Whilst many of us will have been introduced to tequila through cheap shots in sticky bars, there is a world of complex, delicious tequilas out there to enjoy (not endure). Much like the world of wine, each tequila comes with its own individual notes, flavours and aromas. The houses that produce each kind are as unique and distinct as the houses that produce Champagne, sauvignons and burgundies. But where to begin? To help you on your way, we've compiled a list of our favourite tequilas, whether you're looking for the perfect margarita spirit, or a sipping tequila.
How is tequila made?
The journey from farm to bottle begins with the agave plant. At its core of this plant is the piña – which translates as ‘pineapple’, named because of its similarity to the fruit – which is plucked from the plant and roasted in an industrial oven. It is then cut down, shredded, fermented and distilled in copper pots. Depending on the individual house's process, infusions may be added at this point. It is then either aged, to create a reposado or añejo, or bottled, to create a blanco.
When you're choosing which tequila to buy, remember to look for 100% blue agave tequila, as this denotes that the product is pure. Products that don't say this will often have sugar, caramel and other flavourings – bad for both taste and hangovers.
What are the different types of tequila?
As touched on above, the difference in type of tequila is based on the ageing process.
Often called ‘silver’, blanco is essentially ‘unaged’ tequila. Bottled at the point of distillation, blanco is the ‘cleanest’ tequila. Recognisable by it's clear colour and citrusy quality, we recommend a blanco for most cocktail making (palomas, tequila sunrises and margaritas come to mind).
Reposad, meaning rested, tequilas differ from blancos in that they're aged in oak barrels before being bottled. Typically reposado tequilas are ‘rested’ for anywhere between two months and a year. They are characterised by a light golden hue and deep flavours.
Añejo, which means ‘aged’ in Spanish, tequilas are aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year. Compared to blancos and reposados they are much darker in hue. Thanks to the ageing process, añejo tequilas are often sweeter than other types and better for sipping.
What's the best type of tequila for making cocktails?
Let's be honest, chances are you're making a margarita. Whilst you can technically use any tequila to make a margarita, we recommend a blanco. It's a lighter, crisper flavour than a reposado or añejo, which makes it easier to balance. Our top picks are below.
Best tequila to buy, at a glance:
Don't have time to read our full guide to the best tequilas? We've compiled at a glance information below.
- Best tequila overall: Espolon Blanco Super Premium Tequila, £39
- Best budget tequila: Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, £25.50
- Best tequila to gift: Clase Azul Reposado Tequila, £175
- Best tequila for cocktails: Arette Blanco Tequila, £31.74
- Best celebrity owned tequila: Casamigos Blanco Tequila, £50
Best tequila to buy and gift 2024
El Rayo
Founded in Peckham of all places, El Rayo is a balanced and clean reposado tequila. The founders, Jack and Tom took the name from the Mexican folklore story of El Rayo, a great bolt of lightning, striking the blue agave hills near Tequila. A local campesino saw the blaze in the distance, following it until he discovered the cooked agave. It was then that he came up with the idea for the drink. Every batch of El Rayo is tested by one of only 250 Maestro Tequileros in the world, Oscar Garcia, to ensure the cleanest and freshest flavour possible. Crafted with hand-harvested blue agave plants, the reposado is rested in ex-whisky casks for seven months.
- Smooth
- Nutty
- Notes of cinnamon and bitter orange
Cazcabel
Crafted in an independent micro distillery in the town of Arandas, Mexico, Cazcabel has an earthy agave flavour that makes it a perfect sipping tequila. Rested in American oak barrels for between nine and eleven months, the Cazcabel batches are taste tested every week, to ensure a deep, yet subtle flavour.
- Earthy
- Oak
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
Famous for their iconic handmade ceramic decanters, Clase Azul Reposado is just as lovely inside as it is out. Clase Azul Tequila Reposado is made with slow-cooked 100% blue weber agave, then aged in American whisky casks for up to eight months, which gives it a sweet, vanilla flavour. The finish is smooth, with a unique hazelnut after taste.
- Vanilla
- Hazelnut
Olmeca Altos Tequila Plata
Tequila Arette
Espolòn
Don Julio 1942
Patrón Blanco
Other tequilas to consider:
Tequilas to look out for globally
Many great, small batch tequilas aren't available in the UK. However, if you ever find yourself in Mexico or North America, look out for:
- Yeyo Tequila - Third generation tequila production
- Siete Legues - Made by an historic tequila producing family
- La Gritona - Created by an all female team
