Tequila Reposado substitutes
The closest substitute for Tequila Reposado is Tequila, which works and barely changes the drink. Brighter, less oak. Tequila Añejo also works. In a pinch, use Mezcal.
What to use instead of Tequila Reposado
| Substitute | How much | Strength | Typical drink |
|---|---|---|---|
TequilaAlmost the same Brighter, less oak. Same amount | Same amount | 38–40% ABV | About the same |
Tequila AñejoWorks, tastes different More oak. Same amount | Same amount | 38–40% ABV | About the same |
MezcalLast resort Smoky. Same amount | Same amount | 40–55% ABV | +1 point |
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 Reposado, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Cantarito
60ml (2 oz) Tequila Reposado → 60ml (2 oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Corpse Reviver No. 4
30ml (1 oz) Tequila Reposado → 30ml (1 oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Flatliner
22.5ml (¾ oz) Tequila Reposado → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Mexican Martini
40ml (1⅓ oz) Tequila Reposado → 40ml (1⅓ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
45ml (1½ oz) Tequila Reposado → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Prairie Fire
30ml (1 oz) Tequila Reposado → 30ml (1 oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Rosita
45ml (1½ oz) Tequila Reposado → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Vampiro
60ml (2 oz) Tequila Reposado → 60ml (2 oz) Tequila
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Tequila Reposado | Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 38–40% ABV | 38–40% ABV |
| Taste | Agave, Vanilla, Caramel, Pepper, Oak | Sweet agave, Citrus, White pepper, Herbal |
| Aroma | Cooked agave, Vanilla, Light oak, Citrus | Cooked agave, Citrus, Pepper, Earthy, Vegetal |
| Finish | Warm, Agave, Light oak | Clean, Peppery warmth, Medium length |
| Property | Tequila Reposado | Tequila Añejo |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 38–40% ABV | 38–40% ABV |
| Taste | Agave, Vanilla, Caramel, Pepper, Oak | Rich oak, Vanilla, Caramel, Agave, Chocolate |
| Aroma | Cooked agave, Vanilla, Light oak, Citrus | Caramel, Vanilla, Oak, Cooked agave, Spice |
| Finish | Warm, Agave, Light oak | Long, Warm, Oak, Spice |
Already have one of these?
If you have Espolòn Reposado, Olmeca Altos Reposado or Fortaleza Reposado, you don't need a substitute: they are all Tequila Reposado. How they differ
What is Tequila Reposado?
Reposado ('rested') tequila is aged 2-12 months in oak barrels. It balances agave character with wood influence, making it versatile for sipping or cocktails.
Got Tequila Reposado? It also replaces
Questions about Tequila Reposado substitutes
What is the best substitute for Tequila Reposado?
Tequila is the closest substitute for Tequila Reposado and barely changes the drink. Brighter, less oak. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Tequila Reposado in a Cantarito?
Tequila: swap 60ml (2 oz) of Tequila Reposado for 60ml (2 oz) of Tequila.
Which Tequila Reposado brands can I use?
If you have Espolòn Reposado, Olmeca Altos Reposado or Fortaleza Reposado, you don't need a substitute: they are all Tequila Reposado. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Tequila instead of Tequila Reposado change how strong the drink is?
Barely. In the 8 drinks on this page that use Tequila Reposado, Tequila changes the strength by less than one percentage point.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Tequila Reposado?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.