Best Cheap Tequila for Shots

Updated May 2026.

“Cheap” is a shelf tag, not a CRT class. Read 100% agave versus mixto, the four-digit NOM, and labeled ABV. Most US bottles are 40% — a 1.5-ounce shot is one NIAAA drink. This is not a 2022 shot ranking and not a 2026 MSRP list.

Casamigos current NOM is 1609 (1416 historical). 818 is NOM 1607, not Casamigos. Clase Azul tequila is NOM 1595. Related: tequila for the money, tequila drinks.

What the label certifies

Reading tool What it is Typical US ABV
100% agave CRT category Often 40%
Mixto ≥51% agave sugars Label
NOM four digits Producer, not a score
Blanco Common shot class Often 40%

A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four shots are four drinks. Sticker that day is the money line. Pour math: tequila drinks.

Sources

  • NOM-006-SCFI-2012; 27 CFR 5.148. NIAAA December 2025.
  • Casamigos current NOM 1609; 818 NOM 1607; Clase Azul tequila NOM 1595.

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