Last Updated on February 2, 2024 by Lydia Martin
Most people base their choices on the brand name and some on its prices. If it is expensive, it must taste good. Hornitos has built a reputation over the years, but their prices are very affordable. How do they continue to keep their prices after over 50 years of producing quality tequilas?
Let’s find out in this Hornitos price guide.
How Tequila Hornitos Started
Hornitos was a product owned by Don Francisco Javier Sauza, first distilled in 1950 in Jalisco, Mexico. Similar to other quality blends, it is from ripe Blue Agave found only on Mexican desserts. In 1970, because of the increase in demand for tequila production, they partnered with Pedro Domecq.
The brand was named “Hornitos,” meaning “little ovens” in Spanish, a nod to the traditional clay ovens used in the tequila production process. With a commitment to excellence, Hornitos sourced blue agave plants from agave fields, carefully selecting mature piñas for harvest.
The piñas were cooked, crushed, and fermented to create a high-quality agave juice. Following distillation, Hornitos offered a range of expressions, including unaged Blanco and aged options like Reposado and Añejo, providing consumers with a variety of flavor profiles.
Over the years, Hornitos has gained popularity for its smooth and approachable tequila, cementing its status as a reputable brand in the industry.
Acquired by Beam Suntory, Hornitos continues to uphold its legacy, producing tequila that captures the essence of Mexican craftsmanship and tradition.
Now, these bottles are distributed in the United States and the world by Beam Suntory. Hornitos tequila may have a cheap price, but you can enjoy shots with your friends with it.
How It’s Made
Hornitos Tequila is an authentic Mexican spirit crafted from the Blue Weber agave plant, with a meticulous production process ensuring quality. The agave piñas are traditionally roasted or baked, then ground, preparing them for fermentation inside oak barrels.
Hornitos Reposado Tequila, known for its sweetness, undergoes a shorter aging process, resulting in a smoother profile without prominent wood flavors. The Plata variant, not aged extensively, lacks the influence of wood but benefits from a distinctive texture and taste.
The fermentation duration plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall character of Hornitos Tequila, contributing to its unique savor. The brand’s commitment to Mexican craftsmanship and tradition is evident in its careful selection of agave plants and adherence to authentic methods.
Acquired by Beam Suntory, Hornitos continues to be a celebrated tequila brand, capturing the essence of Mexico’s tequila-making heritage. Hornitos Plata, with its shorter aging, highlights the purity of the agave, delivering a crisp and clean tequila experience.
This commitment to authenticity and nuanced production has contributed to Hornitos’ reputation as a respected name in the tequila industry.
Compared to Other Brands
Rose Tequila
The similarity of the two is just in the matter of prices as Rose Tequila is a strawberry-flavored tequila drink. Each bottle of Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream is roughly $17.99 – $21.99.
They do have their own flavored drink, the Hornitos Lime Shot, which is similarly priced, but this beverage’s flavor is zesty citrus. Hornitos Plata has the same price range per bottle. More Rose Tequila cocktails here.
Milagro
Milagro has anejo products, aged not very long except for the Milagro Unico 2, an Añejo Tequila. This is from premium piñas with a hint of pepper and notes of cinnamon and vanilla, which cost roughly $269.99 – $299.99. The regular bottles of this company are only roughly $21.99 – $27.99.
Patron
Patron is an established company that uses the Blue Agave plant (1) to create Añejo that is full of flavors. Their aging process includes storing it in wooden containers to provide color and character to their spirits, in addition to the hints of cinnamon, tropical fruits, and toasted wood that are all so smooth to the tongue. The most affordable Patron bottle is between $21.99 – $23.99.
Don Julio
Don Julio treats their piñas extra special and ages their Añejo in oak barrels to add character. Their special distillation provides them with high-standard liquors, which is why their prices are higher than other manufacturers. Their cheapest bottles are around $41.99-45.99, while the Don Julio Real Tequila is roughly $399.99 – $419.99.
Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo is also a premium standard tequila that has been around for ages. Though they are of high quality, this brand is still classified under the standard category. The price of every bottle varies since they cater to both masses and high-end stores and clubs. Their categorization has got nothing to do with the premium tequila they provide to their customers. The Jose Cuervo Especial Silver is around $16.99 – $18.99.
Avion
Avion is another popular choice because of their Reserva 44, one of the top-shelf choices and an expensive one. The regular product is around $34.99 – $38.99, which is comparable to Hornitos Plata 1.75ml at about $34.99 – $38.99. The sizes differ as well, but the reason behind the cost of Avion is their lengthy processing, longer than the other. They ferment and rest their tequila to add natural color and savor to it.
DeLeon
Being a producer of premium tequila, it follows that the bottle they produce also has a high amount on its tag. The lowest-priced bottle is Deleon Platinum which is between $37.99 – $49.99. They also have their special releases, such as Deleon Leona sold roughly $649.99 – $699.99. The name DeLeon has been in the tequila industry for not that long but has surely gained the hearts of American drinkers.
Common Tequila Hornitos Prices
| Type | Size | Proof | Average Price |
| Hornitos Cristalino | 750ml | 80 | $28.99 – $32.99 |
| Hornitos Plata | 375ml | 80 | $12.99 – $19.99 |
| 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $24.99 | |
| 1.75L | 80 | $36.99 – $43.99 | |
| Smirnoff Watermelon | 750ml | 70 | $9.47 – $11.99 |
| Hornitos Black Barrel | 750ml | 80 | $28.99 – $32.99 |
| Hornitos Anejo | 750ml | 80 | $25.99 – $35.99 |
| Hornitos Lime Shot | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $24.99 |
| Hornitos Reposado | 750ml | 80 | $19.99 – $24.99 |
How To Drink It
Hornitos does not have a requirement on how to drink a bottle of tequila, but Mexicans insist that they should take tequila neat. They do not even suggest that you finish it with a sip on a lemon or rimming the glass because that would be disrespectful to the flavors of the Blue Agave Plant. However, this product also goes well with a blend of lime juice – simply stir and enjoy.
Popular Tequila Hornitos-Based Cocktails
Manhattan
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 ounce Hornitos Añejo Tequila
- 1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
- A teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
Procedure:
Place components in a mixing glass along with ice. Stir. Strain contents and pour on cocktail glass. Garnish with maraschino cherries. Serve.
Sangrita
Ingredients:
- 1-ounce orange juice
- 2-ounce tomato juice
- 1-ounce lime juice
- Tabasco Sauce (drops)
- Worchester sauce (drops)
- Salt
Procedure:
Place all components in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously. Pour on shot glass rimmed with salt. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What kind of soda goes with Hornitos tequila?
Hornitos Tequila is perfect with club soda or seltzer. Adding soda can enhance the savor present in tequila. You can also choose to use grapefruit soda and turn it into a Paloma.
Is tequila stronger than vodka?
No. Vodka is stronger than tequila since the required ABV for vodka in the US is 40% and above. That means it can go as strong as it wants. Tequila, on the other hand, has an ABV content between 35% to 55%.
Is Hornitos tequila good quality?
Hornitos is generally considered a mid-range tequila, offering decent quality for its price point. It may not be classified as a top-shelf or premium tequila.
Why is it called Hornitos?
“Hornitos” means “little ovens” in Spanish, referring to the small traditional clay ovens used in the tequila production process.
What alcohol is Hornitos?
Hornitos is a brand of tequila, which is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of the agave plant.
Is Hornitos 100% tequila?
Hornitos tequila is made from 100% blue agave, which is a common standard for quality tequila.
Why is Hornitos cheap?
Hornitos is priced in the mid-range compared to more expensive premium tequilas. The price may be influenced by production methods and brand positioning.
What is the number 1 ranked tequila?
The ranking of tequilas can be subjective, but some well-regarded brands include Don Julio, Patrón, and Clase Azul.
Is Hornitos a premium tequila?
Hornitos is not typically classified as a premium tequila. It falls into the mid-range category, offering a balance between quality and affordability.
Is Hornitos tequila smooth?
Hornitos is known for its relatively smooth taste compared to some entry-level tequilas, but it may not be as smooth as higher-end premium options.
Is Hornitos smooth?
Hornitos tequila is known for its smoothness, making it a popular choice for those seeking a smoother tequila experience.
Is Hornitos considered top shelf?
Hornitos is not commonly considered a top-shelf tequila. It is positioned as a mid-range option, falling between entry-level and premium tequilas.
Is Hornitos a premium tequila?
Hornitos is not generally categorized as a premium tequila. It is positioned in the mid-range segment, offering a balance of quality and affordability.
In Summary
Hornitos Tequila is a good tequila, and there is a big chance of improving the flavor of each bottle. The price is very affordable, but that does not mean savor should also be plain, although each drinker has their own preference.
A tequila bottle from this company will do great mixed with fruit juices or a squeeze of lime after good food, though. All-in-all, this tequila is not a bad wine, it just needs a bit of improvement to be one of the best choices there is.
Reference:
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/agave
