5 Types of Tequila: Which to Sip and Which to Shoot

Some types of premium tequila merit slow, savored sips, rather than quick shots. SeaRick1 / Shutterstock

All tequila is made from the blue agave plant, but not all tequila is created equal. The magic comes from how it's made, aged and bottled.

Each of the different types of tequila offers a different flavor profile, thanks to variations in the aging process, ingredients and even the barrels used.

Whether you like your agave spirit sweet, smoky or sharp, there's a tequila for every taste.

1. Extra Añejo Tequila

This is the most luxurious style of tequila, aged a minimum of three years years in oak barrels. The result? Deep notes of caramel, vanilla and aged whiskey.

Extra añejo is considered ultra-aged and ultra-premium. Think of it like the scotch or bourbon of Mexican spirits.

It's best sipped neat to appreciate the complex flavors that develop over its long aging time.

2. Añejo Tequila

Añejo tequila spends one to three years resting in wooden barrels. The aging process gives it a rich amber color and flavors similar to whiskey.

Expect strong aromas, sweet notes and a distinct oak flavor. Añejo tequila often appeals to whiskey drinkers looking for something agave-forward.

3. Reposado Tequila

"Reposado" means "rested" in Spanish. This tequila rests in different barrels for two months to a year, which softens its bite and introduces light oak and vanilla flavors.

It's a go-to for cocktails like ranch water or for sipping straight. Reposado bridges the gap between unaged tequila and the deeper, darker aged varieties—definitely a sipper.

4. Blanco Tequila

Also known as silver tequila, blanco is the purest form of tequila. It's bottled immediately after distillation or aged for less than two months.

Blanco shows off the most agave-forward style, with no interference from wooden barrels. It has a sharp taste, often with notes of citrus, pepper and herbs.

This is perfect for margaritas and other citrusy cocktails like those made with lime juice, orange juice or fresh grapefruit juice. And yes, it's acceptable to take shots of blanco tequila.

5. Cristalino Tequila

Cristalino is aged tequila that's been filtered to remove its color and some tannins. The result is a crystal-clear tequila with smooth flavor and sweet notes, minus the dark color. It’s often made from añejo or extra añejo tequila.

Cristalino offers the complexity of aged tequila with the look of blanco, making it ideal for both sipping and cocktails.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.