7 Affordable Tequilas Perfect For Margaritas

When answering the question, ‘What tequila should I use for a Margarita?’, the answer is not to break the bank – far from it. You just need a robust tequila with good balance and depth, and one that won’t burn your throat. Now, despite what its bar-shotting reputation might suggest, there are actually plenty of tequilas out there between £20-£30 that fulfil these criteria. Each one will take your cocktail in a slightly different direction too.

The Margarita was the most popular cocktail in the world last year and remains a favourite of so many, so if you’ve never tasted what the fuss is about, or you just want to be able to make a stunning version for guests, then these are some tequilas that will make it shine.

Oh, and once you’ve found the tequila for you, you can go here for the classic recipe, plus some variations that might tickle your fancy.

El Jimador Tequila Blanco

You can find El Jimador Tequila pretty much everywhere because it’s such a well-rounded Lowland Blanco at a good price. It’s 100% Blue Weber, distilled twice and immediately bottled for young freshness. Alongside some roasted agave, crisp, clean citrus bursts through here so it’s great for a fresh Margarita.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £21 (usually more!)

Olmeca Blanco Tequila

This is a trusty tequila that you can definitely rely on to elevate your cocktails. Hailing from Los Altos, this delivers the signature Highland style with a sweeter kick and delicate floral waft. A little green and black pepper supports, and it has that smoothness we want to integrate into the cocktail subtly. Serve for a sweeter Margarita with a little herbal nudge.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.29 (usually more!)

El Sueño Tequila Silver

Normally we look for 100% Blue Weber agave, but here we’re willing to make an exception. El Sueño is backed up by five generations of tequila producers, and here they’ve used 70% agave with 30% locally and sustainably grown piloncillo (natural cane sugar). Let the purists dismiss it we say, because it beats many 100% bottles hands down. Mellow vegetal agave intertwines with grapefruit tang for a full, flavoursome tequila that’s perfect for cocktail making. No mixto snobs here.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £24.75

Ocho Blanco Tequila

This is a single estate expression to represent the underrated importance of terroir in tequila. A joint effort by the Camarena family and Tomas Estes, it’s made in the traditional method with slow cooked agave for deep flavours, satisfying viscosity, earthy notes offsetting citrus freshness and a gorgeous crack of black pepper. It’s great for fading the in-your-face agave flavour into loftier sweet fruits and lingers for a fantastically long time. Great for a flavourful, slightly thicker Margarita.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 4%
Find here: £27.25

Tapatio Blanco Tequila

Remaining largely unchanged since the 1930s, tequila drinkers love Tapatio and their silver expression remains the benchmark for great value. It’s brimming with all that blanco character so expect hits of raw agave, cracked pepper, vivid citrus, and earthy anchoring. It’s well known for its intensity so can more than look after itself jostling in a Margarita. If you want a Margarita with oomph, go for Tapatio.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £27.70

Pueblo Viejo Blanco

Pueblo Viejo are a rock solid option for tequila, and known within the tequila world for probably being a little bit underpriced. For a relatively cheap blanco, it’s a smooth joy to sip. The cooked agave comes through, but then the palate takes off in a surprising number of directions, with a grassy note, mineral hints, lively citrus, and herbaceous flavours, all before pulling everything together for a peppery finish. We think this would be perfect for a spicy Margarita.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.95

Mundo Blanco Tequila

Slightly softer at 35%, Mundo Blanco is a sipping tequila really, with plenty of earthy depths and fresh heights to explore. However, it also works for a luxurious, slightly more complex Margarita and remains under £30 so is cracking value. As beautifully presented by La Cofradia as it is in the mouth, it’s a Highland and Lowland mix for a crisp rounded taste with herbaceous hints. Easy to love.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 35%
Find here: £28.91

If you want to explore the absolute best this misunderstood spirit has to offer, then how about The Best Sipping Tequilas?

The Best Tequila To Gift This Christmas

There’s no drink more harmed by its own reputation than tequila. Far too many people have mixed memories of shots, salt, and lime and have simply written it off as a throat burner. Wrong!

Whilst it’s always possible it’s just not to someone’s taste, it’s more likely that a little bit more exploring would go a long way. Tequila is a versatile spirit for all times of the year, and these beauties below shouldn’t be anywhere near shot glasses or salt. No burn, just pure agave nectar!

Whereas tequila may have once brought you and your friends together in the club, let it now become a coming together drink at Christmas time instead... and you can actually cherish it this time. So, whether you want to treat yourself, win over a doubting Thomas, or just impress a sombrero-wearing tequila lover this Christmas, we’ve listed our favourite tequilas of each type below!

The Best Blanco Tequila to Gift

El Espolòn Blanco

Renowned master distiller Cirilo Oropeza is behind this beautiful Blanco, crafting it in the highlands of Jalisco. This 100% blue agave beauty is bottled without aging, so just one smell gives you fresh agave front and centre, with floral notes and sweet flavours after sipping. What a bottle too! Espolòn comes from the spur of the rooster's foot, a bird of great significance in Mexican culture, so of course, there’s a Day of the Dead skeleton riding one on the label, what else?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £26.49

Próspero Blanco

Celebrities love to dip their toes into the world of tequila and mezcal, and in this case, Rita Ora has joined forces with distilling maestro Stella Anguiano to create Próspero. They have three styles: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, but the Blanco stands apart from standard, un-aged tequila with a distinctly vibrant bouquet floral aroma followed by true 100% agave character and a slight spice to finish. If you’re looking for a cocktail Tequila, then this will definitely hold its corner, but it’s more than well-rounded enough to enjoy solo. We have to shout out the gorgeously designed bottle again. The Mexicans certainly know how to entice us in that’s for sure! Perfect for Christmas gifting.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £30.49

Tapatio 110 Blanco Tequila

Tapatio Blanco is a tequila that you’ll spot in many bars, but not this special edition. 110 proof, it’s a lip-smacking 55% ABV, so if you know someone that’s a seasoned tequila drinker, they might love this punchy concentrated flavour. There’s a loveable fruitiness from nose to finish, and a pleasant hit of peppery spice on the palate. Maybe not one for a newbie, but if you’re already a convert, this is a must try.

Size: 500ml
ABV: 55%
Find here: £31

Calle 23 Blanco

Another stylish bottle with that all important 100% agave trait you should seek out, this is an extremely pure expression of quality Blanco Tequila. It’s smooth and seductive with cooked agave at the fore. There are hints of citrus and herbaceous notes, but if you’re an agave purist then trust us, you’ll adore this!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £37.99

Casa Noble Blanco

This triple-distilled super smooth Blanco uses 100% Blue Weber agave grown in the rich, volcanic soil of the mountains in western Jalisco. There’s nothing rough around the edges at all, it’s simply pure, well balanced crisp nectar, with flavours of honey, fresh citrus and the agave itself which has an appetising buttery-sweetness to it. No lime or salt anywhere near this please.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £53.44

Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila

What we’ve got here is possibly the world’s first crystal clear multi-aged tequila. It’s an innovative blend of reposado (partially aged), añejo (aged for over a year) and extra añejo (aged for over three years). Usually, you would expect some colouring but with Dobel it’s filtered out, whilst retaining the beautiful creamy flavour and complexity the aging brings. With stunning layering of maple, nuts, and honey, this is ideal for anyone looking to try something a little different. It’s seriously good.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £47.90 (usually £54.90!)

Fortaleza Blanco

The family run Fortaleza was launched in 2005, after being dismissed decades earlier as inefficient and old fashioned. They’ve since become respected for their influential history and are now bottling some of the finest tequila there is. This is often the place tequila drinkers are trying to ‘get to’, because it represents everything a pristine Blanco should be. 100% stone crushed agave with delightful bursts of olive and butter, it’s earthy, peppery with gentle citrus. Class in a glass, and a bottle worth keeping too!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £56.40

The Best Reposado Tequila to Gift

Cazcabel Reposado

Allow us to introduce you to the Gold Medal winner for Premium Reposado at the 2019 Tequila Masters. American oak aged for 9 months, you’ll find earthy flavours at first, then gorgeous cinnamon, caramel, and dried fruit surfacing. At the heart of this supporting cast though is a particularly vegetal agave, still bold and sweet even after aging. Quality beyond its price point so it’s likely one you’ll want to return to.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £25.99

El Rayo Reposado

This is a strikingly contemporary tequila bottle that will really impress as a gift from the moment it’s revealed under the wrapping. El Rayo means, ‘the lightning’, referencing the legend of how lightning struck and cooked a Blue Weber agave plant, creating the first tequila! Cracking it open reveals a full-bodied and layered tequila with golden caramel colouring that’s matured for seven months in ex-whiskey casks, creating a Reposado that’s well worth trying, especially if someone’s never taken to it tequila before.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £36.70

Patrón Reposado

When thinking of a tequila house that consistently delivers excellence across its range, we never stray too far from Patrón. Their Reposado picked up a Masters gong at the Tequila Masters in both 2020 and 2021, and with each bottle hand-filled, signed and uniquely numbered, it’s as close as you can get to a guaranteed hit as a gift. Lightly amber in colour, it’s bright with freshly squeezed citrus and smooth vanilla, all wrapped together by honey and agave. You’ll struggle to find a more suitable star for your margarita than this Reposado.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £47.45

Pancho Datos Reposado

The name Pancho Datos is homage to the great historian and poet of the Mexican Revolution, Ricardo Grijalva de León. Before reaching those ominously gorgeous bottles, Panchos Datos Reposado is at rest for six months in white oak barrels that were once used to mature bourbon whiskey. These barrels more than leave their mark with tasty vanilla and caramel notes that make it utterly delicious. The extremely rounded flavours would make for a characterful and smooth margarita, but you have to try it over just over ice first.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £41.50 (usually £49.50!)

Mijenta Tequila Reposado

Mijenta is sustainability as well as flavour royalty. They’re an artisanal, small batch producer in the Jalisco highlands that work closely with local communities to create a product that delivers not only for the drinker, but for the planet too. Even their label is made from discarded agave waste! The Reposado is aged for half a year in a blend of barrels – American white oak, French oak, and French acacia casks. As a result, it boasts of rich vanilla, nutty wood, and bold vegetal agave, with a velvety feel throughout. Great backstory, fantastic tequila, what more can you ask for?

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £63.95

Clase Azul Reposado

If we’re offering you some of the best options for gifting (or having yourself, let’s be honest) then we just can’t leave this out. We think it’s one of the most beautiful bottles we’ve seen, and we peruse a lot. Beyond the quirky bell that comes with it, each bottle is unique and 100% handcrafted by over 100 artists committed to working on 1 bottle at a time. Produced at one of the highest points in Los Altos, it’s rumoured that the extreme altitude has a unique effect on the flavour. Whether that’s true or not, it may as well be because it’s magnificent. The company’s secret yeast blend ferments the liquid before triple filtration distillation and fine oak aging completes the process. It’s picked up gold medals galore and if you’re fortunate enough to be able to really treat someone this Christmas, this is certainly the way to go! Just make sure no one throws away the bottle!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £209.95

The Best Añejo Tequila to Gift

Rooster Rojo Añejo

It’s our old friend the Mexican rooster again, this time on the front of a rich Añejo made by initially steaming the piña (the centre of the agave after harvesting) for 10 hours. Special yeast is added, before Rooster Rojo undergoes double pot distillation and maturing in ex-bourbon casks. As a result, you get mouth watering aromas of chocolate and coffee, with smoky tobacco and oak. Late come delicious, sweeter notes of caramel, vanilla and roast agave and a final wave of brown sugar on the finish. At this price, it’s absolutely irresistible.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £27.44

 1800 Añejo Tequila

There’s lots to catch your eye with this. First, the oversized cap and interesting bottle shape that is paying homage to the Mayan pyramids. Secondly, check out that striking caramel nectar colouring! Thirdly, and most importantly, the taste. There’s a pleasant and very noticeable woody spice, derived from French oak aging for over a year. The agave is less front and centre than most, so try it and see what you make of it!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find here: £43.69

Casamigos Añejo Tequila

If George Clooney’s involved, then it’s got to be worth a look. He’s the gorgeous face of Casamigos, so much so that the master distiller behind it has never actually been named! The 100% blue agave piñas are slow cooked for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens, after which begins the 80-hour fermentation process with a signature yeast blend that gives this tequila its extra refined flavour. It’s then time for American white oak casks for 14 months to smooth out further and the result... there’s a sublime taste of pure roasted agave and it’s brimming with toffee penny, dark chocolate, and sweetly spiced oak notes. Every single sip tastes like Christmas so waste no time in getting it open on the day itself. No George included but you can’t have everything!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £60.99

If you want to mix up belting Margaritas with the above beauties or find other tequila cocktails to try with them, check out our Best Selection here!

Words by Calum Ecroyd

The Top Celebrity Owned Tequilas

Tequila is, finally, becoming a more and more popular drink to enjoy on a night out. The image of salt and lime chasers is thankfully becoming a thing of the past as more people are getting wise to the fact that there are some exceptional sipping Tequilas out there to be enjoyed neat, in highballs or in fancier cocktails. It’s so popular in fact that we are also now seeing celebrities create their own tequila brands just as we have done with wine! From George Clooney (swoon - don’t judge) to The Rock, here is a list of the celebrity tequila you can get your hands on.

Sauza 901

The story goes that the celebrity behind Sauza 901, Justin Timberlake, first became interested in creating his own tequila after seeing the craftsmanship, culture and tradition that goes into cultivating fine tequila on a road trip to Jalisco, Mexico. This then saw the birth of his 901 tequila, which is now known as Sauza 901. Justin may be best known for his music but we have to say that with its piquant, fiery scent and delicious smoothness on the tongue, this is one tequila well worth a try!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: Currently out of stock :(

Próspero

Another singer to dip their toes into the world of tequila is Rita Ora, who has joined forces with master distiller Stella Anguiano to create Próspero. This tequila is available in three styles: Blanco, Reposado and Añejo. The Blanco is quite different from standard, un-aged tequila with its vibrant bouquet of dried and fresh floral aromas, which lead seamlessly through to the agave notes and and spice. This would be great tequila in a cocktail as it has enough character to shine through.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £40.95 // US $40.99
Reposado UK £45.45 // US $46.79
Añejo UK £51.99 // US $52.99

Casamigos  

Be still our beating hearts (and that goes for Aidy’s too) as we introduce the celebrity behind this next tequila: George Clooney! Partnering with his good friend Rande Gerber and their business partner Mike Meldman in 2013 to create Casamigos, Clooney’s brand has since become so popular that by the end of 2020, it hit the million case sales a year milestone! Little wonder when you taste the three versions; there’s the refreshing Blanco with its subtle hint of agave, a Reposado with notes of caramel, buttery vanilla and delicate oak spice and an Añejo, which is a gorgeous tequila brimming with toffee penny, roasted agave, dark chocolate and sweetly spiced oak notes. Every single sip tastes like Christmas!

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £50.00 // US $41.99
Reposado UK £57.49 // US $83.99
Añejo UK £62.99 // US $59.99

818 Tequila

Founded by model and ‘Keeping up with the Kardashians’ star Kendall Jenner, 818 Tequila was first launched in May this year and has since been rolled out across various states in the US (sorry UK!). So, if you are lucky enough to live stateside then you have a choice between the Blanco, Reposado and Añejo, which have racked up a combined total of 16 tasting awards between themselves already! We haven’t tasted this yet but if you have, get in touch and let us know what you thought.

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco $42.99
Reposado $52.99
Añejo $69.99

Teremana

Teremana tequila, the brainchild of film star Dwayne Johnson aka ‘The Rock’, was launched at the beginning of this year after multiple exciting social media teasers. There are Blanco and Reposado styles available, the former being described as having notes of bright citrus with a fresh finish and the latter as having notes of oak and vanilla with a smooth, rich finish. Much like 818 Tequila, this too is only available in the USA right now but hopefully, it won’t be too long before everyone else can get sipping on it too!

Size: 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here:
Blanco UK £47.99 // US $29.99
Reposado UK £47.69 // US $34.99

For more tequila deliciousness make sure you check out The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas and The 6 Tequilas You Need in Your Life Right Now!

The Best Tequilas To Buy For Christmas

Words by Aidy Smith

I do love a good tequila as Winter rolls around. This spirit is so versatile, you can sip with tonic, completely neat or in a more adventurous style with your own margarita recipe. Truth is, I’ve always looked at tequila as a ‘coming together’ drink, which is exactly what Christmas is all about! So without further anticipation - here are some of our absolute favourites to check out this Christmas!

Storywood Tequila 

Just as you thought the tequila space couldn’t get any more exciting… WHAM! Storywood enters. And when I say exciting, this is going to blow your mind. These guys have taken an oath to do exactly what their name suggests… tell a story, through the wood. That’s why their range is so innovatively curious. Okay, so what are we talking about? Reposado Tequila aged in Oloroso Sherry Casks, check. Double Oak Añejo? Yep. How about a selection of Reposados and an Añejo aged in single malt Speyside casks? Got that too. If you know people who love both tequila and scotch, they’ve got you covered. If you know people who just like discovering something new that is damn tasty – well, they’ve got you there too.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% - 53%
Find here: £39.99 - £48.99

Casa Dragones Blanco

These guys create another one of the ultimate sipping tequilas and arguably one of the ‘purest’ looking bottles I’ve seen too. I love to use these as water bottles once I’ve finished the nectar inside. Small batch, 100% blue agave which has been around for 7-9 years ripened to perfection in the rich lands of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The water is pretty neat too, beneath the earth’s surface in hundreds of 70-meter natural aquifers straight from the Volcano of Tequila! Perhaps that what gives it such a pure and distinct taste…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £90 // $69.99

Vivir Blanco

One of the best Blancos on the market right now. This 100% agave beauty is produced from 9-year-old Weber Blue Agave on their estate. One smell gives you fresh clean agave with a floral burst. Super easy drinking and premium in nature you can sip or turn into one of the best margaritas you’ll ever have. Just avoid the salt-rim, this is a tequila you WANT to taste.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £34.95

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

Don’t you love it when people do something and do it really bloody well? Enter, Pancho Datos with their Reposado. We’re talking 100% Blue Weber Agave aged in American white oak barrels that had previously held mature bourbon whisky. The result is an ultra-smooth sip-worthy tequila with a pure agave, vanilla-caramel flavour. Perfect either by itself or enjoyed in the form of cocktail creativity such a Tequila Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £50 

Casamigos Añejo

If it’s got George Clooney’s face on it, let’s not beat around the agave bush, you want that in your mouth. No, but seriously, this is an outstanding tequila. It may be widely available but their master distiller (who’s never actually been named) is working wonders. I have as much confidence in this as I do in Clooney’s acting career. Strong game. They use 100% Blue Weber agave with an age of 7-9 years, slow cooking the piñas for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens. The 80-hour fermentation process coupled alongside a signature yeast blend gives this tequila its refined flavour. The Añejo then sits in American white oak casks for 14 months to elevate its game even further. Pure agave, soft caramel, gentle vanilla and a sweetly spiced oak fill your mouth with joy. If only it came with a side of George…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £58 // $48.99

Gran Patrón Platinum Tequila

I love a good tequila, it seems to be one of the spirits I’ve really found an appreciation for over the last few years. If I was to name one house that consistently delivers quality across its whole portfolio, my mind takes me straight to Patrón. It seems there’s a little something for everyone and while I’ll happily get my hands on a Reposado for my margarita needs (quick tip, avoid the salt rim, it ruins the drink), I love nothing more than to sip on something of premium quality. That brings me to Gran Patrón Platinum, arguably the world’s first ulta-premium tequila. With each bottle taking around 30 people to create, quality is of the utmost level. Agave is individually sourced for its rich sugar content before being harvested, triple distilled and left for 30 days in oak tanks to create pure elegance. The result is a smooth and seductive nectar of agave, orange, vanilla, lime and white peppercorns. Pure bliss if you ask me and don’t even get me started on a Mexican Martini (google it, you won’t be disappointed).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £225 // $199.99

Looking for other gift ideas? Don’t forget to check out our vodka, gin and no-low gift guides!

The 7 Tequilas You Need in Your Life Right Now

Tequila is a drink for all times of the year and all drinking occasions. Gone are the days of shotting it with salt and lime (bleurgh!). Whether you like it neat to sip, with a simple mixer or as something more sophisticated like your own version of a margarita, you can’t go wrong with these wonders below. In my opinion, they are the best 7 tequilas you need in your life right now.

Casamigos Añejo

It used to be owned by George Clooney and let’s not beat around the agave bush, that’s reason enough to give it a go. Seriously though, this is an outstanding tequila. It may be widely available but their master distiller (who’s never actually been named) is working wonders. It’s a strong game. They use 100% Blue Weber agave with an age of 7-9 years, slow cooking the piñas for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens. The 80-hour fermentation process coupled alongside a signature yeast blend give this tequila its refined flavour. The Añejo (which means aged or similar to ‘vintage’), then sits in American white oak casks for 14 months to elevate its game even further. Pure agave, soft caramel, gentle vanilla and a sweet spiced oak fill your mouth with joy. Sip this one neat before attempting to mix it as it’s glorious just by itself.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £54.90 // US $62.99

Vivir Blanco

One of the best Blanco’s on the market right now. This 100% agave beauty is produced from 9-year-old Weber Blue Agave on their estate. One smell gives you fresh clean agave with a floral burst. Super easy drinking and premium in nature you can sip or turn into one of the best margaritas you’ll ever have. Just avoid the salt-rim, this is a tequila you WANT to taste.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £35.90

Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila

Don’t you love it when people do something and do it really bloody well. Enter, Pancho Datos with their Reposado. We’re talking 100% Blue Weber Agave aged in American white oak barrels which had previously held mature bourbon whisky. The result is an ultra-smooth sip-worthy tequila with a pure agave, vanilla-caramel flavour. Perfect either by itself or enjoyed in the form of cocktail creativity such a Tequila Old Fashioned.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: £49.50 

Tequila Dobel Diamante

This complex spirit is made with 100% pure blue agave, using a blend of Extra-Añejo, Añejo and Reposado tequilas. It is then filtered to remove the colour leaving you with a a mix of sweet flavours – caramel, honey and maple alongside a nutty, creamy vanilla finish. It is a beauty and will certainly leave you wanting more.

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: £54.90

Don Fulano Imperial

This particular expression is an absolute treat and a fantastic example of an aged expression. Each batch is aged between 5-12 years and finished Oloroso sherry casks giving it an incredibly smooth and rich texture. Dark rich and fruity flavours of coffee, agave spice, cinnamon and nutmeg jump from the glass. Taking a sip gives you a sticky maraschino cherry with dark chocolate, spice and vanilla. A beautifully long finish is what I love most about the Imperial, reminiscent of dark cocoa and stewed meadow fruits. Nom.

 Size: 700ml
ABV: 40% ABV
Find here: €157 // US $197.99

Casa Dragones Blanco

These guys create another one of the ultimate sipping tequilas and arguably one of the ‘purest’ looking bottles I’ve seen too. I love to use these as water bottles once I’ve finished the nectar inside. Small batch, 100% blue agave which has been around for 7-9 years ripened to perfection in the rich lands of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The water is pretty neat too, beneath the earth’s surface in hundreds of 70-meter natural aquifers straight from the Volcano of Tequila! Perhaps that what gives it such a pure and distinct taste…

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £88.95 // US $78.52

Gran Patrón Platinum Tequila

I love a good tequila, it seems to be one of the spirits I’ve really found an appreciation for over the last few years. If I was to name one house that consistently delivers quality across its whole portfolio, my mind takes me straight to Patrón. It seems there’s a little something for everyone and while I’ll happily get my hands on a Reposado for my margarita needs (quick tip, avoid the salt rim, it ruins the drink), I love nothing more than to sip on something of premium quality. That brings me to Gran Patrón Platinum, arguably the world’s first ulta-premium tequila. With each bottle taking around 30 people to create, quality is of the utmost level. Agave is individually sourced for its rich sugar content before being harvested, triple distilled and left for 30 days in oak tanks to create pure elegance. The result is a smooth and seductive nectar of agave, orange, vanilla, lime and white peppercorns. Pure bliss if you ask me and don’t even get me started on a Mexican Martini (google it, you won’t be disappointed).

Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £209.65 // US $199.99

For more tequila fun why not check out The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas or check out these 3 Delicious Tequila Cocktails

The World’s Best Sipping Tequilas

Words by Aidy Smith

There’s no debate that one of my favourite spirits on this planet is tequila. While some may have ruined it for themselves by being reckless shot-slamming teenagers, it’s become a liquid that I have come to love and appreciate like no other. But what is the trick to crafting such an incredibly good tequila? Purity. There should be no burn, there should be no overpowering ethanol, instead, you should feel like you are tasting the agave nectar itself which each and every sip. 

These beauties are not meant to sit beside a lime and salt, they are meant to be cherished and enjoyed for exactly what they are and by themselves. For that reason, Ladies and Gentlemen, today I give you the World’s Best Sipping Tequilas!

Casa Dragones Blanco

These guys create another one of the ultimate sipping tequilas and arguably one of the ‘purest’ looking bottles I’ve seen too. I love to use these as water bottles once I’ve finished the nectar inside. Small batch, 100% blue agave which has been around for 7-9 years ripened to perfection in the rich lands of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The water is pretty neat too, beneath the earth’s surface in hundreds of 70-meter natural aquifers straight from the Volcano of Tequila! Perhaps that what gives it such a pure and distinct taste…

ABV: 40%
Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
Find here: UK £88.95 // US $64.99

Patron Burdeos

Created in super limited quantities each year, Burdeos sits atop the perch of Patróns collection of tequilas. Those who read my pieces often will now that reposado is one of my favourite tequilas for making cocktails, but Burdeos is a very different beauty for very different reasons and it all starts with its name. The translation actually means ‘Bordeaux’, given how this tequila is aged for one year in American and French oaks before then being transported to ex-Bordeaux casks given it that robust nose and velvety smooth texture. Once again only 100% Weber Blue agave is used from the heart of Jalisco’s highlands. The result is a divinely rich dark amber tequila with notes of fresh roasted coffee and chocolate. What about the taste? Pure with hints of raisins and vanilla intertwined by a velvety smooth mouthfeel. This one is difficult to share. 

 Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £499.99 // US $499.99

Clase Azul Reposado

Quite possibly one of the most beautiful bottles on the planet which also happens to contain one of the most magnificent tequilas too. You may have heard about this tequila because of it’s fun little bell which goes ‘Ding Ding’, but there’s a lot more to its design than just that. Each bottle is unique and 100% handcrafted by over 100 artists and artisans who dedicate their time to create just one bottle at a time. Produced at one of the highest points in Los Altos (the highlands) in the town have Jesus Maria (Jalisco), legend has it the altitude has a unique effect on the flavour profile of the tequila. Whether that’s true or not, I’m completely in love with what’s in the bottle.

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £199.99 // US $169.99

Padré Azul

I think I need to sit down for a second. Woah, this is one of the purest tequilas I’ve ever tasted, and it still blows my mind as to how they are able to make it this way. It’s literally like drinking fresh from the agave plant. Undeniably smooth with so much rich plant-nectar flavour, it’s difficult to just keep to one sipping glass of this stuff. On the outside, it can look a little bit gimmicky with its cow-hide bottle cover and skull closure, but don’t let that put you off. The liquid inside is something of true magic and for that reason this tequila is one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Originally intended to be a product imported into Austria, word has since spread and Padré Azul is finding itself into more and more markets within Europe. Still fairly undiscovered and underrated I’d say. 

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £90.95 // US $109.99

 Casamigos Anejo

If it’s got George Clooney’s face on it, let’s not beat around the agave bush, you want that in your mouth. No but seriously, this is an outstanding tequila. It may be widely available but their master distiller (who’s never actually been named) is working wonders. I have as much confidence in this as I do in Clooney’s acting career. Strong game. They use 100% Blue Weber agave with an age of 7-9 years, slow cooking the piñas for 72 hours in their traditional brick ovens. The 80-hour fermentation process coupled alongside a signature yeast blend give this tequila its refined flavour. The Anejo then sits in American white oak casks for 14 months to elevate its game even further. Pure agave, soft caramel, gentle vanilla and a sweet spiced oak fill your mouth with joy. If only it came with a side of George…

Size: UK 700ml // US 750ml
ABV: 40%
Find here: UK £67.45 // US $59.99

Enjoyed this? Then make sure you check out The 6 Tequilas you Need in Your Life Right Now and The Best Tequila for Margaritas!