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Tequila reposado vs anejo: what’s the difference? When to use each type of this agave-based liquor? Here’s everything you need to know.
What’s the difference between the types of tequila? Blanco vs reposado vs anejo are all the same liquor, but surprisingly they have very different flavors. When to buy one versus the other? Can you substitute blanco for reposado, or anejo for reposado? As cocktail experts and certified mixologists, we’ve come to appreciate so much about this agave-based liquor. Here’s what to know when you’re shopping for tequila, and a few popular cocktails that use them!
Types of tequila: blanco vs reposado vs anejo
Tequila is a Mexican distilled spirit made from a specific type of agave: the blue agave plant, or agave tequiliana. Mezcal is the category of spirit made from any variety of agave, so tequila is a type of mezcal. There are five main types of tequila, each with their own particular flavor notes.
- Tequila blanco, aka silver tequila: Tequila blanco has not been aged. The flavor is agave forward, with notes of pepper and citrus with a spicy finish.
- Tequila reposado is aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels (reposado means “rested” in Spanish). It has a smooth flavor and notes of oak, vanilla, and caramel.
- Tequila añejo is aged 1 to 4 years in oak barrels (añejo means “old” or “vintage” in Spanish). It tastes richer, with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Añejo shines when drunk straight and on the rocks, so you can taste the nuances of its character. Tequila aged over 3 years may be labeled “Extra añejo.”
- Tequila joven is a mix of unaged and aged tequila. It tastes similar to tequila blanco, with hints of vanilla and spices on the finish.
- Tequila cristalino is tequila añejo that’s filtered to remove tannins, which creates a crystal clear color. The flavor has both the complexity of aged tequila and the bright notes of a tequila blanco.
When to use tequila blanco vs reposado vs anejo
What’s the right time to use blanco instead of tequila resposado vs anejo? Which works in cocktails, and which is better sipping neat?
- Tequila blanco has a straightforward flavor that’s great in cocktails like Margaritas or highball cocktails like Ranch Water. Or, try this Patron Margarita using silver tequila.
- Tequila reposado is fantastic in cocktails; it adds a sophisticated nuance to the flavor of the drink. It makes an incredible Classic Margarita, or use it in classy spins like the Hennessy Margarita, Grand Marnier Margarita, Casamigos Margarita, or Cadillac Margarita. Reposado also adds great flavor notes to a highball drink like Tequila and Ginger Ale.
- Tequila anejo has a dark, rich flavor and is best enjoyed neat or on the rocks. Don’t waste it in cocktails!
Types of tequila brands
What to look for when buying a good bottle of tequila? Rule of thumb: look for a mid-priced tequila of any age: price does indicate quality! When you’re shopping for tequila, look for 750 ml bottles in the range of $22 to $35. Anything cheaper isn’t worth buying. Here are a few types of tequila brands that we recommend:
- Espolon Blanco: inexpensive tequila blanco
- El Tesoro Blanco: mid-priced tequila blanco
- Patrón Silver: mid-priced tequila blanco
- Casamigos: mid-range tequila blanco and reposado
- Milagro Reposado: mid-priced tequila reposado
- Suerte Reposado: mid-priced tequila reposado
What are your favorite types of tequila? Let us know in the comments below.
Popular Tequila cocktails
Got a bottle of tequila reposado or blanco and want to add it to a cocktail? Here are the top most popular tequila cocktails to use it:
Classic Margarita
This classic 1920's tequila cocktail was invented in Mexico and is one of the most popular in the world.
Type of tequila: All our Margarita recipes work with either tequila blanco or reposado. Variations that are great with reposado: Hennessy Margarita, Grand Marnier Margarita or Cadillac Margarita.
Tequila Sunrise
This vibrant cocktail features layered colors of a summer sunset. The flavor is refreshingly sweet, pairing tequila with orange juice and grenadine.
Type of tequila: Blanco
Paloma
This popular Mexican cocktail features tequila and grapefruit soda. This recipe uses fresh grapefruit juice and soda water for heightened flavor.
Type of tequila: Blanco
Tequila Sour
Mix up your tequila into a classic 1920's sour cocktail, complete with egg white foam topping! It's sweet tart and refreshing.
Type of tequila: Reposado
Tequila and Ginger Ale
The sweet, delicately bubbly ale makes a surprisingly tasty pair with the oaky and vanilla notes of tequila reposado.
Type of tequila: Reposado
Tequila and Tonic
Love tequila and a good G&T? Swap out the gin for tequila, and you’ve got a whole new drink.
Type of tequila: Reposado (recommended) or blanco
Mexican Mule
Bold and bubbly, this tequila-based spin on the Moscow Mule might be even better than its inspiration.
Type of tequila: Reposado (recommended) or blanco
Ranch Water
Ranch Water is a tequila highball made with lime juice and Topo Chico. It’s like a bubbly, lighter version of the classic margarita, with all the tangy lime but less sweetness and booze!
Type of tequila: Blanco (reposado for more interesting, sophisticated notes)
Siesta Cocktail
The Siesta is an unexpected combination of tequila, Campari and fresh citrus juice that's deliciously intriguing. Each sip is balanced and refreshing, with a sweet tart body and a hint of bitter on the finish.
Type of tequila: Blanco
El Diablo Cocktail
The El Diablo flies under the radar, but take one sip and you’ll become a new convert. Bold berries, zingy lime, and spicy ginger complement the bite of the tequila in a way that’s indescribable.
Type of tequila: Reposado
Cantaritos
The Cantarito is similar to a Paloma, but it’s got more citrus juices like orange, lemon and lime juice. Layer it in a traditional clay cup, and the effect is stunning: it’s a light and refreshing drink that tastes even better sipped out of a cold clay rim.
Type of tequila: Blanco or reposado
Margarita with Tequila Reposado
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink 1x
Description
Here’s the absolute best simple margarita recipe! Serve this drink on the rocks with the classic ingredients: lime, Cointreau and tequila reposado.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces (3 tablespoons) tequila reposado
- 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) Cointreau
- ¾ ounce (1 ½ tablespoons) fresh lime juice
- Kosher salt or flaky sea salt, for the rim
- For the garnish: Lime wedge
Instructions
- Cut a notch in a lime wedge, then run the lime around the rim of a glass. Dip the edge of the rim into a plate of salt (or for a festive look, use our Margarita Salt).
- Place all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with 4 ice cubes and shake until cold.
- Strain the margarita into the glass with the salted rim. Fill the glass with ice and serve.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Cocktails
- Diet: Vegan
You wanted to know my favorite tequila. It’s Corazon anejo. Didn’t like tequila at all until I tried this one. . . My pallet was immediately changed.
Love the article above, educational and would love a hard copy if possible to to keep handy by the house bar. I feel I’ve been introduced to a whole new way to enjoy tequila. Thanks.
So what’s the 5th??
5 different types but you only mentioned 4!
Good catch; we’ve updated the post!
Anybody who writes about tequila and doesn’t mention the inferiority of 50% agave brands is not doing anybody a favour; not to the drinkers nor to real tequila itself (made with100% agave).
I agree @Peter Kocal. Also, it’s incorrect that an Anejo Tequila is aged up to 4 years.
An Extra Anejo must be aged for 36 months (3 years) or older according to the CRT.
To help clarify, an Extra Anejo (ultra aged Tequila) is aged 3 years or more (5, 7, 10 years aged etc…).
Tequila Anejo (extra aged Tequila) is 1 year up to 35 months.
Tequila Reposado (aged Tequila) is 2-12 months.
Corralejo reposoda is our favorite Tequila. Excellent sipping and great when blended. Somewhat surprised it receives so little mention.