Ready to upgrade your tequila shots? The Best Guide to choose your Tequilas for Shots

Forget the Salt and Lime: The Best Tequilas for Shots Worth Sipping

For many people, the phrase "tequila shots" brings back bad memories: a lick of salt, a harsh shot, and a desperate bite into a lime wedge. But what if we told you that’s not what a tequila shot is supposed to be?

That entire ritual was invented to mask the taste of cheap, low-quality "mixto" tequila.

A real tequila shot, made with a high-quality, premium tequila, is something to be savored, not survived. You don't need to mask the flavor; you want to taste it. In this guide, we're exploring the best tequilas for shots—from a range of excellent tequila brands—that are so smooth and flavorful, you can comfortably sip them neat from a shot glass (or a proper caballito).

What Makes the Best Tequila for a Shot?

When you're drinking a spirit straight, there's nowhere to hide. The number one rule is non-negotiable: only use 100% Blue Agave tequila.

This ensures the spirit is made entirely from the agave plant and contains no added sugars or artificial additives, which are the main culprits behind those infamous hangovers. The goal is smoothness, a clean finish, and pleasant agave tasting notes.

The Best Blanco Tequila for Shots (The Classic Choice)

Blanco (or Silver) tequila is the most traditional and classic tequila choice for a shot. It's unaged, so it delivers the purest, crispest expression of the agave. A good blanco will have bright, peppery, and vegetal tasting notes.

Here are our top picks for the best blanco tequila for shots:

1. Espolòn Blanco

• Why it's a great shot: This is arguably the best value-for-money tequila on the market. It’s 100% agave, very affordable, and has clean, crisp tasting notes of pepper and a hint of tropical fruit. It’s smooth enough to drink neat but complex enough to be interesting.

2. Teremana Blanco

• Why it's a great shot: Teremana has become wildly popular for one main reason: it’s incredibly smooth. It’s crafted to be approachable, with softer tasting notes of citrus, vanilla, and cooked agave. If you're new to sipping tequila or want the best tequila for a shot with absolutely zero "burn," this is a fantastic choice.

3. Tequila Ocho Plata

• Why it's a great shot: If you want to show your friends what tequila really tastes like, this is it. Tequila Ocho is a "terroir-driven" tequila. It’s wonderfully complex, with bright, earthy, and vegetal tasting notes. This isn't just a shot; it's a tasting experience.

4. Don Julio Blanco

• Why it's a great shot: As one of the most recognized premium tequila brands, Don Julio Blanco is a benchmark for smoothness. It has a very clean, crisp profile with strong citrus notes (lemon, lime, grapefruit) and a light, peppery finish. It's a reliable, high-quality shot that never disappoints.

Can You Use Reposado Tequila for Shots?

Absolutely! While Blanco is traditional, a Reposado (tequila "rested" in oak barrels for 2-12 months) makes for a completely different and delicious shot. It’s often smoother, rounder, and has warmer tasting notes of vanilla and caramel.

Our Reposado Picks:

1. Casamigos Reposado

• Why it's a great shot: Casamigos is famous for its almost-sweet, vanilla-forward tasting notes and exceptional smoothness. It is undeniably one of the best tequilas for shots if your goal is a rich, smooth, and crowd-pleasing experience.

2. Fortaleza Reposado

• Why it's a great shot: For those who want a more traditional and complex shot, Fortaleza is a must-try. It's made using old-world methods (like stone-crushing the agave). Its tasting notes include rich cooked agave, butter, citrus, and a hint of black pepper. It's incredibly balanced and shows how flavorful a shot can be.

Beyond the Shot Glass: FAQs

You have your bottle, but you might have other questions.

What about the Tequila Shot Calorie Count?

You'll be happy to know that tequila is one of the "healthier" spirits. A standard 1.5 oz (44 ml) shot of 100% agave tequila (like the ones listed above) contains:

• Calories: Approximately 97-100 calories

• Carbs: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

The calorie count in tequila shots is a non-issue; it’s the sugary mixers and liqueurs often added to them that cause problems.

How Do I Make Tequila Jello Shots?

Want to elevate a party classic? Use good tequila! The tequila jello shots recipe is simple:

1. Whisk 1 pack (3 oz) of lime-flavored jello into 1 cup of boiling water until fully dissolved.

2. Add ½ cup of cold water and ½ cup of your chosen blanco tequila (Espolòn is perfect here).

3. Pour into 2 oz plastic shot cups and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, or until firm.
   
   Want to learn more about the best tequilas to make each classic cocktail ? Check out our dedicated cocktail pages !

Conclusion

The next time someone suggests tequila shots, step up the game. Ditch the salt and lime, grab a bottle of 100% agave tequila, and show them how it's done. Whether you choose a crisp Blanco or a smooth Reposado, you'll discover that the best tequila for a shot is one that you can actually taste and enjoy.