What's a good mid-range tequila?

[cosine]

I need suggestions for a good mid-range tequila that will be used in basic tequila cocktails (margarita, tequila sunrise, etc.) I know nothing about tequila... what would you recommend for mixing cocktails that won't break the bank? I'm hoping to not have to spend more than $20-$30.

[mtnbkr]

Cuervo 1800 isn't bad and is available.  If you're going to be mixing it, then you don't need the best, just something that isn't garbage.

Chris

[Fitz]

1800 is "OK"


But there's quite a bit of difference between ok tequila and good tequila.

I drink Cabo a lot. Like Corazon too.

Had some *expletive deleted*it in MX called "Tres Mujeres" that was actually fantastic.

[cosine]

Cuervo 1800 isn't bad and is available.  If you're going to be mixing it, then you don't need the best, just something that isn't garbage.

Chris

That was my thought exactly. My only experience with tequila has been in getting margaritas at local Mexican restaurants and I never inquired as to what they use, so I have no idea what is considered top shelf, mid-tier, and low end in tequilas. I'm thinking of trying my hand at mixing a few drinks myself tonight, so I need some recommendations.

[mtnbkr]

1800 is "OK"


But there's quite a bit of difference between ok tequila and good tequila.

I drink Cabo a lot. Like Corazon too.

Had some *expletive deleted* in MX called "Tres Mujeres" that was actually fantastic.

For cocktails, I don't think the difference is worth obsessing over unless you're a connoisseur.   If you are a connoisseur, then all of your ingredients have to be top notch as well, not pre-made mixes from a bottle.  I'll also submit that if you're at that level, you wouldn't be asking about it on a firearms forum.

Chris

[Fitz]

That was my thought exactly. My only experience with tequila has been in getting margaritas at local Mexican restaurants and I never inquired as to what they use, so I have no idea what is considered top shelf, mid-tier, and low end in tequilas. I'm thinking of trying my hand at mixing a few drinks myself tonight, so I need some recommendations.

If you're not a tequila snob like me, then 1800 will likely be fine for you

[cosine]

<<< yep, beginner, not connoisseur.   

I will admit to being a beer snob, but it's just too dang expensive to be a snob about everything I imbibe.

[mtnbkr]

<<< yep, beginner, not connoisseur.   

I will admit to being a beer snob, but it's just too dang expensive to be a snob about everything I imbibe.

I hear ya.  I'm a beer snob myself, but I'm perfectly willing to go slumming if I'm camping or doing yard work.  I save the good stuff for when I can savor it.

Chris

[charby]

Just plain old Jose Cuervo will work just fine for cocktails and margarita.

El Jimador (Blanco) is what my friends use as their mixing tequila, tequila and Squirt over rocks.

[K Frame]

Good tequila is an oxymoron.

Gin.

[kgbsquirrel]

My preference is Don Julio Resposado or Blanco depending on the kind of drink. I don't drink very often (like one every couple months maybe) so most of my stuff is top shelf, so perhaps I'm not the best person to be asking.    When I do decide to have the occassional drink, I want it to taste good.

ETA: Just went and peered into the liquor cabinet, meant Anejo not Resposado, sorry.

Some of the stuff I keep on hand:

Glenfiddich 12 year
Don Julio Anejo
Lucid
Bombay Sapphire
Belvedere
Pussers
Pyrat

And of course, classic Jack Daniels No.7. 

[cosine]

Good tequila is an oxymoron.

Gin.

My knowledge of tequila surpasses my knowledge of gin... 
so do you have some recommendations?

[wuluf]

Sauza Hornitos.  Very smooth...

[Chuck Dye]

I fell into Tequila Herradura when an article in Smithsonian Magazine centered on Herradura.  Whether it is mid range or high end depends on your budget.  

A classic bartenders' bet asks the customer to distinguish between the customer's call liquor and well liquor in two otherwise identical cocktails.  The bet is usually double or nothing for the price of both drinks.  The customer rarely identifies the call liquor, so if you are mixing, don't over spend.

If you are drinking straight tequila, note the difference between straight, reposado ("rested" or briefly aged) and añejo (aged.)  If I am drinking straight tequila, it is almost always reposado or añejo.  Tequilas labeled puro de agave or 100% agave are almost always the way to go.

The bottle on my shelf at the moment is Cazadores (Hunters) Reposado, solidly upper middle range.

[K Frame]

Boodles

Bombay sapphire

[cosine]

Well, I stopped by my local beverage store, and cheaped out for today. I decided that $10 for a sixer of Two Hearted Ale was more to my liking than ~$25 for tequila (plus, it's been a while since I had a nice, juicy IPA) so I went with that. Thanks for all the recommendations though, I intend to make use of them when I decide to make margaritas in the (hopefully) near future. 

[Perd Hapley]

On this election night, even I find this thread interesting.

[Physics]

Good tequila is an oxymoron.

Gin.

You haven't had good tequila then.  If you're looking for high end tequilas, I recommend the Agave Leyva Añejo Tequila from Mama Lucia.  They call it a sipping tequila for a reason.  A bit expensive though.

For margaritas and mixed drinks, Jose Cuervo works just fine, and is probably a better tequila than what the bar is giving you.  If you're looking for a nice cheap ~sipping tequila, Tarantula azul is pretty tasty.

On a side note, Tequila + OJ is awesome.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

Good tequila is an oxymoron.

Gin.

yes^^^

i was gonna ask good tequila going down?  or coming back up?

tequila is the lsd of alcohol

[Physics]

yes^^^

i was gonna ask good tequila going down?  or coming back up?

tequila is the lsd of alcohol

I agree when you are not considering moderation.  Everyone seems to have a tequila story.

[charby]

Bombay sapphire

That was my gin of choice back when I drank gin. One night of way too many Tanquery and tonics, killed my taste for gin.

I may have to get a Sapphire and tonic next time I go to the bar, see if I can stomach gin.

[cassandra and sara's daddy]

I agree when you are not considering moderation.  Everyone seems to have a tequila story.

what is this "moderation" you speak of?!?

[SADShooter]

Centenario makes all three styles, Blanco, Reposado & Anejo. I can get the Anejo locally for $25-30/750ml. I like it a lot.

[41magsnub]

I only drink the good stuff:

[K Frame]

I agree when you are not considering moderation.  Everyone seems to have a tequila story.

College...

Tequilla shots with tobasco sauce in the bottom.

Called Prairie Fires.

It didn't matter which end they were exiting, it was hell.