Tequila has become one of the most popular spirits globally, with its distinct agave flavor and flexibility in cocktails.
Choosing the best tequilas for shots can be challenging with so many options. Learn about the long-standing tradition and essential practices for taking tequila shots in our guide.
Discover the 14 best tequilas for shots, and learn about factors to consider when selecting tequila. Our guide also covers taking tequila shots and other ways to enjoy this spirit.
Factors to Consider when Choosing Tequila for Shots
When selecting tequila for shots, some critical factors to remember are the type of tequila, quality, brand reputation, and flavor profile.
Type of Tequila
The type of tequila significantly influences its flavor, aroma, and texture. Blanco tequila is the purest form, unaged and bottled straight after distillation, delivering an earthy, herbaceous, and slightly fruity flavor.
Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for at least two months, providing a more complex and smooth taste. Anejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for at least one year, producing a richer, deeper, and smoother flavor.
Quality of Tequila
The quality of tequila is based on its purity, aging, distillation process, and the agave used. The better the quality of the tequila, the smoother and tastier the shot will be.
Brand Reputation
Choosing a tequila brand with a good reputation ensures that you get quality and tasty tequila. Look for tequila brands that are known for their quality and are favorites among customers.
Flavor Profile
Tequila's flavor profile varies significantly depending on the brand, aging process, and type.
Choose a tequila with a flavor profile that appeals to you. Some tequilas are smooth, while others are fiery. Some have fruity notes, and others are spicier.
Here are the best14 tequilas perfect for taking shots:
1. Patron Silver
Patron Silver is a well-known and top-rated tequila brand globally. It has a smooth, crisp, and clean taste. It has a clear appearance, with an aroma of citrus and fruit.
Patron Silver's complex and refined flavor profile sets it apart from other tequila brands. It is made using 100% Weber Blue Agave. This gives it a sweet and floral aroma with notes of citrus and fresh herbs.
On the palate, it has a smooth and silky texture with a slightly peppery finish. Patron Silver's unique and delicious flavor is attributed to the star of the show - the taste of agave.
Try this tequila for a distinct and flavorful shot experience.
2. Don Julio Blanco
Don Julio Blanco is a sought-after tequila brand known for its high-quality taste. It has a fresh and light taste with a slight citrus flavor.
It is ideal for shots, with a smooth and clean finish. Don Julio Blanco is a classic tequila perfect for those who appreciate a smooth and clean taste.
Made from 100% blue agave, this tequila has a fresh and herbal aroma with a crisp and spicy finish.
3. 1800 Silver
1800 Silver is a top-rated tequila brand with a smooth and clean taste that is ideal for tequila shots. It has a fruity and spicy aroma with vanilla, caramel, and cinnamon notes.
1800 Silver is a versatile tequila you can enjoy in various ways. It has a smooth and clean taste with a slight hint of vanilla and a soft finish.
1800 Silver is a versatile tequila you can enjoy in various ways. It has a smooth and clean taste with a slight hint of vanilla and a soft finish.
4. Cazadores Blanco
Cazadores Blanco is a highly-rated tequila brand with a distinct, herbaceous, and slightly sweet taste. It has a clean, light, and crisp finish, making it the go-to tequila for shots.
Cazadores Blanco is a bold and flavorful tequila perfect for those who appreciate a strong taste. It has a slightly sweet aroma with hints of citrus and a smooth and spicy finish.
5. Espolon Blanco
Espolon Blanco s a top-rated tequila brand with a bright, clear appearance and a fruity and floral aroma. It has a clean, smooth, and slightly sweet taste.
Espolon Blanco is a vibrant and flavorful tequila perfect for those who appreciate a bold and distinctive taste.
This tequila is made from 100% blue agave. It has a fresh and fruity aroma with a hint of citrus. It has a spicy finish.
The brand has gained a strong reputation in recent years for its quality and unique flavor profile.
The Best Blanco Tequila award winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2014, Espolon Blanco's popularity continues to grow. Try it for yourself and taste the difference.
Enjoy the finer things with this tequila, crafted with attention to detail, from selecting the finest agave to using traditional methods. This tequila is a favorite among enthusiasts.
6. Hornitos Plata
Hornitos Plata is a tequila brand known for its smooth and robust flavor. It has a fresh and crisp taste, with notes of citrus and agave. It is perfect for taking shots, with a clean and smooth finish.
Hornitos Plata is a smooth and easy-to-drink tequila that is perfect for those new to tequila. It has a light and fresh aroma, a slightly sweet taste, and a clean finish.
7. El Tesoro Blanco De Don Felipe
El Tesoro Blanco De Don Felipe is a luxury tequila known for its exceptional quality and unique flavor profile.
The tequila is an accurate representation of the traditional art of tequila making. It is made by one of the most respected tequila families in Mexico.
Made by one of the most respected tequila families in Mexico, this tequila accurately represents the traditional art of tequila making.
It has a smooth and complex taste with notes of citrus, agave, and a hint of pepper. El Tesoro Blanco De Don Felipe is well-suited for taking shots or cocktails requiring high-end tequila.
El Tesoro Blanco De Don Felipe is a favorite among tequila enthusiasts for its high brand reputation and exquisite taste.
8. Milagro Silver
Milagro Silver is a tequila brand with a unique and distinct flavor. It has a light and fresh taste with a citrusy aroma. It is suited for taking shots with a smooth and clean finish.
Milagro Silver is a distinctive tequila perfect for those wanting to try something new. It has a fresh and fruity aroma with a sweet and floral taste and a smooth finish.
9. Casa Noble Crystal
Casa Noble Crystal is a tequila brand with a crisp, clean taste with a slightly sweet and fruity aroma. It has a smooth and refreshing finish, making it an excellent choice for tequila shots.
It is a high-end tequila that is perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It has a fresh and herbal aroma with a smooth, slightly sweet taste and a clean finish.
10. Tequila Ocho Reposado Tequila
Tequila Ocho Reposado Tequila is a premium tequila renowned for its exceptional quality and distinctive flavor.
It is made using traditional methods and 100% blue agave. This results in a smooth and rich taste with hints of vanilla and oak.
This tequila is aged for eight weeks, which gives it a smooth and refined taste with a subtle smoky finish.
It's perfect for taking shots or using cocktails like a Margarita or a Tequila Old Fashioned.
For a premium tequila experience, try Tequila Ocho Reposado Tequila. This tequila boasts a unique flavor profile, high-quality production, and brand reputation.
11. Casa Dragones Blanco
Casa Dragones Blanco is a tequila brand with a unique and distinct flavor. It has a crisp and smooth taste, with a slightly sweet and floral aroma.
Casa Dragones Blanco is a high-end tequila perfect for those who want the best.
It has a fresh and herbal aroma with a smooth, slightly sweet taste and a clean finish.
12. Tres Generacion Anejo
Tres Generaciones Anejo is a premium tequila highly regarded for its smooth and rich taste.
The tequila is made from 100% blue agave and aged in oak barrels for up to 18 months. Its taste has hints of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
It's perfect for taking shots or for use in cocktails like an Anejo Old Fashioned or a Tequila Sunrise.
Tres Generaciones Anejo has a high brand reputation and exceptional taste. It is a favorite among tequila enthusiasts who appreciate a high-end tequila experience.
If you're looking for a smooth and sophisticated tequila for taking shots, Tres Generaciones Anejo is an excellent choice.
13. Kilinga Bacanora Blanco
Kilinga Bacanora Blanco is a premium liquor crafted in Sonora, Mexico. It's a type of Mezcal made from the wild Silvestre Agave plant that grows in the high deserts of Sonora.
This unique agave gives Kilinga Bacanora Blanco its distinct flavor profile, with notes of smoke, earth, and a hint of sweetness.
Kilinga Bacanora Blanco is an excellent alternative to traditional tequila for those looking to try something different. This artisanal tequila offers a unique flavor and production process.
If you're looking for a high-quality and authentic spirit for taking shots, Kilinga Bacanora Blanco is an excellent choice.
14. Flecha Azzul Blanco
Flecha Azul Blanco is a premium tequila made using traditional methods and high-quality blue agave. It's produced in small batches, ensuring exceptional quality and consistency in every bottle.
The tequila has a clean and crisp taste, with citrus, agave, and spice notes.
For those who appreciate excellent production and a unique flavor profile, Flecha Azul Blanco offers a refined and smooth tequila experience.
If you're looking for a premium tequila that's perfect for taking shots, Flecha Azul Blanco is a great option.
A Comparison of 14 Best Tequilas For Shots
Below is a table comparing the 14 best tequilas for shots:
|
Tequila Brand |
Taste Profile |
Aroma |
Finish |
|
Patron Silver |
Smooth, crisp, clean |
Citrus, fruit |
Silky, peppery |
|
Don Julio Blanco |
Fresh, light |
Herbal, spicy |
Clean, smooth |
|
1800 Silver |
Smooth, clean |
Fruity, spicy |
Soft |
|
Cazadores Blanco |
Distinct, herbaceous |
Sweet, citrus |
Smooth, spicy |
|
Espolon Blanco |
Bright, fruity |
Fruity, citrus |
Smooth, sweet |
|
Hornitos Plata |
Smooth, robust |
Fresh, citrus |
Clean, smooth |
|
El Tesoro Blanco |
Smooth, complex |
Citrus, agave |
Pepper |
|
Milagro Silver |
Light, fresh |
Citrusy |
Smooth, clean |
|
Casa Noble Crystal |
Crisp, clean |
Sweet, fruity |
Refreshing |
|
Tequila Ocho Reposado Tequila |
Smooth, rich |
Vanilla, oak |
Subtle smoky |
|
Casa Dragones Blanco |
Crisp, smooth |
Citrus, agave |
Clean, pure |
|
Casamigos Blanco |
Smooth, light |
Fruity, citrus |
Slightly spicy |
|
Tres Agaves Blanco |
Smooth, sweet |
Citrus |
Clean, crisp |
|
Avion Silver |
Smooth, refined |
Fruity |
Clean, crisp |
Best Practices for Taking Tequila Shots
Taking tequila shots is more than just throwing back the shot and chasing it with salt and lime. Here are some best practices for taking tequila shots:
- Choose a high-quality tequila
- Serve the tequila at room temperature
- Use a clean shot glass
- Coat the rim of the shot glass with salt
- Take the shot, followed by a bite of lime or lemon
- Sip on water or an alcohol-free beverage to cleanse the palate
Tequila Shot Etiquette
People in Mexico take tequila shots with friends and family as a sign of companionship and celebration. To fully embrace the tequila culture, here are some etiquette rules:
- Do not sip the tequila shot
- Do not turn down a tequila shot
- Use the proper glassware
- Take the shot with salt and lime or lemon
- Say “¡Salud!” or “¡Arriba, abajo, al centro, pa' dentro!” before taking the shot
- Toast to good health and friendship
Conclusion
Taking tequila shots can be a fun and enjoyable experience, especially when you have the right tequila. There are many high-quality tequila brands, each with its unique flavor profile.
Improve your tequila shots experience by choosing high-quality tequila. Select appropriate glassware for an optimal experience.
Cleansing your palate with water or an alcohol-free beverage is one of the best practices.
Fully embrace the tequila culture by understanding tequila shot etiquette and the different tequila regions of Mexico. Learn to savor the flavors and traditions that come with it.
So, gather your friends and family, pour some tequila shots, and say "¡Salud!" to good health and friendship.