Stocking your home bar often feels like an epic battle of good versus evil. On the "good" side, you want to avoid blowing your budget on bottles of top-shelf booze. But the (not so) "evil" side refuses to let you compromise on quality.
Well, you're in luck. INSIDER surveyed a highly qualified troupe of bartenders and beverage industry pros to find out which bottles of liquor priced under $30 are ready to square off against the booze world's heavy hitters. Note: prices may vary depending on the retailer. Here are some of their affordable faves.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka has a smooth taste.
When many people think of high-end vodka, they imagine bottles imported from the chilly climates of Northern Europe. In truth, however, you can find fantastic versions of this clear liquor made right here in the USA. Texas' capital city of Austin boasts a number of top-rated vodka distilleries, including nationally-popular hometown hero Tito's Handmade Vodka ($19.99).
Beverage director Jessica Norris of Del Frisco's Grille loves Tito's for its cocktail-perfect smoothness.
"Due to its smooth taste and punchy flavor, this reasonably priced, gluten-free liquor can also be mixed with a variety of bitters, juices, and infusions while still retaining its aromatic simplicity and taste," Norris told INSIDER.
Deep Eddy Vodka has an impressive selection of flavored vodkas.
Tito's isn't the only Austin vodka that delivers amazing quality for a low price. Deep Eddy Vodka ($16.99) earns high marks from bartenders for its cocktail readiness, and it's particularly celebrated for its impressive flavored vodkas, all made in small batches and infused with natural fruit juices.
Laurie Harvey, the beverage director for Cherry Pie Hospitality in Houston, Texas, chooses Deep Eddy's flavored versions as a base for fresh and seasonal cocktails.
"[Deep Eddy] makes excellent flavored vodkas in small batches using all-natural, farm fresh juices including Ruby Red Grapefruit, Lemon, and Orange. These make great bases for fancier cocktails, especially because the natural flavors pair more smoothly with other ingredients than some of the more expensive brands which use artificial flavoring," Harvey explained.
Tequila Cazadores Blanco tastes well-made.
Cheap tequila doesn't have the best reputation, reminding too many of us of college shot bars and overly sweet frozen margs at chain restaurants. We have good news for you, though: Well-made tequilas made of 100% agave can indeed be found for $30 or less.
One prime example? Tequila Cazadores Blanco ($24.99), a white tequila that's a particular favorite of David Kaplan, owner of famed NYC cocktail den Death & Co. Kaplan considers Tequila Cazadores Blanco a great all-purpose option for your liquor cabinet.
"If I'm stocking up my home bar for versatile, mixable spirits, I'll grab Tequila Cazadores Blanco over something that's a bit more expensive because it's got a great depth of flavor at a price point that's amazing for a 100% agave [spirit]," Kaplan said. "It's the perfect tequila for a margarita and is also really fun [in a beer-and-shot pairing]."
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