[Innarita]

So sit back, grab a few of these bottles, and see for yourself why tequila is well on its way to becoming the next liquor to appeal to sippers worldwide. here

[AHZ]

Patron kicked off the premium tequila movement, so it's no surprise that the brand is now offering some of the most luxe premium options of the market. This ultra-premium option is produced using a very traditional process of using a stone wheel (called a "tahona") to slowly crush the 100% Weber Blue agave for a flavor that's full of terroir.

[tyler]

This is not the Jose Cuervo of your college spring break days. Reserva de la Familia was the world’s first extra-añejo tequila, and it's aged for a minimum of three years in French and American oak barrels. According to the brand, it's "best served in a snifter, allowing for full appreciation of its flavors, aroma, and velvety finish."

[Inedible]

Hope Ray, a bartender at The Holler in Bentonville, Arkansas, reaches for Agavales Blanco because it often “runs under $20, so you can’t go wrong with this in your home bar.” The budget bottle clocks in at a spicy 110 proof, so it'll add a little heat in each sip. Because it's on the lower end of the price scale, it's not as elegant in cocktails as some other options are. here

[dacoinminster]

For a 100 percent agave tequila that works particularly well in cocktails, go for our top pick: El Jimador Silver (view at Drizly). If you're looking to rip shots, your best bet is Agavales Blanco (view at Drizly).

[huyou]

Making tequila is not a quick process. Agave plants take seven to 12 years to reach maturity, and once harvested, they need to be roasted, distilled, and left to rest for months to years depending on the style. While many high-quality tequilas come with a steep price tag, you can certainly find bottles to fit your budget—and not all are strictly for shooting. Several brands produce excellent inexpensive tequilas suitable for sipping and making cocktails, such as margaritas, sangritas, and bloody marias. We researched top brands to find premier bottles for sipping straight, mixing drinks, and, yes, taking shots.

[jelon94]

“I like tequilas that have a strong family history and [companies who] choose to do the right thing for the land and the people,” says Dean Hurst, beverage director for Datz Restaurant Group. Each bottle is made with care in the town of Tequila, right outside Guadalajara. The brand is still run by the Orendain brothers, who are descendants of some of the oldest tequila producers in the country. That said, the tequila still holds the same quality it did generations ago, with flavors of jackfruit, lime zest, and green pepper. more

[dfieldshorns84]

That said, “it makes a great margarita and an easy shooter,” says Ray. “If you want a crowd-pleasing bottle, this is the one.” Consider putting it in the freezer before enjoying. By chilling it down, the cold temperatures will balance out the higher-proof burn of making shots with this tequila. more

[manixrock]

Best Tequila Under $30 more

[mndrix]

Good tequila doesn't need to be super expensive to still be good tequila. Take Camarena Reposado, a budget-friendly pick aged in oak barrels for 60 days that's softer in the spice department and offers a toasted agave notes with a light touch of vanilla and caramel on the finish. It's tastier and smoother than many tequilas that are double the price. more

[greg]

Mix is such a fan of the Siete Leguas Reposado that she made it the house recommendation at Leyenda, but she says you can pick virtually any offering from the amazingly-priced, family-owned distillery and you won’t be disappointed. Aged for 8 months, this silky-smooth, full-bodied tequila has a refreshing herbal backbone with hints of peppermint and chamomile that’s balanced by lighter, sweeter flavors of grapefruit and lemon. here

[brightside]

Añejos are the product of patience, richer and more full-bodied thanks to a painstaking aging process. Patrón Extra Añejo spends over three years in new and used small oak barrels, resulting in a dark tequila that's surprisingly smooth. If you're looking for a luxurious after-dinner drink, this is a great selection. here

[Escrow agent]

"Savory and smooth, sip this one neat."

[HariposterAA]

The final product is smooth, distinctive, and just over $30. It’s a quality, sipping-worthy spirit, but at that price point, you can also play around with it in cocktails (tequila old-fashioned, anyone?) or even take it like a shot if that’s where the evening goes. [links]

[dangerman]

There are some great options from bigger brands, but generally, you’ll find incredible value from smaller companies. You do have to be selective, though—brands like Espolòn and Cazadores are good bets. It’s also worth considering how familiar you are with the category. If you’ve never had añejo tequila and start with a luxury, high-price options, you’ll likely enjoy it, but you may not be able to tell what makes it special because you won’t have much to compare it with. If you’re new to the category, it’s worth starting with some baseline options and then working your way up to the more expensive bottles if your budget allows it.