Tequila can start a party. It also can end one very quickly. Your focus should stay on those that can star at any gathering. A solid tequila doesn't have to break the bank, either. Also, keep this in mind when looking for quality tequila, affordable or not: Make sure it's 100% agave. Those headache-inducing tequilas of your past were more than likely only part agave -- they just need to be 51%. The additional sugar in those was likely your culprit.
All tequila hails from the Mexican state of Jalisco. All start as Blue Weber Agave and take a wonderful ride to reach their final destination on a drinker's palate. This Mexican spirit has a beautiful, rich history. The excellence of this well-made spirit can be witnessed even in inexpensive versions -- neat or mixed into a tasty margarita.
Best tequila for a margarita
Sauza Hacienda Silver
Dating back to 1873, Sauza has been making tequila long enough to know what they're doing. Both Sauza Hacienda Silver and Hacienda Gold come in at under $20 per bottle. Silver, however, tastes great in a margarita. Sauza claims plenty of green apple in its base tequila, but it certainly finishes with a nice citrus bit -- perfect for a margarita.
Best tequila to sip neat
Espolon Blanco Tequila
Espolon drinks like a much pricier tequila and is perfect for sipping. It's spicy punch is complimented with a gentle bouquet of sweet fruit.
Best tequila for Ranch Water
El Charro Silver
Ranch Water is the drink of the year, at least for tequila lovers. El Charro mixes great with seltzer water and lime juice to make a great Ranch Water. The distillery prides itself on pushing through true agave flavor, so hopefully a Ranch Water made with it tastes straight off an estate.
Best tequila to shoot
El Toro
El Toro is a liquor cabinet classic, especially for those who aren't well-versed in the world of tequila. It's friendly hat on top helps draw the eye of those who might be buying tequila for a rare cocktail or party. It's cheap, so don't try to overdo it. Just pour in a shot glass and serve with lime and salt.
Best tequila for citrus lovers
Tarantula Azul
OK, so the name might be a bit of a novelty, but the cool blue helps take the edge off those with arachnophobia. The tequila is blended with citrus juice, so for a cocktail with lime or orange juice, you've got a nice head start.
Honorable mention
El Jimador
Silver tequilas in general are pretty ideal for mixing. But El Jimador's citrusy characters make it a great match for a delicious lime-forward margarita. Most tequila cocktails have some citrus, so keep this versatile tequila around.
Honorable mention
Bribon
While it comes in just a bit over $20, Bribon sips like a much more expensive tequila. The distillation process for Bribon includes pot and column distillations, leaving a spirit with a light, earthy essence.
Honorable mention
Camarena
Another one that likely hovers just over the $20 mark, Camarena Silver is an incredible tequila for the price. It's smooth upfront and hits the palate with fresh greens and citrus notes before finishing off with a subtle warm and peppery notes.
Honorable mention
Hornitos
With a tagline like #AShotWorthTaking, Hornitos Plata has plenty of floral notes on the nose from its agave base. A fruity push through the palate follows after the shot, but a warm finish that lightly coats the tongue is perfect.
