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Tequila substitutes

The closest substitute for Tequila is Tequila Reposado, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Rounder, a little oak. Mezcal and Tequila Añejo also work.

Swap it in 30 drinksLow and zero proofQuestions

What to use instead of Tequila

Substitute

Tequila ReposadoWorks, tastes different

Rounder, a little oak.

Same amount

MezcalWorks, tastes different

Adds smoke.

Same amount

Tequila AñejoWorks, tastes different

Older and oakier; best in stirred drinks.

Same amount

Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink. Typical drink: the usual change in ABV, in percentage points, across the drinks below.

Swap it in your drink

Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Tequila, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.

  • Agavoni

    22.5ml (¾ oz) Tequila → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • AMF (Adios Motherf*cker)

    15ml (½ oz) Tequila → 15ml (½ oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • Batanga

    60ml (2 oz) Tequila → 60ml (2 oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • Bloody Maria

    45ml (1½ oz) Tequila → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • Death Flip

    30ml (1 oz) Tequila → 30ml (1 oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • Devil's Margarita

    45ml (1½ oz) Tequila → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • El Diablo

    45ml (1½ oz) Tequila → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

  • Frozen Margarita

    50ml (1⅔ oz) Tequila → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Tequila Reposado

    Same strength

How they compare

Tequila vs Tequila Reposado
PropertyTequilaTequila Reposado
Strength38–40% ABV38–40% ABV
TasteSweet agave, Citrus, White pepper, HerbalAgave, Vanilla, Caramel, Pepper, Oak
AromaCooked agave, Citrus, Pepper, Earthy, VegetalCooked agave, Vanilla, Light oak, Citrus
FinishClean, Peppery warmth, Medium lengthWarm, Agave, Light oak
Tequila vs Mezcal
PropertyTequilaMezcal
Strength38–40% ABV40–55% ABV
TasteSweet agave, Citrus, White pepper, HerbalSmoky, Sweet agave, Mineral, Pepper, Complex
AromaCooked agave, Citrus, Pepper, Earthy, VegetalSmoke, Roasted agave, Earth, Citrus, Herbs
FinishClean, Peppery warmth, Medium lengthLong, Smoky, Warming, Clean

Low and zero proof

An alcohol-free bottle can’t simply replace Tequila: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. These versions are worked out for you.

Already have one of these?

If you have Olmeca Altos Plata, Espolòn Blanco, Patrón Silver or Casamigos Blanco, you don't need a substitute: they are all Tequila. How they differ

What is Tequila?

Tequila is a distinctive agave spirit from Mexico, made exclusively from blue Weber agave. It ranges from unaged blanco to complex aged expressions.

All 30 drinks with Tequila

Got Tequila? It also replaces

Questions about Tequila substitutes

What is the best substitute for Tequila?

Tequila Reposado is the closest substitute for Tequila, though the drink will taste a little different. Rounder, a little oak. Use the same amount.

What can I use instead of Tequila in a Long Island Iced Tea?

Tequila Reposado: swap 15ml (½ oz) of Tequila for 15ml (½ oz) of Tequila Reposado.

Is there an alcohol-free substitute for Tequila?

Not one for one: without the alcohol the drink needs rebalancing. Instead, there are zero-proof versions of the Margarita, Paloma, Ranch Water and Tequila Sunrise made with non-alcoholic bottles.

Which Tequila brands can I use?

If you have Olmeca Altos Plata, Espolòn Blanco, Patrón Silver or Casamigos Blanco, you don't need a substitute: they are all Tequila. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.

Does Tequila Reposado instead of Tequila change how strong the drink is?

Barely. In the 30 drinks on this page that use Tequila, Tequila Reposado changes the strength by less than one percentage point.

More spirit substitutes

Out of Tequila?

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