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.

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Riedel Tequila Glass (Set of 2)

In Stock | $39

Published: August 22, 2024