Tequila Bottle Prices, Sizes, Popular Brands & Buying Guide (2023)

Last Updated on August 22, 2023 by Lydia Martin

Tequila has certainly evolved greatly. No more raspiness, as if cats are scratching your neck as it trails down your throat. Considering that it has only a few ingredients, a bottle of agave spirit is really tough to beat. 

Let’s get to know how they managed to improve it and what drives the price of every bottle of tequila. 

What is Tequila?

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the core of the agave plant. Aztec Indians were the first to ferment the essence from the agave plant they used in their ceremonies and called it “pulque,” way back 250-300 AD.

In the 16th century, the conquistadors from Spain started to make their own bottles of agave tequila.

Eventually, the Marquis of Altamira named Don Pedro Sánchez de Tagle mass-produced tequila, and he built his first factory in Jalisco, Mexico. 

The Cuervo family was the first to acquire a license to produce tequila commercially. However, Sauza Tequila was the first to import to the American market.

In 1974, the term “tequila” was declared by the government of Mexico its intellectual property. This comes from agave like mezcal, but the aromas it produces are more flavorful.

As you smell the aromas, you won’t believe that it has a very affordable price, at least most of it. But is mezcal stronger than tequila?

The best tequilas are made from the place they originated, Mexico. Mexicans say this because Tequila City has the red volcanic clay where premium blue agave grows perfectly. 

It is mandated by Mexican law that tequila should only be made from blue agave from Jalisco and some other states in Mexico.

Some brands may have completed the aging process in other locations, but Mexico still distills the spirits. 

What’s This About Worms?

The worm story appears to be negative publicity against the production of tequila. It was a storyline used by mezcal producers to gain attention for their products.

 

However, the law in Mexico states that there should be no worm or scorpion on any bottle of tequila as this is a manifestation that the blue agave plant is not healthy and infested.

Besides, these are kept sealed in oak storage as it turns into Añejo. But can you eat tequila worms?

4 Tequila Aging Categories

 

1. Aged

Aged or Anejo tequila means it has aged for one to three years in French oak barrels at least. It has a darker shade since it was stored inside wooden oak barrels.

An añejo drink such as the 1800 tequila assures that the bottle is made from pure blue agave and aged in wine barrels securely to come up with the best flavors you can savor. 

2. Extra Aged

Extra aged tequilas or extra Anejo have spent more than three years aging. The color on this variant is a lot darker, and the price is higher.

It is double distilled in copper pot stills, making sure tequilas have crystal clear colors, such as 1800 tequila.

Unlike other bottles of wine, aging agave for tequila is not advisable for longer than three years. The extra añejo available now are the best ones that you can find. 

Read: What’s the First Liquor Ever Made?

3. Silver

Silver or white tequila is distilled twice but is not aged longer than two months. They are stored in either neutral oak or inside a stainless steel barrel.

You can drink 1800 tequila silver and still enjoy the sensual caress it gives down the throat and just at the right price point.

It also has the aromas of spice and vanilla and some other elements stored in the bottle. What’s the difference between gold and silver tequilas?

4. Reposado

Reposado, or in other words, rested, are aged but not for long. This tequila is stored for a minimum of two months and a maximum of a year inside an oak barrel.

It has a darker shade than silver. Often, it has the aromas of vanilla and some other flavors which is why it is perfect to use in making a margarita.

George Clooney has a liking for reposado. That is why he created his own too. Learn the differences between reposado and anejo here. 

How to Drink It

Neat

A typical shot of tequila is taken neat. Sipping tequila, especially premium tequila, you enjoy it as it is, straight with no salt or lime needed.

You just let it slide down your throat and enjoy the smooth, warm heat crawling down gently.

1800 tequila is one of the brands that have a lower price but has a great savor. You can have it neat and enjoy its burst of flavors at a very low price.

Shots

The traditional way of having a tequila shot is with a Caballito shot glass and in Mexico, gulping it down neat after taking in its smell of vanilla essence.

They consider it unappreciative of the delicious savor of the blue agave spirit and the efforts placed in producing what is called tequila.

The glass is sometimes dipped in sugar or salt (1), depending on the drinkers’ preference. 

Cocktails

It is very common to use tequila as a base in a cocktail as it has a different punch.

Adding silver tequila or reposado tequila would be preferable unless you want a spiky taste on your cocktails.

The wine already has flavors that vary, like the 1800 tequila, which leaves a taste of cinnamon, vanilla, sugar, and spice.

Turning the liquor into a cocktail will make it extra flavorful. 

Margarita

The best base for a margarita is tequila, and among the choices, reposado tequilas or Blanco is the best fit for the job.

1800 Tequila Reposado makes a good margarita because of its vanilla savor.

It will leave vanilla or white pepper with a smoky finish flavor in your mouth. A premium brand of tequila will leave citrus notes mixed with brown sugar flavor in your margarita if you use it. 

Also Read: Is Tequila a Depressant or a Stimulant?

Some Popular Tequila Brands

Don Julio

Don Julio was created in 1942, and he was only 17 years old then, but he changed the standards of tequila making when he used blue weber agave. High-quality fruits have a good price.

This brand also uses aging reposado and añejo inside American white oak casks to influence its flavor, aromas, and character.

They have high-quality reposado and Anejo, both at a reasonable price.

Patron

This is known as an ultra-premium tequila and is an Añejo tequila with a high price attached to it.

The price is reasonable as this premium brand ensures that all the “perfect” blue agave is used for their tequila. They search from all over the region just to pick the best selection.

But beyond that high price tag is an environmentally concerned manufacturer. They are serving the best tequilas, Añejo, in perfection without destroying the earth. 

Here’s a closer look at the differences between Don Julio and Patron Tequila.

1800

1800 tequila is actually a smart name if you know the reason behind it. Its name was from the year 1800, the year when tequila was first aged in wood casks.

The same company owns 1800 tequila like Jose Cuervo, and they both belong in the standard price category.

It offers a premium tequila taste, yet 1800 has an affordable price. 1800 tequila also has a trapezoid-shaped bottle and a top that works as a shot glass.

Learn more about the different flavors of 1800 tequila here. 

Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo is a popular name among tequila drinkers, and they belong in the standard price category.

However, the price is only on that level as this brand is known for its premium quality, which is why it is popular worldwide.

It has a complete offering from 1800 tequila to margarita-ready pre-mixed variety.

And, just like its sister company, 1800 tequila, the Jose Cuervo brand also uses blue weber agave and keeps it to age in French oak barrels. 

Hornitos

Hornitos is also a world-renowned brand that belongs to the budget price category. One would think that they only use low-quality agave because of the low price.

They have silver tequila, añejo tequila, and its famous Black Label.

They have a unique reposado-resting strategy where they keep it in 10,000-gallon oak barrels known as “pipones” with great aromas. This defines their tequila from the many tequilas sold in the market. 

Read: Trader Joe’s Tequilas

Common Tequila Prices

Brand	Country	Category	Alcohol Content	Average Pricing
1800	Jalisco, Mexico	Standard	40%	$15.99-$40.99
Casamigos	Mexico	Premium	40%	$39.99-$54.99
Patron	Mexico	Premium	40%	$31.99-$499.99
Sauza	Mexico	Budget	40%	$10.99-$35.99
Don Julio	Mexico	Premium	40%	$46.99-$999.99
Jose Cuervo	Jalisco, Mexico	Standard	38-40%	$13.99-$199.99
Avion	Mexico	Premium	40%	$129.99-$192.99
Deleon	Jalisco, Mexico	Premium	40%	$27.99-$699.99
Rose	Missouri, United States	Budget	15%	$18.99-$44.99
Hornitos	Jalisco	Budget	40%	$12.99-$39.99
Milagro	Jalisco	Standard	40%	$29.99-$299.99
Herradura	Jalisco, Mexico	Premium	38-46%	$39.99-$449.99
El Jimador	Jalisco, Mexico	Budget	40%	$19.99-$39.99
Cabo Wabo	Jalisco, Mexico	Standard	40%	$36.99-$47.99
Number Juan	USA	Standard	40%	$46.99-$116.99
Corralejo	Jalisco, Mexico	Standard	38%	$28.99-$199.99
Cazadores	Jalisco, Mexico	Standard	40%	$18.99-$69.99

Popular Tequila-based Cocktails 

Paloma

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (use Milagro Silver tequila or Don Julio Blanco or Cazadores)
• 2 oz fresh grapefruit juice (set aside wedges for garnish)
• 2 oz sparkling water
• ½ oz lemon juice
• ¼ oz agave nectar or any syrup sea
• salt, for the rim of the glasses
• Ice

Directions:

1. Rub grapefruit wedge around the rim of the glass.
2. Dip glass’ rim on the salt. 
3. Mix all ingredients except for the ice into the glass and make sure everything is mixed thoroughly. 
4. Place the ice inside the glass.
5. Add syrup if lacking sweetness. 
6. Garnish with remaining grapefruit wedges.

Tequila Sunrise

Ingredients:

• 1 ½ cups ice
• 2 fl oz tequila (you can use 1800 Tequila Silver or Jose Cuervo since they are from the same family or Patrón Silver)
• 4 fl oz orange juice
• 1 cup ice
• ¾ fl oz grenadine syrup

Directions:

1. Prepare a highball glass and fill it with 1 1/2 cups ice.
2. Set it aside.
3. In a mixing glass, mix your tequila and orange juice.
4. Add a cup of ice and stir.
5. Strain contents and pour on the highball glass.
6. Pour in gently the grenadine and let it settle.
7. Stir content before drinking.

Brave Bull

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Blanco tequila (use Corralejo Blanco or 1800 Tequila Silver or any tequila Blanco that you have)
• 1 oz coffee liqueur

Directions:

1. Prepare all ingredients.
2. Use an old-fashioned glass and pour tequila along with ice cubes.
3. Add in the coffee liqueur.
4. Lightly swirl the glass to give the content a little stir.
5. Serve.

Bloody Maria

Ingredients:

• 2 oz tequila (use Milagro Silver or 1800 Tequila Silver)
• 4 oz tomato juice
• 1/2 lime juice, squeezed
• 1/2 tbsp horseradish
• ½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 dashes of Tabasco sauce
• celery salt
• ground black pepper
• 2 dashes Tapatio hot sauce
• lime wedge for garnish

Directions:

1. Prepare your cocktail shaker.
2. Put in all ingredients starting with horseradish, then Worcestershire sauce, tabasco, tomato juice, lime juice, Tapatio, tequila, black pepper, and celery salt inside the cocktail shaker.
3. Fill with ice.
4. Shake very well for a brief moment.
5. Strain and pour on pint glass with full of fresh ice.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge or any garnish you have available.

El Diablo

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 oz reposado tequila (best to use 1800 tequila reposado)
• 1/2 oz crème de cassis
• 1/2 oz lemon essence
• 4 oz ginger beer
• 1 lemon wedge or orange peel

Directions:

1. Gather all the ingredients.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, then pour tequila.
3. Add in crème de cassis along with lemon essence.
4. Shake very well.
5. Prepare collins glass and fill with fresh ice.
6. Strain mixture and pour on glass.
7. Pour in ginger beer.
8. Garnish finish product with a lemon wedge or orange peel.

FAQs 

In Conclusion 

Everybody loves tequila. Put it in cocktails, mix it in margaritas, or drink it neat – the savor will still be great.

This cooked agave has its special vanilla aroma that comes out after it is double distilled and ages. Inside a bottle is an Añejo spirit guaranteed to make your day.

The price of an Añejo bottle may be high for some brands, but if you want to have quality drinks for your margarita, you don’t have to look for anything else. 

The unique aromas it brings are enough for you to love every sip of tequila. 

Reference:

1. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/diet/salt-health-benefits-risks-types-how-cut-back-more/