The 11 Best Tequila Brands to Buy in 2026, From Blanco to Extra Añejo
What is tequila?
There are some important rules that define tequila, specifically tequila labeled as 100 percent agave. It can only be made from the Blue Weber agave varietal in five Mexican states—Jalisco, where the majority is made, as well as Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. The agave hearts, or pinas, are harvested and then cooked, crushed, fermented, and distilled. Legally, up to one percent of additives are allowed to be used without being disclosed to augment color and flavor, but nowadays many tequila drinkers are specifically seeking out additive-free expressions.
How should you drink tequila?
The short answer is however you like it—there is no wrong or right way to enjoy tequila. That being said, it’s a good idea to at least taste tequila neat to really discover its character. From there, drink it however you like—over ice or in any cocktail you can think of, including classics like a Margarita, Paloma, or Tequila Negroni.
How did we choose the tequila on this list?
We considered different factors when picking these tequilas, with the emphasis being on taste. Because after all, despite a bottle’s availability or the hype surrounding it, that is the most important thing. Tasting tequila involves a combination of sensations, including the nose, palate, mouthfeel and finish. And each category has different characteristics, so part of the process is to consider how an individual pick fits into its style overall. The bottles on this list represent the best tequilas based on all of these options, providing a good overview of selections you can easily purchase in person or online that are good examples of each individual category.
Why should you trust us?
Jonah Flicker has been writing about tequila and other spirits for over a decade, visiting distilleries around the world to meet the people behind the bottles and find out more about their stories. He is a judge for the John Barleycorn Awards and New York World Wine and Spirits Competition and leads private tastings, and his work has appeared in many national other lifestyle outlets besides Robb Report, including Esquire, Food & Wine, Men’s Journal, CNN, USA Today and more.
