26 Tequila Brands You Should Really Buy, According to Master Distillers & Bartenders

You can find everything from budget-friendly options to high-end options.

Tequila is having a moment in the world of spirits. Recent market research shows that tequila is enjoying a revival. significant growth in bars and restaurants These have been popular across the country in the last few years. It makes sense—with its sweet, smooth taste, tequila is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in margaritas and other yummy cocktails as well as sipped straight or over ice.

You want to improve your bar cart, but don’t know where to start? Below are our recommendations for the best tequilas, as well as what we think you should know. best tequila brandsThe following are selected by industry experts, master distillers, and bartenders.

Related: 10 Fun Facts About Tequila

What Is Tequila Anyway?

“Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the agave blue tequilana Weber plant that can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico,” explains David Rodriguez, master distiller for Patrón Tequila. “Making tequila requires thoughtful consideration of both legal and technical factors defining the spirit—and many choices in the production process can have a tremendous impact on the final distillate.” When it comes to flavor, Rodriguez says tequila can range from smooth and mellow, to a warmer and bolder profile.

What are the different types of tequila?

There are three types of tequila available. Here’s a rundown of each one:

Blanco

“This is tequila in its purest form without aging and is clear in color,” says Miguel Escobar Martinez, master distiller for Tequila Cazadores. “Usually in this purest form of tequila, you can taste the care given to the elaboration process of any brand.” This is the standard tequila you’ll see in cocktails due to its versatility, he adds. Sometimes you’ll see blanco tequila referred to as silver tequila.

Reposado

Reposado means “rested” in Spanish. Martinez says that this type of tequila is aged for at least two months to one years in oak barrels. This gives it a golden hue. “This tequila pulls soft notes from the barrels like caramel and vanilla, as well as sweet, tropical fruity flavors like pineapple, and works well with the herbaceous flavors of the tequila,” adds Sylvi Ray, bar manager at Twelve Portland, Maine

Añejo

“Aged from one to three years, this tequila pulls notes from whatever barrels it sits in,” says Roy. “You’ll get a lot of flavors that also are found in whiskeys, like creme brûlée, toast and rich vanilla.” Añejo tequilas are sometimes finished for several months in sherry or port wine casks to add nutty or fruity notes, adds Roy.

Within the añejo category, there are also two variations: añejo cristalino and extra añejo. “Añejo cristalino is aged at least one year in white oak barrels then is filtered to remove its color and specific components to make it mellower, while conserving the sensory qualities of an añejo tequila we want to preserve,” says Martinez.

Extra añejo, meanwhile, is aged in American oak barrels for at least three years. “These tequilas are soft, well-rounded and easy to drink,” says Roy. “I find that the extended barrel aging pulls out any astringent qualities that may have been in the originally distilled juice, making this the easiest to sip on its own.”

What is the Best Sipping Tequila to Use?

“The best type of tequila for sipping is the one in which you can taste the complexity given by the best agave source, along with a good elaboration process, providing the smoothness and sweetness you can obtain from the agave,” says Martinez. “For a more complex flavor profile, those that have been aged at least one year like an añejo or extra eñejo work perfectly.”

What is the best Tequila for Margaritas

Blanco Tequila is the best choice for margaritas. Eduardo “Lalo” GonzálezCo-founder and master distiller LALO Tequila and grandson of Don Julio González of the iconic Don Julio tequila brand. “The citrusy, floral, mineral flavor profile of a blanco tequila complements the rich citrus flavor of a margarita,” he explains. And if it’s a Tommy’s-style margarita, even better, says Justin LavenueCo-founder and owner/operator of The Roosevelt Room Austin, Texas. Martinez also said that reposado tequila is good in a margarita.

Related: 75 Best Margarita Recipes

What is the Best Tequila to Use for Shots?

Experts agree that tequila tastes best when it’s mixed with other spirits or slowly sipped to enjoy its complexity. But if you’re looking to take a celebratory shot, then blanco is a good option, says González.

What is the Number One Tequila

According to Spirits BusinessThe top-selling tequila brand in the world Jose Cuervo. This isn’t a surprise, given Jose Cuervo is an affordable, versatile tequila that you can find in just about any liquor store.

Which are the Five Top Tequilas in Mexico?

These top-selling brands range from affordable options to more expensive options. Jose Cuervo, Patrón, Don Julio, Casamigos and Hornitos are the top five tequilasPer. Spirits Business.

What features should you look for in Tequila

What should you look for when buying tequila? “Look for a tequila producer that uses 100% blue agave—some companies add other flavors that distort the flavors, and you can really taste the difference,” says Roy.

At least 51% of blue agave is required by law. Roy says that only high-quality tequila producers use 100%. However, others may use sugar or molasses in order to lower the price. “The best tequila brands use only the heart of the piña (the heart of the agave) and a slow pressing method using a tahona, which is a large stone disc used to crush the juice from the piñas after they have been roasted and/or steamed,” she says.

You’ll also want to consider what the tequila is being used for. For example, if you’re looking to make cocktails, then you should choose a blanco or reposado—but if you’re looking to sip tequila on its own, then you should select an añejo or one of its variations, says Martinez.

What are the best cocktails to make with Tequila (other than Margaritas?)?

Roy offers these delicious margaritas and three other cocktails you can create with tequila.

Paloma: This cocktail contains fresh lime juice, some agave syrup, and is topped off with Jarritos Mexican Grapefruit Soda (but you can also use fresh grapefruit juice).).
Oaxacan Old Fashioned For this cocktail, combine reposado tequila with a little bit of mezcal, a teaspoon of agave as the sweetener and mole bitters for a smoky chocolate taste.
El Diablo: Use the tequila of your choice (blanco is excellent here), creme de cassis (black currant liqueur), fresh ginger syrup, lime juice and soda water to make this drink.

Best Tequila Brands

1. Patrón Tequila, $56+

From blanco to reposado to añejo, Patrón offers every type of tequila you could desire. All of Patrón’s tequilas are handcrafted in Jalisco, Mexico at Hacienda Patrón using the finest quality ingredients (no additives here!). Rodriguez’s favorite in the collection is the classic Patrón Silver. “This was our first super premium 100% Weber blue agave tequila, and it changed America’s perceptions about tequila,” he says. “It quickly became a staple then and is a mainstay still today. Lightweight and well balanced, it’s a great option for both new and experienced tequila drinkers alike.” Roy adds that she’s a fan of Patrón’s Roca collection because the brand uses juice from the tahona rolling process, which pulls only the most flavorful liquid from the piñas they roast Fast three days. Patrón Tequila, $56+

2. Casamigos, $55+

Casamigos is a brand with an A-list history. The brand was founded by George Clooney and RandeGarber (husband of Cindy Crawford), who spent many years working with a master distiller from Jalisco, Mexico to perfect the flavor. All of the tequilas in the Casamigos line (they have a blanco, reposado and añejo) are made with 100% Weber blue agave with agave piñas that are slow-roasted in brick ovens. This is the brand to try if you want tequila that makes you feel like a star while you sip it. Casamigos, $55+

3. Tequila Cazadores, $23+

Tequila Cazadores’ original recipe was created in 1922 by an Arandas farmer. Tequila Cazadores, made 100% from blue agave, undergoes a seven step sustainable, zero-waste manufacturing process. This includes double distillation. double fermentation. and careful maturation. The brand offers a blanco, reposado, añejo, añejo cristalino and extra añejo in its lineup—and they recently released a limited edition reposado to celebrate their 100th birthday. “My favorite expression in our portfolio is, of course, our new limited edition bottle that we just released to honor the 100-year anniversary of our original reposado recipe from 1922,” says Martinez. “It’s a very special blend elaborated with agave that is grown on our property and was aged in a combination of our best hand-selected American oak and new French oak barrels. The tequila is smooth and sweet with notes of honey, vanilla, and citrus. cinnamon and more to give it a unique tasting experience that I really enjoy.” Tequila Cazadores, $23+

4. Tequila Ocho, $49+

“Tequila Ocho is my personal favorite brand,” says Lavenue. “Each year, the agave is harvested from a different farm/estate, then expertly distilled by Carlos Camarena—so each single estate bottling showcases its own distinct characteristics which truly highlights the terroir (or terruño in Spanish) of the Los Altos region of Jalisco.” Tequila Ocho, $49+

5. LALO Tequila, $50

LALO only makes one tequila—an additive-free blanco. “We choose to only make blanco to honor the agave, the people behind our product and Mexico,” says González. “The Champagne yeast we use allows the Highland agave to shine, showcasing the cooked agave flavor up front with fruity and floral notes following.” González’s family Since 1996, he has been involved in the tequila industry. generations (his grandfather was the legendary Don Julio González), so you know he knows his stuff! LALO Tequila, $50

6. Don Julio 1942, $160

Don Julio is an iconic tequila brand that should not be missed on any list. Don Julio 1942 is the premium option of the brand and comes at a high price. An award-winning tequila, it’s aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. And fun fact: It was created in tribute to the year Don Julio González started his tequila-making journey. This one is for special occasions. Don Julio 1942, $160

7. Cincoro Tequila, $90+

Back in 2019, basketball legend Michael Jordan launched Cincoro Tequila alongside a few other NBA owners—and in just three short years, the brand has sold a million and a half bottles and won more than 20 awards. Cincoro Tequila produces five tequilas: blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo and the newest addition to their collection—Cincoro Gold—which blends the best of all four of their other varieties into one ultra-premium tequila. It’s one of only a handful of 100% de Agave Gold tequilas. All of Cincoro’s tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave from private farms in Jalisco, Mexico and are produced in small batches. Cincoro Tequila, $90+

8. Espolòn Tequila, $32+

Lavenue says Espolòn Blanco is one of the best-value tequilas on the market. It is a smooth, sweet tequila that has buttery notes and vanilla. Espolòn’s collection also includes a reposado, añejo, reposado chardonnay and añejo cristalino. Brand founder Cirilo Oropeza named the brand Espolòn, which means “spur” in Spanish, to honor his commitment to the tequila craft. Plus, all of Espolòn’s tequilas are made with 100% Weber blue agave. Espolòn Tequila, $32+

9. Gran Coramino, $60+

Funnyman Kevin Hart Gran Coramino was founded by Juan Domingo Beckmann, an 11th generation tequila maker. The brand offers two options: reposado cristalino and añejo. Both tequilas are smooth, complex and crafted from hand-selected piñas that are harvested at peak maturity. Gran Coramino’s tequilas are roasted in traditional stone ovens and barrel-aged. They can be enjoyed straight, over ice, or in a cocktail. Gran Coramino, $60+

10. Clase Azul, $137+

Clase Azul won for its packaging alone. Each tequila bottle is handmade in Mexico by local artisans who create unique patterns on the ceramic surfaces. What’s inside the decanters is pretty neat too: Clase Azul offers a variety of top-notch tequilas, including reposado, añejo and gold varieties. This is one tequila brand you’ll want to display prominently on your bar cart—and savor every last drop of! Clase Azul, $137+

11. Casa Dragones, $70+

Casa Dragones, a small-batch producer of tequilas, produces some of the best tequilas available. They’re made from 100% blue agave and are meant for sipping. Choose from blanco, añejo, reposado and more. The female-owned and led brand was co-founded by CEO Bertha González Nieves, the first female maestra tequilera certified by the Mexican Academy of Tequila Tasters. All of Casa Dragones’ tequilas are made in small batches using a sustainable production method. Casa Dragones, $70+

12. Casa Noble, $45+

Casa Noble is an exception to the rule. Most tequilas have been aged in American oak. For a refined, elegant flavor, Casa Noble’s tequilas were aged in toasted French oak. What’s more, they were one of the first brands to use certified organic agave, and they’re committed to doing good for the environment. (They even make their compost!) Choose from blanco, reposado and añejo for sipping solo or creating incredible cocktails. Casa Noble, $45+

13. Jose Cuervo, $26+

There’s a reason why this is the best-selling tequila in the world. It’s affordable, accessible and goes down easy. Jose Cuervo is a veteran of the tequila industry for over 250 years. He was the first to bottle the spirit in its entirety. Jose Cuervo is said to have made the first margarita. The brand offers blanco, reposado and añejo varieties as well as pre-made margaritas, mixes and canned cocktails. Jose Cuervo, $26+

14. Tequila Fortaleza, $47+

You are looking for the best sipping tequilas? “Fortaleza Blanco, Reposado and Añejo are all fantastic sipping tequilas from the Los Valles region,” says Lavenue. “This incredible distillate features notes of olives, herbs, earth and grass. It truly is a paragon of the subregion and doesn’t get much better given its price point.” Tequila Fortaleza, $47+

15. Hornitos, $29+

Hornitos, a premium brand of tequila made with 100% blue agave is one of the five best-selling tequilas. Since 1950, the brand has been in existence. Don Francisco, the founder of Tequila, changed the face of tequila by being the first to make agave in small ovens. (ICYMI, Hornitos means “little ovens” in Spanish!) Whether you prefer blanco, reposado or añejo tequila, Hornitos has something for you in their robust lineup. Hornitos, $29+

16. Teremana Tequila, $35+

Founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Teremana Tequila crafts their tequilas in a small Mexican town up in the highest peaks of the Jalisco Highlands. After roasting their agave for three days in brick ovens, they then shred it to extract the juices and ferment them. They then distill the tequila using copper pot stills handmade by an artisan. It produces a smooth, clean tequila. We can smell what The Rock’s drinking, and it’s good! Teremana Tequila, $35+

17. El Cristiano Tequila, $48+

El Cristiano Tequila makes sustainable, additive free and ethically-sourced products. glutenOnly the highest quality aged Weber Blue agave from Jalisco Highlands is used in these tequilas. From their signature silver and reposado tequilas to their ultra-premium extra añejo, you’re sure to love these award-winning spirits for their taste and quality. El Cristiano Tequila, $48+

18. Dulce Vida, $28+

All of Dulce Vida’s tequilas are handcrafted in small batches, made with 100% blue agave and aged in American oak whiskey barrels for a refreshing flavor and smooth finish. Whether you decide to sip Dulce Vida’s blanco, reposado or añejo neat or include them in your favorite cocktails, you’ll be sure to enjoy their pure taste. Dulce Vida, $28+

19. Tears of Llorona, $285

This rare, handcrafted extra añejo is a complex sipping spirit with layers of flavor to unravel. It’s aged in a sequence of Islay Scotch, Spanish brandy and Spanish sherry oak barrels for five years before being blended by the brand’s master distiller. Because of how time-consuming it is to create (and how hands-on the distilling and aging processes are), it’s released in very small batches and comes with a large price tag—but the excellent taste makes it worth the splurge! Tears of Llorona, $285

20. Sauza, $20+

Sauza clocks in as the ninth best-selling tequila brand in the world—and for good reason. They’re one of the most affordable tequila brands and offer silver, gold and añejo varieties to suit any taste. Sauza crafts all of their tequilas using a process known as gentle extraction, which involves using the nectar of pure Weber blue agave and cooking the juices after they’ve been extracted from the piña. This ensures the freshest agave flavor—and you can tell. Sauza, $20+

21. Cenote Tequila, $41+

Cenote is a premium tequila inspired in part by the beauty of Yucatan Peninsula. The brand’s name is actually inspired by the incredible underground water systems of this region. All of Cenote’s tequilas (the line includes blanco, reposado, añejo and cristalino) are diligently crafted by the brand’s master distiller and master blender. Cenote Tequila, $41+

22. Olmeca Altos, $28+

Olmeca Altos’ tequilas are made from 100% blue agave grown in Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Their agave, slow-cooked in brick ovens, is then distilled with copper. They offer three classic options: blanco, reposado and añejo. Their reposado and añejo tequilas are aged in ex-bourbon barrels for that smooth taste you know and love. Olmeca Altos have won many awards over the years. They are well worth a spot on your bar cart. Olmeca Altos, $28+

23. Tequila Bribón, $26+

Tequila Bribón is the result of a two-year mission to produce high-quality tequila that appeals to newbies and aficionados alike. The blanco, reposado and añejo spirits were created by Palm Bay International, in partnership with Casa Don Roberto, using fully matured agaves that have been harvested by hand. They are complex and sophisticated, but still easy to consume. Tequila Bribón, $26+

24. El Jimador, $21+

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly tequila that tastes like it costs way more, then look no further than El Jimador. El Jimador is the sixth most popular brand worldwide.), El Jimador’s tequilas are made from 100% Weber blue agave with no fillers or added colors. What you get is pure flavor that’s perfect for sipping or adding to cocktails. El Jimador, $21+

25. Mijenta Tequila, $43+

This award-winning, additive free, sustainable tequila brand has been certified by B Corp. It was founded by Ana María Romero Mena, who grew up in Mexico City and started her career in tequila more than 30 years ago. From blanco to reposado to añejo, all of Mijenta’s tequilas are produced with the utmost care for exceptional flavor. Mijenta Tequila, $43+

26. Eterno Verano, $52+

Eterno Verano was inspired from the 1966 film. It means “endless sun” in Spanish. The Endless Summer. The founders of the brand wanted to recreate the feeling of wanderlust felt by surfers in the movie. The result is a collection of blanco, reposado and añejo spirits that are made from 100% blue agave and perfectly capture summer in a bottle. Eterno Verano, $52+