We tested entirely too much tequila to identify the ideal bottles for sipping, shots and cocktails, including a few surprises

There are thousands — yes, thousands — of tequila brands, and for good reason. Sales of agave spirits make up the third-largest spirits category in the United States, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis. And even with a glut of brands and general ennui in the drinks world, the category is still showing signs of growth (particularly reposado tequilas). Basically, everyone likes tequila. 

So if you’re going out this year for Cinco de Mayo (or ordering in), tequila will be on the menu. Below, we’ve highlighted 50 great bottles that are worth your time and money, all of which we’ve sampled and tested over the years to identify the best emerging labels and bottles on the market, along with some standbys that never get old. We started this list in 2021; this year, we added a few newcomers and changed a a couple picks if a brand we liked came out with something new (and better).

For the most part, we tried to narrow our selections to tequilas you have a chance of trying, either via a good local bar, liquor store or online shop (we recommend ReserveBar for quick orders and Frootbat or SipTequila for the harder-to-find stuff). Undoubtedly, we skipped something you liked. If you want more selections, check out our other fine lists (best tequila for Margaritas, best tequila under $30, best luxury tequilas, etc.). 

As for our criteria? We weren’t necessarily agnostic — celebrity tequilas needed to truly stand out to get on the list, for example — and we tried to mix in everyday brands with under-the-radar picks, along with several women-run or -owned tequilas and some independent distilleries. We even spotlit a brand that makes tequila outside of Jalisco, the primary but not only state in Mexico that’s allowed to make the spirit. We tried to pick something in every tequila category (yes, even Cristalino).

Alto Canto

Alto Canto (“high song”) is crafted at 9,000 feet above sea level in the Sierra del Tigre mountains in the Jalisco highlands, the highest altitude of any tequila made in Mexico. Even in its brand infancy, it’s already the third-highest-rated tequila distillery on Tequila Matchmaker. The distillery, Tequila El Rocio, is also one of the few producers that only makes one brand of tequila. Additive-free, 100% organic and 100% Mexican-made, the high-proof blanco balances its earthy, herbal notes with a brightness (and a little extra ABV kick). Read our full review here.

Read more: https://www.insidehook.com/spirits/best-bottles-tequila-cinco-de-mayo