Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with the 17 best tequila brands of 2024

Get out the salt and limes — it’s time for tequila.

Not only on Cinco de Mayo or on National Margarita Day, but any time there is a celebration, tequila is one of the best things to have on hand, adding some life to any party.

However, it does just so happen to be Cinco de Mayo in just a few days, and so it argues an even better case to get, well, a case of the strong stuff now. ahead of any celebrations.

Fun fact: tequila is one of the only alcoholic drinks that is known for being more of an “upper” as opposed to a depressant, leading us to believe why it may be so widely consumed at fun fiestas. Plus, the spirit is delicious by itself, on the rocks or blended into beloved beverages like margaritas, Palomas and more.

There are also different types of tequila, depending on how the drink is made, including the main three — blanco, reposado and añejo. Blanco, or silver tequila, has not been aged at all, resulting in a clear color. Reposado is the middle child, so to speak, and is typically aged between two to 12 months in an oak barrel that gives off a darker color. Finally, añejo is aged the longest, between one and four years for a richer color and depth of flavor.

No matter which you choose to cheers with, we have a tequila brand for you. Read on for a list of the classics like Patrón and more recent trendy tequilas like Kendall Jenner’s 818 and the pink colored Calirosa. Plus, they can all be delivered right to your door with ReserveBar, Wine.com and more.

Best Tequila Brands

Best Overall: Patrón

When you think tequila, chances are you picture this iconic bottle. Patrón is made with 100% Weber Blue Agave and distilled in Jalisco, Mexico — making it the real deal. It can be purchase on ReserveBar.com and comes in all three variations as well as some other special bottles like Gran Patron Platinum or a Sherry Cask Aged Añejo.

Best for Cocktails: Milagro Tequila

Start the party with a bottle of Milagro Tequila and you’ll never turn back. This brand carries all three varieties of the spirit, including some special reserve barrel blends, all available on ReserveBar. Founded in 1998, the drink is made from 100% blue agave, grown in the Jalisco highlands for the perfect taste of Mexico in each sip.

Best Ready to Drink: Cazadores Tequila

This is a great one for beautiful packaging at a great price. Cazadores Tequila is made with 100% blue agave, created 100 years ago. Cazadores means “the hunters” as the founder was on the hunt for the perfect tequila recipe. They now have it and in a variety of blends, including a Ready-to-Drink line, which we love for sipping (responsibly) at outdoor events, such as picnics or movie night in the park.

Best Refreshing: Curamia

If tequila is your cure for a boring night, this is your brand. Curamia means “my cure” in Spanish, the tequila is made with 100% blue agave from Jalisco, Mexico. The blanco version is available on Wine.com and the orange bottle will look great on any shelf in your house.

Best for Groups: Casamigos

If you’ve been on Instagram or to any bar recently, you’ve seen Casamigos. The tequila brand is co-founded by actor George Clooney, but the star of the show is the 100% blue agave, harvested by a master distiller in Jalisco, Mexico. They have an array of flavors, including a Mezcal. More importably, bottles start at under $25, making this one of our favorite tequila brands to serve to groups!

Best Value: Don Julio

Don Julio Gonzalez once said, “When you have passion, you have everything.” He means passion, plus tequila, and then you are really complete. Speaking of complete, Don Julio’s collection of expressions is vast, including the main three, plus options for a rosado pink tequila, a 70 Cristalino clear añejo, an orange reposado called “La Primavera” and more. What we like about this tequila brand is everyone knows it and has probably enjoyed it at one point or another. It’s not “blow your socks off, drink straight type good” according to one of our commerce editors, but “it gets the job done.” We would like to add that his is especially true when it’s mixed with lime and sour mix!

Best Award Winning: Espolòn Tequila

This tequila is a staff pick at Drizly, and for good reason. The smooth beverage is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave and made in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. It also has some accolades to share, such as being the named Impact ‘Hot Brand’ winner 5 years in a row and is one of the fastest growing premium brands on the market.

Best for Sipping:Tequila Casa Del Sol

Sip this tequila, from the “house of the sun,” in Spanish. The tequila brand is made for sipping, so put down the blender and limes and grab a lowball glass and maybe an ice cube or two. It is made from hand-selected 100% Blue Weber agave and then aged in French-made Cognac barrels that give it the unique and smooth taste.

Best Versatile: Ghost Tequila

Spicy margs, anyone? This tequila is perfect for that, as it is made with 100% blue agave from Jalisco, Mexico, and infused with spicy ghost pepper from India for an out-of-this-world blend. It can be ordered directly to your door at ReserveBar, for instant enjoyment.

Best Splurge:Tequila Komos

For those that love luxury, this tequila brand is for you and sure to impress. Tequila Komos is made with 100% blue agave and turned into a tequila blanco. Then the magic happens in French oak white wine barrels when the tequila is aged and then after that, it is rested in Greek amphorae for a Mediterranean flare unlike anything else.

Best Popular: Jose Cuervo

Many people enjoy Jose Cuervo. Founded in 1758, the produces premium 100% agave tequila that’s been aged like fine — tequila! From its traditional Cristalino, which is smooth and refreshing, to the robust anego, it’s lovely served neat or in cocktails.

Most Unique: Calirosa

Think pink! While many would turn to rosé for the pink stuff, if you like it a bit stronger, did you know there is a tequila that matches? Calirosa is a California-based brand with tequila made in Mexico from 100% blue agave. It is then aged in red wine barrels from California, yielding a unique taste and that rosy color we love.

Best Celebrity: 818 Tequila

If the Kardashian/Jenner’s are involved, you know we have to try it. 818 Tequila is founded by model Kendall Jenner, and has taken off all over social media and in bars everywhere. 818 stands for the California area code where the Jenners are from, but the tequila is made from family-owned farms in Jalisco with 100% blue agave. In addition to the silver variety, you can also get the aged añejo kind on ReserveBar.

Best Aged: Lobos 1707

Howl if you love tequila. Lobos is Spanish for “Wolf” which is the animal on the the Osorio coat of arms, tying the brand to the founder’s great great grandfather. Not only does Lobos 1707 have all three varieties of tequila, but they also sell a Mezcal, all available on Wine.com.

Best Gold: Tequila Herradura

If resposado is what you are after, this brand is it. They do have all four expressions of tequila available, including an extra añejo, but are really known for their resposado. This golden expression debuted in 1974 according to their site, and is one of their most popular bottles.

Best Blanco: Hiatus Tequila

Take a break and then take a sip of tequila. Hiatus Tequila is a true tequila made in Jalisco, Mexico, using the compound knowledge of a family-owned distillery and a founder who traveled the world and then lived in Mexico for seven years.

Best for Gifts: Clase Azul

Clase Azul is for those that love tequila just as much as they love the iconic blue and white bottle. Choose from different expressions as well as different sizes from 750ml and up, perfect for parties and presents, too.

What is the best grade of tequila?

The best tequila is largely dependent on personal taste preferences. However, knowing the grades it comes in can steer you toward the taste profile you’ll like best. There are four grades in all:

1. Blanco (Silver): Also known as white or unaged, blanco tequila is clear. It has the purest agave flavor but can also be described as light or fresh.
2. Reposado (Rested): This grade tequila is aged in oak barrels for 2 months to a year. During this time, it takes on flavors from the wood, which is why many reposados are described as smokey or woody in taste. This process also impacts the color, which turns amber over time. Reposados are considered smoother than blancos.
3. Añejo (Aged): Similar to reposados, Anejos are aged in barrels. However, the process is a bit longer, taking between 1 to 3 years. This creates a richer flavor, which is heavy in oak and vanilla notes.
4. Extra Añejo (Ultra Aged): Extra Añejo tequila is also aged in oak barrels for no less than 3 years. It has a smooth and rich flavor that is comparable to a fine whiskey or cognac.

For those who like a soft, velvety type drink that can be enjoyed on the rocks, it’s generally recommended to try an añejo extra añejo tequila. If you prefer something fresher, a blanco may be the safer bet. Truly, there is no wrong or right in the matter. Rather, it’s all about what your palette likes.

How do you pick the best tequila brand?

If you’re new to the world of tequila, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the choices. Here’s a quick guide to help you find the best brand for you.

1. Know the tequila grade: Familiarize yourself with the different grades of tequila (blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo) and their flavor profiles. This will make it easier to decide which category to explore further. From there, it’s about taste preferences. If you enjoy something robust and hardy, an añejo or extra añejo may be for you. If you like something light or sweeter, go for a blanco.
2. Agave percentage: Tequilas that are made with 100% agave are considered high quality in comparison to those with a lower amount. Typically, the latter also uses sugar to create a sweet effect, which influences the overall taste of the drink.
3. Reputation and brands: When it doubt, pick something from a reputable tequila brand that’s known for its distilling methods, taste and quality. Patrón, Herradura and Don Julio are just three that come to mind. However, there are smaller, niche-brands that also made quality tequilas, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Reading reviews and the specific tequilas flavor profiles should help.
4. Price point: Some tequilas are expensive, costing more than $100. However, this doesn’t always mean they’re better. Again, this is where reputation and understanding grades play a role. There are affordable tequilas on the market that are quite good, so don’t allow price to hold too much weight. Instead, check out reviews if you’re on the fence or even go into your local spirit shop to see if they give samples.

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