agave and is available in several varieties, including blanco, reposado, and añejo.

The flavors vary depending on the variety, with the blanco being crisp and fresh, the reposado having notes of vanilla and caramel, and the añejo having a more complex and rich flavor.

The ABV of Tres Agaves Tequila is 40%. The average price for a bottle of Tres Agaves Tequila is around $40.

11. Casa Noble Tequila

Casa Noble Tequila is also produced in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% Blue Weber agave and is available in three varieties: blanco, reposado, and añejo.

Casa Noble Tequila has a distinctive flavor because it’s aged in French oak barrels.

Casa Noble blanco has a clean, citrusy taste, the reposado is more complex with hints of oak and honey, and the añejo has a deep, smoky flavor with notes of chocolate and vanilla.

 Casa Noble Tequila has 40% ABV. The average price for a bottle of Casa Noble Tequila is around $50.

12. Don Julio Tequila

Don Julio Tequila is made in the city of Atotonilco El Alto, also located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% blue agave and is available in several varieties, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and 1942.

The flavors of Don Julio Tequila are well-balanced, with the blanco having a light, clean taste, the reposado being smooth and slightly sweet, and the añejo having a more complex and rich flavor.

1942 is a premium tequila with a smooth, silky texture and flavors of chocolate and coffee. The ABV for Don Julio Tequila ranges from 38-40%. The average price for a bottle of Don Julio Tequila is around $50.

13. Herradura Tequila

Herradura Tequila is made in the town of Amatitan in Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% blue agave and is available in several varieties, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and ultra.

The flavors of Herradura Tequila are complex and rich, with the blanco having a sweet and floral taste, the reposado being smooth and spicy, and the añejo having a more complex and smoky flavor.

Ultra is a premium tequila with a smooth, velvety texture and a sweet, caramel-like taste. The ABV of Herradura Tequila ranges from 35-40%.

The average price for a bottle of Herradura Tequila is around $50.

14. Milagro Tequila

Milagro Tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% blue agave and is available in several varieties, including silver, reposado, and añejo.

The flavors of Milagro Tequila are bright and bold, with the silver having a crisp and clean taste, the reposado being smooth with a hint of vanilla, and the añejo having a more complex and rich flavor.

The ABV for Milagro Tequila is 40%. The average price for a bottle of Milagro Tequila is around $45.

15. Pueblo Viejo Tequila

Pueblo Viejo Tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% blue agave and is available in blanco, blanco 104, reposado, and añejo varieties.

 Pueblo Viejo Tequila has a unique and smooth flavor, with the blanco having a bright and fruity taste, reposado having a more complex and balanced flavor with notes of vanilla and oak, and añejo with notes of caramel, vanilla, and wood.

The ABV for Pueblo Viejo Tequila ranges from 38-52%. The average price for a bottle of Pueblo Viejo Tequila is around $30.

16. San Matias Tequila

San Matias Tequila is made in the state of Jalisco, Mexico, from 100% blue agave. It’s available in several varieties: blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.

San Matias Tequila has a distinct and flavorful taste, with the blanco having a citrusy and earthy flavor, the reposado having a smooth and slightly sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, and the añejo having a rich and complex flavor with hints of oak and chocolate.

San Matias, extra añejo tequila, has a naturally sweet and slightly acidic flavor. The ABV for San Matias Tequila ranges from 35-40%. The average price for a bottle of San Matias Tequila is around $40.

17. Sierra Tequila

Sierra Tequila is produced in the town of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% blue agave and is available in several varieties, including silver, reposado, añejo, and milenario.

 Sierra Tequila has a distinct and authentic taste, with the silver having a crisp and citrusy flavor, the reposado having a smooth and slightly sweet taste with notes of oak and vanilla, and the añejo having a rich and complex flavor with hints of vanilla and caramel.

Sierra Milenario Tequila is a premium range of tequila produced by Sierra Tequila, and it includes several varieties, including blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo, and fumado tequila. The ABV for Sierra Tequila ranges from 38-41.5%.

The average price for a bottle of Sierra Tequila is around $25.

18. Tequila Ocho

Tequila Ocho is made in the town of Arandas in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Tequila Ocho produces several types of tequila, including blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.

Each type is made with agave plants grown in a specific region, and the aging process is carefully controlled to create distinct flavor profiles.

Tequila Ocho has a unique and terroir-driven flavor, with each vintage having its distinct flavor profile based on the climate, soil, and other environmental factors from that year. The ABV of Tequila Ocho ranges from 40-45.5%.

 Tequila Ocho is a premium tequila brand, and its prices are generally higher than standard tequila brands. The average price for a bottle of Tequila Ocho is around $70.

19. Tequila Tapatio

Tequila Tapatio is produced in the town of Arandas in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% blue agave and is available in several varieties, including blanco, reposado,añejo, and extra añejo.

Tequila Tapatio has a smooth and authentic flavor, with the blanco having a crisp and clean taste and the reposado having a balanced and slightly sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel.

While añejo and extra añejo are both aged tequilas known for their distinct flavor profiles. Tequila Tapatio’s ABV ranges from 40-55%. The average price for a bottle of Tequila Tapatio is around $35.

20. Casamigos Tequila

Casamigos Tequila is made in the town of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s available in four varieties: blanco, reposado, añejo and mezcal.

This tequila has a smooth and refined flavor, with the blanco having a crisp and clean taste, the reposado having a balanced and slightly sweet taste with notes of vanilla and caramel, and the añejo having a complex and rich taste with hints of chocolate and oak.

Mezcal is an agave-based spirit similar to tequila made using 100% Espadín agave and is known for its smoky, earthy flavor. The ABV for Casamigos Tequila is 40%.

The average price for a bottle of Casamigos Tequila is around $45.

21. Avión Tequila

Avión Tequila is produced in the town of Jalisco, Mexico. It’s made from 100% Blue Weber agave and is available in several varieties, including silver, reposado, añejo, and reserva 44.

Avión Tequila has a distinct and smooth flavor, with the silver having a clean and fresh taste, the reposado having a slightly sweet taste with notes of oak and vanilla, the añejo having a complex and rich taste with hints of chocolate and caramel, and the Reserva 44 having a rich, smooth and complex flavor with notes of spice and fruit.

The ABV for Avión Tequila is  40%. The average price for a bottle of Avión Tequila is around $45 but can vary depending on the specific variety and bottle size.

Related Questions

What is Considered Cheap Tequila?

Cheap tequila usually costs about $20 per 750ml bottle. These tequilas often contain lower-quality agave and may be produced using artificial flavorings or additives.

As a result, they often have a harsh and unpleasant taste and can cause a more severe hangover compared to higher-quality tequilas. However, it’s important to note that not all tequilas in this price range are necessarily low quality.

Some reputable brands offer tequilas at a lower price point for various reasons, such as using younger agave plants or producing tequila in larger quantities.

How Much Should You Pay for Tequila?

The price you should pay for tequila depends on your taste,  the quality you’re looking for, and your budget.

For a standard, non-premium tequila, you can expect to pay around $20-$40 per 750ml bottle. These tequilas are made from a blend of agave and other ingredients and may be aged quickly.

For a high-quality tequila made from 100% blue agave, you can expect to pay anywhere from $40-$100 or more per 750ml bottle, depending on the brand and age of the tequila.

These tequilas usually contain only agave. Moreover, they’re aged longer, resulting in a more complex flavor profile.

If you’re looking for a premium or ultra-premium tequila, you can expect to pay even more, with some bottles costing upwards of several hundred dollars or more.

Is There a Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Tequila?

There’s a significant difference between cheap and expensive tequila.

Cheap tequilas are typically made with lower-quality agave and may contain additives, such as caramel coloring or flavorings.

These tequilas often have a harsh and unpleasant taste and can cause a more severe hangover than higher-quality tequilas.

On the other hand, expensive tequilas typically contain 100% blue agave. They’re made using traditional methods, including slow-cooking the agave and distilling the tequila in copper pots.

These tequilas are often aged for longer, resulting in a more complex and refined flavor profile.

What is Considered Expensive Tequila?

The price of expensive tequila can vary depending on the brand, age, and quality. Generally speaking, tequilas priced at $100 or more per 750ml bottle can be considered expensive.

How Much Should Tequila Cost?

The cost of tequila can vary widely depending on several factors, including the brand, age, quality, and production methods.

Generally, a standard 750ml bottle of tequila can cost anywhere from around $20 to over $100.

Tequilas priced below $20 per bottle are often lower quality and may not be made with 100% blue agave, while tequilas priced between $20 and $40 are usually made with 100% blue agave of decent quality.

Tequilas priced above $40 per bottle are generally of higher quality and may be aged longer or produced using more traditional methods.

What’s Your Pick?

Finding a cheap tequila that also tastes good is possible if you’re willing to do a little research.

While some affordable options may not be made with 100% blue agave, some quality brands still use authentic ingredients and have a good reputation.

Some mid-range tequilas can also be suitable for those looking to balance quality and affordability.