The 19 Best Tequilas We’re Drinking Right Now

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Sure, tequila shots are fun at parties (and maybe gives you some liquid courage before stepping onto that karaoke stage), but artists rapping about “shots of Patrón” and celebrities scooping up distilleries down south have really given tequila an undeservedly bad (and, ahem, cheap) rep.

These days, some of the best tequilas in the world are actually more comparable to a fine bourbon or robust glass of wine than jello shots and beer pong. For example, Patrón — one of most well-known tequila brands in the world — actually offers a diverse portfolio of authentic tequilas that you won’t find in nightclubs or seedy bars. Despite the brand’s hard-partying reputation (blame it on lyrical shout-outs from everyone from Lil Jon to Bruno Mars), the company is actually making some incredibly interesting, flavorful and expensive tequila these days, with bottles of its Patrón En Lalique going for up to $8,200 online.

Not flaunting rapper-sized bank accounts? There are a handful of smooth, premium-tasting tequilas that our RS have taste tested and actually recommend, from new releases to old standbys — you just need to know what to look for.

What Are the Best Tequilas for 2025?

Whether you want to sip on something smooth and neat, or just want to upgrade your homemade margarita game, here are our favorite tequilas of 2025 from the best tequila brands you can buy online. Get them delivered to your door just in time for your next happy hour or dinner party.

At 45% ABV, Tequila Herradura isn’t chasing trends here — their Blanco 46 just has a timeless quality to it. Distilled at the historic Casa Herradura in Jalisco, this unaged tequila is a bold reminder that in this day and age, added alcohol doesn’t mean losing depth of flavor. It opens with a clean, mineral edge and a burst of citrus, followed by warm waves of roasted agave, white pepper, and just a whisper of vanilla.

The mouthfeel is almost creamy for a blanco, gliding into a dry, peppery finish that lingers confidently. It’s the kind of spirit that elevates a margarita but deserves to be sipped neat (under low light, preferably with good company). While Herradura Blanco isn’t flashy, its grounded and artisanal backbone make it a benchmark for what a great blanco should be. It’s an unpretentious, unmistakable, and unforgettable sip.

Teremana Reposado walks the tightrope between celebrity hype and genuine craftsmanship, landing solidly on the side of substance. Aged in American whiskey barrels, this small-batch tequila (co-founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) brings surprising nuance to the table. On the nose we found caramelized agave, oak, and a touch of citrus.

The palate? Buttery smooth with notes of vanilla, roasted pineapple, and a mellow spice that builds gently. It’s approachable without being basic, polished without losing its earthy roots. There’s almost a humility to it — a sense that it was made to be more than just admired based on sheer star power alone. In 2025, when many celebrity spirits feel engineered, Teremana Reposado still tastes hand-built. Bartenders love mixing it into bold Palomas, and we think it over-delivers as a sub $50 tequila on the rocks.

A rare female distiller in the world of tequila (aka maestra tequilera), Ana Maria Romero is a shining star for the future of small-batch tequila, especially thanks to her latest craft Mijenta Cristalino. Though it’s technically a reposado, this unofficially tequila category has been taking off lately in the U.S. Cristalino refers to an aged tequila that’s been filtered to remove the color picked up after maturing in barrels to create a clear, clean look, while still keeping those matured flavors.

Mijenta went the extra mile though, with their Cristalino being made in symphony barrels, using American oak from four different states — Minnesota, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Virginia — and it paid off. With each type of oak providing something different to the profile, notes of agave, vanilla, citrus, and a hint of spice all hit your tongue as silky and elegant as a moonbeam hitting your eye.

Trust us when we say this isn’t an extra añejo that pretends not to take on any character from the barrel. At this category, three years of aging is the minimum, but aged over five years in French oak, Don Fulano Imperial doesn’t whisper luxury; it’s a full showcase of oak. The nose is deep and orchestral, and it sings with notes of fig, dark chocolate, and even leather. The Limousin oak and oloroso sherry casks are the stars here, letting the palate unfold with plush vanilla, spiced plum, espresso, and an earthy backbone that reminds you that this is not a spirit trying to be like anything else. In a sea of overly-polished extra añejos, Don Fulano Imperial feels like the rarest thing: a spirit with soul, decadent and complex.

LALO Blanco High Proof is tequila stripped to its essence, but this unapologetically agave-forward move makes it all the more bold and brilliant for it. Clocking in at a robust 55% ABV, this elevated version of their flagship blanco (which, in the years since its release, has won over agave aficionados and casual drinkers alike) isn’t for the faint of heart — but that’s exactly the point. While this may sound blunt, it’s the kind of spirit that reminds you tequila is a plant first, and a process second.

This high-octane, limited-edition expression bursts open with zesty citrus, with fresh-cut agave and a crackle of white pepper that shines while sipping neat. The mouthfeel is electric (lush yet razor-sharp) with hints of grapefruit pith and a touch of salinity that speaks to the land. We think this is a standout pour for agave purists and bold-palate seekers alike.

Pantalones Añejo may wear its irreverence on its sleeve, but beneath all the playful branding lies a surprisingly serious spirit. Co-founded by Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves, this tequila ages gracefully (or, rather, “relaxes”) for 15 months in American oak, trading gimmicks for depth. Yes, it’s a spirit technically named “pants”, but believe us when we say the depth of flavor is worth the kitsch.

The nose opens with warm notes of baked agave and cinnamon-dusted oak. On the palate, it’s rich but measured — layers of toffee, vanilla bean, and subtle dried fruit give way to a peppery finish that keeps things grounded. Pantalones isn’t trying to be the most serious bottle on the shelf, but sip it neat, and you’ll see: it takes the tequila inside seriously enough. Alright, alright, alright.

Some extra añejos wear their oak like a velvet cloak, but Tequila Ocho wears theirs like a well-worn leather jacket: seasoned and still full of character. Master Distiller Carlos Camarena collaborated with the late Tomas Estes to create this single-estate tequila, with each expression originating from a different field and released as its own vintage. They knocked it out of the park when they released their first extra añejo in two years, a terroir-driven tequila aged three years in ex-American oak barrels.

Roasted agave still takes center stage here, supported by threads of dried cherry, espresso, caramel, and a touch of earth. There’s a dry elegance to it (nothing too syrupy, or too overpowering). Tequila Ocho doubled down on their identity here to craft a bottle that’s not just aged, but aged intentionally.

A masterclass in terroir and technique, this blanco distilled by Felipe Camarena at El Pandillo in Jesús María is highland tequila at its most expressive. ArteNOM Selección 1579 Blanco is a bit of an agave snob’s darling, but we can completely see why it’s garnered that reputation — it’s just a brilliant snapshot of place and process, focusing on production techniques, the quality and elevation of specific sites, and more.

The nose is vibrant (fresh herbs, lime zest, and wet stone) like standing in a field after rain. On the palate, we found it to be bright yet structured, with bursts of raw agave and a mineral edge that adds serious complexity. This is a tequila for thinkers and tasters (and tasters who love to think), the kind you sip slowly to decode layer by layer. If you want to understand what blanco tequila can be, start here.

When añejo tequila is done right, it’s at once rich and flavorful, smooth yet complex. That’s what you get from El Tequileño’s Gran Reserva, a skillful and impressive blend of two-year-old Añejo aged in American and new French oak barrels, and some of the Reserva Extra Añejo aged for six years (añejos are usually aged for one year max) in American Oak. With notes of toasted almonds, pepper, and cinnamon, an undertone of toasted oak recalls this tequila’s aged roots. Like all of El Tequileño’s offerings, this one is best enjoyed neat or in a specialized tequila glass, and sipped slow for a deep, long finish.

This tequila is produced in the lowlands of the Jalisco region, so it won’t exhibit the same sweetness or fruit-forward flavors as some of the other picks on our list. Instead, you’ll pick up a slightly drying, more astringent palate of black pepper, dried herbs, olives and citrus. Needless to say, Fortaleza’s Blanco Tequila is one of the more complex tequilas on our list — making it one that aficionados will undoubtedly appreciate. A nice touch: the hand-blown glass bottle, which is topped with a hand-painted agave piña and vintage-inspired label.

Perfectly smooth and delicate, Código 1530’s Rosa Tequila makes for perfect after-work sipping, or used in a hand-crafted cocktail. Produced using the tequila-making traditions of the Los Bajos region and its tequilieras, the tequila is meticulously aged in French White Oak red wine (Cabernet) barrels from Napa Valley. That gives the Rosa a subtle pink hue, though it’s not sweet or gimmicky, just quietly complex.

The nose is a delicate floral, with hints of red berries and agave. On the palate, it’s clean and silky, balancing fresh citrus with a whisper of wine-kissed fruit. Country singer George Strait is an investor in the brand, and even wrote a song inspired by the tequila (aptly named “Codigo”) off his 2019 album, “Honkey Tonk Time Machine.”

While the label “organic” can too often be a buzzword for other spirits, 4 Copas Añejo is a tequila that wears its integrity with pride. One of the first certified organic tequilas on the market, their high farming standards deliver a deep, rounded flavor that never overshadows the agave (but does outshine its competitors). Aged over a year in American white oak, it’s a smooth and layered sip, with sumptuous notes of stone fruit, baking spice, and an earthy sweetness. The finish is long, clean, and just peppery enough to keep you coming back. If you want substance over spectacle, this is an essential bottle for the top shelf.

Volans Tequila is a family affair: founded by Jalisco-based Chad and Cristina Allen with Chad’s mother and Cristina’s father, an agronomist in Mexico who helped source the location to grow their agaves and secure a sustainable, multi-generational family distillery, El Pandillo, to produce their tequila. Their Blanco is a supreme example of additive-free, small batch tequila using ancient methods like a handmade tahona wheel to crush the agave plants. The agave shines as you sip (though it’s not quite as savory as your average highland expression) — here the liquid is backed by florals, citrus and even a whiff of mint. Come to think of it, this bottle might just make tequila martinis the next big thing.

If you want to discover is a bold cask experiment that actually works, then order a bottle of El Tesoro’s limited-edition line. They may be owned by Beam Suntory (the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky), but this tequila still lets the local agave shine. Aged for almost six months in toasted oak barrels once used for Basil Hayden’s bourbon, this results in a blanco that feels like it’s lived a little longer than it should.

There’s a lot of barrel gimmicks we have to wade through during the year, but this one feels intentional. If you try this tequila neat, you’ll notice a dance of sweet oak, pepper, and butterscotch on the palate, without ever drowning the agave’s clarity. It’s still got that smoky undercurrent and bourbon barrel sweetness, but it’s an unexpected triumph that bridges two worlds with poise.

An excellent economical option, if you’re hosting a party or large gathering, you’ll want to stock up on bottles of Tequila Zarpado Blanco. Made from 100% pure Weber Blue Agave double-distilled and produced in small batches, this tequila is clean and crisp, and perfect for making margaritas and other mixed drinks.

Punching far above its weight, you’ll find dazzling peppery spice and zesty grapefruit aromas on the nose here. Its flavor profile dances around between notes of cloves, citrus, and rich agave. You don’t get the same distinct flavor profile as some of the other bottles on our list, but for a refreshing, straightforward Blanco, this one is a no-brainer to pick up.

If Tequila Zarpado is what you serve at your party, Don Julio Ultima Reserva Extra Añejo is what you break out for the select few invited to stick around after the crowd leaves. This may be one of the priciest options on our list, but this top-shelf tequila is worth the premium tag. At over $399, this is a spirit with a sleek-looking bottle and flavor profile worthy of its price point.

While other extra añejos toe the legal minimum aging line, this expression is bottled at exactly 36 months, or three years. That lends it surprisingly expressive notes of toasted apricot and dried fig. It’s overall smooth yet pleasantly acidic, with toasted nuts, hints of orange peel, and a warm, lingering finish on the tongue. Think of this as the cognac of tequila — best for sipping neat, or with an ice cube, while soaking in its rarity and refinement.

One of the most-awarded bottles on our list, Dano’s Añejo Tequila is adamant that its for “sipping only” — and we couldn’t agree more. Aged 18 months in virgin French white oak barrels, this tequila is also steeped in history, made at a family-owned distillery that dates back to 1840. Experience matters here, because even a small sip reveals bold aromas of roasted agave with woody notes, before the tequila opens up with hints of caramel, coconut and oak.

Founded in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in 2018, Dano’s Tequila has won Best in Class Añejo at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, and the Gold Medal in the 2019 Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) Tasting Competition, as well as the Double Gold and Gold in the 2018 SIP Awards. That’s not to brag, it’s just goes to show how smart casking can create a luxuriously rich taste for a slightly-less-than-top-shelf-price.

Widely considered by aficionados and critics alike to be one of the best master tequileros alive, Germán Gonzalez’s Tears of Llorona Extra Añejo Tequila mashes up classic tequila-making techniques and aging know-how for a bottle of tequila that tastes as unique as it looks. This rare, small-batch expression begins with late season agaves from near the volcanoes of Jalisco, which have a higher sugar content. They’re then aged in sherry, Scotch, and Cognac casks, maturing for a whopping five years — two years longer than is required for the extra añejo style. 

This triple-barreling and ultra-long process might seem superfluous, but it pays off by creating a rich, complex palate and velvety texture that drinks more like a cognac. The Extra Añejo is full of black cherry, vanilla, honeysuckle and apple notes, leading to toffee and crème brûlée, while the vegetal agave takes a prominent role. It’s a bottle that’ll convert any whiskey lover to the world of tequila with one sip.

With 11 generations of tequila-makers to their name, Maestro Dobel is no stranger to the spirits market, with an entire portfolio of smooth, easy-drinking tequilas available everywhere from country clubs to the finest restaurants in the world.

We love the Maestro Dobel 50, a smooth and complex Extra Añejo Cristalino that’s aged in American and Eastern European oak barrels, then twice-distilled in copper pot sills. A final proprietary filtration process gives the cristalino the sparkling crystal-clear appearance from which it gets its name. On the nose, the Maestro Dobel 50 releases notes of fig and dried fruit, with hints of cinnamon and honey. The taste is equally flavorful, with added notes of pumpkin spice and clove on the palate before it gives way to a subtle herbaceous and vanilla finish.

To celebrate the release, Dobel collaborated with the Mexico City-based design firm Onora on a custom hand-painted bottle stopper inspired by the traditional Mexican folk art craft known as “Amate.” Only 200 bottles were produced of the Maestro Dobel 50 Onora. For everyone else, the “regular” (but still beautifully bottled) Maestro Dobel 50 Cristalino Extra Añejo is available online.

Tequila Buying Guide

Want to start sipping like a true tequila connoisseur? Here’s everything you need to know about what to look for when you’re buying tequila.

Region of Origin

All tequila comes from the Tequila region of Mexico, and in order for a spirit to call itself “tequila,” it must be distilled from agave plants grown in that region.

Another thing to look for aside: a four-digit number that represents each distillery’s unique code. The Norma Oficial Mexicana number (or “NOM”) is assigned by the Mexican government and certifies that the bottle you’re holding is authentic tequila produced in Mexico. It also tells you which tequila producer it comes from. Tequila Patrón, for example, has a NOM of 1492.

If your bottle doesn’t have a NOM, that means it’s not certified by the TRC (Tequila Regulatory Council), and not an authentic Tequila producer.

Types of Tequila

Just like whiskey, there are different types of tequila, that run the spectrum in terms of flavor, color and potency.

Silver (or “Blanco”) tequila is probably the most well-known, and it typically appears perfectly clear in the bottle. This is tequila that’s only aged for a few weeks, so it doesn’t have time to develop the color and characteristics that come from a longer aging process. Silver tequila is great to drink on its own, but it’s great for mixed drinks as well. It will typically taste sweeter and more refreshing, with a smooth, silky finish.

Reposado tequila is also aged but the aging process can be anywhere from two months to 11 months. It has a smooth, even finish. It’s less harsh on the tongue and won’t give you as strong as a hangover… provided that you’re sipping responsibly of course.

Añejo tequila can often be recognized by its rich, caramel color, and it must be aged for at least one year (though most are aged three years) to bear the “Añejo” name. This tequila is complex and full-bodied, and is recommended for sipping, though it works great for tequila-oriented takes on classic drinks like a Moscow Mule or Negroni as well.

Extra Añejo tequila also known as “ultra-aged” tequila, is aged for a minimum of three years in oak barrels. This lengthy aging process gives it a richer, more complex flavor, as well as an even darker color compared to other types of tequila like Añejo. It’s considered a premium expression, often enjoyed neat or in sophisticated cocktails

Cristalino tequila is an aged tequila (or a blend of aged tequilas) that’s been run through a filtration process. This filtration — usually done with charcoal — removes the añejo’s characteristic amber color and mellows the rich, woody notes that añejos pick up during their time in the barrel. The finished result is a clear liquid (hence the name) that’s typically smoother and lighter in flavor than the original añejo.

Don’t be fooled by the “gold” label on gold tequila. These are often referred to as a “Mixto,” where colors and flavors are added prior to bottling. These young tequilas are less expensive and typically used in bars and restaurants for making mixed drinks.

100% Agave

Tequila comes from the agave plant, but not all tequilas are made with 100% agave sugar. In fact, many brands add artificial sugars or sweeteners to their tequila, which may taste good at first, but will leave you with a nasty hangover the next day. Look for bottles labeled “100%,” which denotes that it was made with 100% natural sugars from the agave plant.

You’ve also probably seen flavored tequila, which is tequila infused with things like coconut, lime, strawberry or jalapeno. While they may be fun for a party or to use in mixed drinks, we recommend skipping these bottles the rest of the time and just drinking tequila straight up. Why mess with a good thing?

Aging Process

Just like a fine wine, tequila also goes through an aging process. And just like wine, tequila can be aged in a number of different containers, from oak barrels to steel drums. Each aging process will bring out different flavors in your tequila, and result in unique flavor profiles that often call to mind whiskey or scotch. The aging process will also change the color of a tequila. While we may be used to drinking clear tequila, many expensive tequilas are more caramel in color, due to being aged in wooden barrels. Our suggestion: pick up a few different bottles with different aging processes to see which one you like best. This works as a great party idea too.

How We Chose the Best Tequila Brands

Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. And while there are a number of tequila brands that have launched in recent months, this list runs the gamut from tried-and-true brands, to new expressions from old favorites, and limited-edition releases that you’ll be smart to pick up if you see them available online. We’ve also included tequilas from a variety of prices points from under $50 to over $200, so there’s something for everyone. Several of these picks even come from our previous 2024 Spirit Awards, where the tequila category (amongst others) was vetted and taste-approved by spirits review expert, Virginia Miller.