Best Tequila Under $40 | Wine Enthusiast

Tequila doesn’t have to be expensive to be delicious. In fact, Mexico’s native agave spirit is available in a wide range of expressions and a variety of price points. Whether you’re seeking a tequila to sip, mix into cocktails or bring as a gift, these bottles won’t break the bank.

What Should I Look for in a Tequila Priced Under $40?

We turned to the pros for advice on which attributes to look for in a value-priced tequila. Of note: all suggested seeking out bottles labeled as 100% agave; many also recommended looking for additive-free tequilas.

Below $40, scan the shelves for blancos first, says Mark Murphy, director of bar operations for Fort Lauderdale Mexican restaurant El Vez. Blanco (also called “silver,” “white” or “plata”) is unaged tequila, bottled within 60 days of distillation.

“Know that tequila isn’t made ‘better’ by aging; it’s just different,” Murphy says. (Reposado and añejo are two common aged tequilas. “But it does take time, and time is money. You’ll get the most bang for your buck when drinking a better quality blanco.”

Another tip: tequila from smaller distilleries can represent excellent quality and value, says Lalo Durazo, CEO of Bakan, a Mexican restaurant in Miami’s Wynwood neighborhood.

“Small-batch tequilas, especially those from regions like Los Altos de Jalisco, often deliver the best quality for the price,” he says. And it pays to read the label: look for the name of the distillery and the origin of the agave, he adds. “Be cautious of brands that focus more on flashy marketing than transparency about their production process.”

What About Jose Cuervo?

Established in 1934, Jose Cuervo is the largest and oldest tequila company in the world. The brand makes a wide range of bottlings, including many priced under $40.

Many of those bottlings are “mixto,” meaning that it’s not 100% blue agave. Legally, “mixto” tequila can be made with as little as 51% agave; the remaining 49% might be made with anything from grain-neutral spirit to corn syrup.

The Cuervo portfolio also includes “gold” or “oro” tequilas, meaning an unaged tequila that’s given a “golden” hue from caramel coloring or other additives. That said, Jose Cuervo also makes more expensive bottlings, including the Riserva de Familia line.

What’s the Best Gluten-Free Tequila Under $40?

All distilled spirits, including tequila, are gluten-free—so, the best one is the one you enjoy most.

As per Celiac.com, an independent site focused on support for those on gluten-free diets, distillation removes gluten proteins from the final product. However, it’s possible for gluten to be infused or otherwise introduced after distillation. Those with extreme sensitivities may wish to look for tequilas labeled as gluten-free; a third-party test is required for a spirits producer to make that claim.

Best Blanco Tequilas Under $40

Campovaso Tequila Blanco

Honey richness and sundried tomato on nose and palate give depth to this limited-production tequila, while lemon peel jazzes up the exhale. A teasing oaky note suggests the barrel-aged expressions will be worth a closer look. 95 Points. — K.N.

$35
Maine Spirits

Best Reposado Tequilas Under $40

Best Anejo Tequilas Under $40

Corazón Añejo Tequila

Elegant and light, this sports a rose-gold hue and mild aroma that hints at tropical fruit and almond. The liquid feels notably silky, opening with mouthwatering salinity and jalapeño-cinnamon prickle, and finishing with a slick, buttery, faintly nutty note that just glides right off the palate. Aged 16 to 18 months. Best Buy. 94 Points. — K.N.

$ Varies
Total Wine & More

Familia Camarena Añejo Tequila

Look for a bright, golden appearance and light aromas that mix coconut and fresh jalapeño. Lively and distinctly fruity, the palate opens with honey and coconut sweetness. Fleeting hints of pineapple and lime lead into a juicy, mouthwatering finish perked up with jalapeño and white pepper heat. Sip or mix into a luxe margarita variation. Best Buy. 93 Points. — K.N.

$ Varies
Wooden Cork

Best Organic Tequilas Under $40

Dulce Vida Tequila Reposado

This racy reposado keeps a light hand on the oak, from the pale straw hue to the lightly herbaceous aroma mingled with just a hint of coconut. Assertive jalapeno and bell pepper lead the palate, followed by hints of graphite, soot and creosote. The brisk, lively finish sparkles with white and black pepper tingle. Best Buy. 93 Points. — K.N.

$ Varies
CW Spirits

Best Tequila Under $40 for a Margarita

Best Tequila Under $40 for a Paloma

Best Celebrity Tequila Under $40

Teremana Tequila Blanco

Owned by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this crystalline tequila resounds with zesty bell pepper and poblano aromas. The light, crisp palate entwines lemon peel with gentle almond and marshmallow sweetness, finishing with white-pepper sparks. Mix in margaritas or palomas. Best Buy. 92 Points. — K.N.

$ Varies
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