Top 12 Tequilas for the Perfect Shot: A Guide to the Best Brands

Tequila, the renowned Mexican spirit, is a favourite for lively gatherings, celebrations, and memorable moments. When it comes to shooting tequila, certain brands rise above others, delivering smoother flavours and an unforgettable drinking experience. Choosing the best tequila for shots means selecting a quality spirit that showcases balance, depth, and an authentic agave taste. Below, we delve into the top 12 tequilas for shots, covering a range from traditional choices to modern favourites.

1. Don Julio Blanco

Don Julio Blanco is often hailed as one of the finest silver tequilas on the market. This tequila offers a smooth and refreshing taste, with notes of citrus and light pepper. Ideal for sipping or shooting, Don Julio Blanco is crafted from 100% blue agave and embodies a clean, crisp flavour profile.

Tasting Notes: Citrus, Agave, Pepper
Best For: Smooth shots, cocktails

2. Patron Silver

Known for its premium quality, Patron Silver is another excellent choice for shooting. With its light, floral nose and smooth finish, it’s perfect for tequila enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The subtle hints of fruit and agave make it a versatile tequila that mixes well yet shines on its own.

Tasting Notes: Floral, Agave, Light Fruit
Best For: Shots, cocktails, margaritas

3. Espolon Blanco

Espolon Blanco is a crowd favourite for its bold flavour and affordability. Produced in Jalisco, Mexico, this tequila has a lively taste, combining herbal and fruity notes. With its slightly spicy finish, it’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit more character in their tequila shots.

Tasting Notes: Herbal, Citrus, Spice
Best For: Spicy shots, cocktails

4. Casamigos Blanco

A tequila brand co-founded by George Clooney, Casamigos Blanco has rapidly become a staple. Known for its ultra-smooth flavour and balanced profile, this tequila offers soft vanilla and sweet agave notes, with a gentle finish. Casamigos Blanco is ideal for those looking for a refined yet approachable option.

Tasting Notes: Vanilla, Sweet Agave, Citrus
Best For: Smooth shots, sipping

5. Clase Azul Plata

Clase Azul Plata is a premium option for those seeking an elegant tequila experience. Made from 100% organic blue agave, this tequila features a silky texture with floral and herbaceous notes. The distinctive, handcrafted ceramic bottle adds to its luxurious appeal, making it a fantastic choice for special occasions.

Tasting Notes: Floral, Herbaceous, Agave
Best For: Special occasion shots, sipping

6. Olmeca Altos Plata

Olmeca Altos Plata is known for its budget-friendly price and surprisingly high quality. This tequila boasts a traditional production method using a stone mill (tahona) to extract the agave juice. Its flavours include citrus, pepper, and a hint of smoke, delivering a robust profile without overwhelming the palate.

Tasting Notes: Citrus, Pepper, Smoke
Best For: Budget-friendly shots, cocktails

7. El Tesoro Blanco

El Tesoro Blanco is an unaged tequila that maintains a rich agave character. Crafted using traditional methods, it offers earthy and herbal notes, with a long, clean finish. The full-bodied flavour makes it an excellent choice for those who appreciate the natural taste of agave.

Tasting Notes: Earthy, Herbal, Agave
Best For: Authentic agave shots, sipping

8. 1800 Silver

1800 Silver is a staple tequila for many due to its accessibility and smoothness. Its well-balanced taste features a hint of sweetness, with light floral and fruity notes. 1800 Silver provides a crisp, clean shot experience that won’t break the bank.

Tasting Notes: Sweet Agave, Fruity, Light Spice
Best For: Affordable shots, cocktails

9. Milagro Silver

Milagro Silver is a tequila that surprises with its fresh, agave-forward flavour. It has a unique character, thanks to a double distillation process that captures the purity of the agave plant. Ideal for parties or gatherings, Milagro Silver has a slightly peppery finish, making it a memorable choice for shots.

Tasting Notes: Agave, Pepper, Citrus
Best For: Party shots, cocktails

10. Fortaleza Blanco

Fortaleza Blanco is crafted with attention to traditional methods, creating a tequila that reflects authenticity. This tequila stands out for its earthy, complex flavour profile, including notes of olive and basil. Fortaleza’s rich texture and depth make it an exceptional choice for a high-quality shot experience.

Tasting Notes: Earthy, Olive, Basil
Best For: High-quality shots, sipping

11. Tequila Ocho Plata

Tequila Ocho Plata is a single-estate tequila, meaning each batch is crafted from agave harvested in a specific area, allowing the flavour profile to reflect the terroir. Known for its crisp and complex taste, it offers hints of citrus and black pepper. Tequila Ocho Plata is ideal for those who appreciate nuanced flavours.

Tasting Notes: Citrus, Black Pepper, Fresh Agave
Best For: Nuanced shots, tequila enthusiasts

12. Herradura Silver

Herradura Silver offers a rich, slightly aged profile for those looking for more depth in their shots. This tequila is aged for 45 days in oak barrels, imparting hints of vanilla and oak to its flavour. With its smooth finish and balanced profile, Herradura Silver is a versatile choice that appeals to both seasoned drinkers and newcomers.

Tasting Notes: Oak, Vanilla, Agave
Best For: Depth-filled shots, sipping, cocktails

Selecting the right tequila for shots can elevate any gathering, adding a level of quality and enjoyment to the experience. From smooth and refined options like Casamigos Blanco to bold and earthy choices like Fortaleza Blanco, each tequila on this list offers something unique.