10 Smooth and Affordable Reposado Tequilas Under $10

Finding Great Tequila on a Budget

Tequila has exploded in popularity in recent years, but some of the top shelf bottles can be quite expensive. The good news is that there are plenty of great options available for under $10. Even at this low price point, you can find 100% agave tequilas that are smooth, flavorful, and perfect for sipping or mixing into cocktails.

What Makes a Tequila "Cheap"?

You can find cheap tequila in the $8 to $12 range at most liquor stores. Keep in mind that the lower the price, the more likely the tequila is made from 51% blue agave, rather than 100%. For a 100% agave tequila, which is required to be labeled as such, $10 and under is considered cheap.

While more expensive tequilas are aged over longer periods in oak barrels to achieve complex flavor profiles, cheap tequilas tend to be aged less. This produces a tequila with brighter, more vegetal agave flavors and notes of pepper at a budget friendly price point.

Tips for Finding Quality Cheap Tequila

Look for 100% agave on the label - This guarantees you are getting an authentic tequila made only from the blue agave plant.

Check the NOM number - This verifies the tequila comes from an authorized, regulated distillery in one of five states in Mexico.

Read reviews - Don't just go by price alone. Check reviews to help find the gems worth buying.

Avoid gimmicky packaging - Funky shapes and colors often distract from lower quality taste.

Shop less trendy brands - Some decent cheap tequilas fly under the radar without flashy marketing.

6 Recommended Reposado Tequilas Under $10

Here are some excellent reposado tequilas regularly available for under $10 per 750ml bottle:

1. El Jimador Reposado

With an agave forward taste and hints of vanilla, this is one of the best mixing reposados available for under $10. Its smooth, easy drinking taste also makes it a nice budget sipping tequila.

2. Cazadores Reposado

Aged for six months in American oak barrels, this is a go-to reposado for cocktails like margaritas and palomas. It has nice balance between sweet and earthy agave flavors.

3. Camarena Reposado

This affordable reposado from rocker Sammy Hagar delivers notes of maple syrup and cinnamon, with no burn on the finish. It makes a mean tequila sunrise cocktail.

4. Exotico Reposado

With inviting aromas of fruit and fresh agave, this is a pleasing sipper with light hints of vanilla and oak. It also works nicely in citrusy tequila drinks.

5. Cimarrón Reposado

A great everyday tequila, this reposado offers uplifting herbal agave notes with subtle spice. Enjoy it on its own or mixed into classic tequila libations.

6. Hornitos Reposado

Known for its smooth taste, this inexpensive reposado has a balanced flavor profile with mild oak and peppery spice notes. It's very mixable but enjoyable straight up too.

Other Reposados to Try Under $10

For even more options, also look for these inexpensive mixing and sipping reposados:

• Espolòn
• Olmeca Altos
• Gran Centenario
• Lunazul
• Margaritaville
• Tarantula
• El Tesoro de Don Felipe
• Kirkland Signature
• Torada
• Corazòn

Enjoy Quality Tequila on a Budget

You don't need to spend a lot to enjoy great tasting tequila. Focus on 100% agave spirits in the reposado style for affordable options under $10 that are smooth enough to sip and mix into delicious cocktails.

FAQs

What is the difference between cheap tequila and expensive tequila?

More expensive tequilas are aged longer in oak barrels, leading to more complex flavors. Cheaper tequilas tend to be aged less and have brighter, more vegetal agave taste. Expensive tequilas also use higher quality, hand selected agave while cheaper brands use less premium agave.

Is cheap tequila lower quality?

Not necessarily. Good cheap tequilas are 100% agave spirits that are just aged less. They can offer smooth, enjoyable flavor, just with less complexity compared to pricier options. Paying more gets you more nuanced taste.

What's the best cheap tequila for margaritas?

El Jimador, Cazadores, Camarena, and Hornitos reposado are excellent, affordable tequilas for margaritas and other cocktails. Their lighter agave flavor doesn't overpower the other ingredients.

Is cheap tequila good for sipping?

Yes, many cheaper reposados like Exotico, Cimarron, and Hornitos are smooth enough to sip straight. While not as complex as aged añejos, these affordable tequilas have nice flavor for sipping.

What should I look for when buying cheap tequila?

Check that it says 100% agave, meaning it's made solely from the blue agave plant. Also look for a legitimate NOM number, sign of an authentic tequila. Read reviews and avoid gimmicky packaging or marketing.