These tequilas are for savoring, not shooting.
Whether you're mixing up a fresh batch of homemade margaritas or sipping this versatile agave spirit on the rocks, there's a tequila brand perfect for any budget, palate, or party need. An oft-misunderstood spirits category, the flavor spectrum and nuances of tequila are actually quite diverse. From fresh, clean, un-aged silver tequila to smoky, rich añejo varieties, tequila runs the gamut when it comes to taste, color, and aroma, and some special bottles will surprise you with their depth and complexity.
Since nothing beats an ice-cold margarita, here are the best tequila brands for sipping.
One of the most versatile and well-made tequilas at a beyond-reasonable price point, Espolòn Silver is the best tequila to have on-hand for springtime cocktail party shenanigans. The striking Mexican-inspired iconography adorning the bottle's label also makes this tequila stand out on any home bar shelf.
Great in a margarita but also tasty enough to sip on the rocks with a splash of soda, Espolòn easily gets our vote for best overall.
If you love bourbon, you'll pick up some very similar tasting notes in this reposado tequila from Tres Agaves. Aged for 9 months in former bourbon and Tennessee whiskey barrels, this medium-bodied tequila has notes of caramel, oak, and a touch of citrus.
This tequila is delicious sipped solo on the rocks with an orange twist, although it also works wonders in cocktails.
Zingy, bright, and fresh, El Jimador Tequila Blanco was awarded a 94 by Wine Enthusiast for its crisp, verdant flavor. At a super reasonable price point, we recommend using this for your house margarita on balmy weekend evenings this spring.
This tequila also tastes killer in a tart and classic Paloma cocktail (here's a recipe we love).
You might be mesmerized by this gorgeously geometric bottle, but we think you'll also dig the earthy, grassy-green, and slightly peppery taste of this silver tequila from VIVA XXXII.
We love brands that give back, so we also wanted to point out that VIVA XXXII donates 10% of their net proceeds to animal abuse prevention. Doesn't drinking for a good cause taste good?
Sweet and crisp, with hints of grapefruit, pineapple, and just a little bit of black pepper, this award-winning un-aged silver tequila from Avión is incredibly refreshing. We love sipping this smooth and spicy tequila on the rocks with a splash of fresh lime juice on a warm spring night.
The agave hearts harvested for Santera are the result of sustainable farming practices in the northern highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Whether you serve Santera Blanco over a few rocks or in a fresh cocktail, this is a well-balanced and super easy-to-drink tequila.
The unique bottle is incredibly beautiful to look at, too.
This unaged, crystal-clear tequila from Sauza is super smooth, with just a subtle hint of citrus, floral notes, and white pepper. No stinging aftertaste here. This tequila tastes amazing with fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice.
This small-batch, ultra premium tequila line is the brainchild of a collaboration between George Clooney, Rande Gerber, and Mike Meldman. The blanco is our personal favorite for a tequila that's crisp, clean, and just slightly citrusy — perfect for warm weather.
With its nuanced silky layers of black pepper, vanilla, and oak, Partida Añejo is not a tequila you'll want to toss back in a shot glass with a lime wedge. Instead, pour this perfectly aged, amber-hued nectar over a few rocks and enjoy it as a nightcap.
Made with 75% unaged tequila and 25% reposado tequila, this flavorful tequila is handmade in the Joven style for a balanced and versatile blend, ideal for use in mixed drinks.
Produced in the volcanic and mineral-rich Valles region of Jalisco, Mexico, Siembra Blanco is an artisanal valley tequila unlike any other. With notes of zesty lime and jasmine, it would be a shame to sip this special spirit any other way besides straight-up or on the rocks.