Discover the best tequila in Mexico and cheers to your vacation

All tequila is made from the agave plant. Yet good tequila in Mexico originates from the blue agave plant, a specific variety that grows in abundance throughout the Jalisco region in centralwestern Mexico. In this region, producers harvest over 300 million blue agave plants every year. It’s a slow process: the plant can take from eight to 12 years to mature. However, to qualify as a top tequila in Mexico, it must be derived from 51 percent blue agave. It’s the law! But many Mexican tequila brands in the modern era go all the way and make their product from 100 percent blue agave. 

Just like only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be called Champagne. Only Tequila made from the Blue Weber agave in five Mexican states can carry the name Tequila. All Tequila is mezcal, yet mezcal can be made from many varieties of agave across nine Mexican states. Did you know? Mezcal is taken from the Aztec word Mexcalli. The word is a blend of Metl (agave) and Ixcalli (cooked). That’s right! – Mezcal means “cooked agave”.

Each drop of tequila tells a story of craftsmanship and tradition that has been passed through generations. Mexican tequila companies take great pride in their artisanal production methods. Yet, to get the agave from plant to bottle a skilled process is needed. This begins with the selection of the mature (7-10 years) blue Weber agave plants. 

Once harvested, the piñas, or hearts of the agave, are slow-cooked in traditional brick ovens or autoclaves, a step that enhances their natural sweetness. When cooked, the piñas are crushed to extract the juice, which is then fermented using natural yeasts in wooden or stainless-steel tanks. The fermentation process is what gives the tequila its unique flavors. The resulting liquid is then distilled twice until the required purity and complexity is reached. 

Before you reach for the bottle. Let’s start with the basics. The difference in tequila types boils down to age and distillation. In Mexico, Tequila is commonly drunk from a tall, thin glass called a ‘caballito’. But it is also used as the main ingredient for the classic Mexican cocktail, the Margarita. Be sure to try all three types of tequila when on vacation in Mexico.

Un-aged tequila with strong notes of agave. A favorite amongst Mexicans. 

Aged in a cask for between two and 11 months, during which time the tequila acquires a sweet flavor, with hints of vanilla and caramel. 

This tequila ages in a cask for 1-3 years at a time. Expect a woody flavor, with smooth and subtle characteristics. 

There is nothing quite like enjoying a cocktail after a long day. Especially when it can be savored with views of some of Mexico’s most scenic spots. But with so many bottles to choose from it can be hard to know the best tequila to buy in Mexico. Not sure where to start? Here are 5 Mexican-owned tequila brands that are worth ordering a glass of.

El Jimador is one of the best tequila brands in Mexico. Despite its mid-range price tag, it is actually one of the best quality tequilas on the market thanks to its 100% blue agave content. The tequila producers hand-pick agave to maintain high-quality standards at all times. Some vote this tequila as the best tequila from Jalisco and others vote El Jimador as one of the best Mexican tequila brands.

Another tequila to come from the Jalisco region is Don Julio. Founded in 1942 Don Julio Mexico makes premium tequila in white oak barrels. They also use 100% blue agave from their plantation, La Primavera located in the hills of Jalisco. As Mexican Tequila brands go, Don Julio offers a luxurious product.

We cannot write about tequila and fail to mention Tequila Herradura. It is the tequila with the most gold medals in the world. Not to mention, Casa Herradura was the first tequila producer to sell reposado tequila outside of Mexico. This is high-end Mexican tequila at its best! 

The creators behind Tequila Ocho have converted tequila production into an art form. As the name suggests they focus everything around the number 8. 8 years to grow the agave and 8 kilos of agave for one liter of tequila. Just like a fine wine, the producers add the name of the ‘rancho’ where the agave was harvested along with the year to each bottle. It is no surprise that this tequila finds itself amongst the best-selling tequilas in Mexico.

El Patrón tequila gets its delicious taste from the blue Weber agave plant. This stand-out ingredient mixed with time-honored tradition makes this a true Mexican tequila. Plus, the notable design of the bottle makes this tequila the perfect adornment for your drink cabinet. If you fancy premium tequila to drink dry or to mix in a cocktail, this is one of the top Mexican tequila brands for you. Be sure to try their coffee tequila for a real kick!

Now that you have discovered the top Mexican tequila brands, it is only right to travel to its homeland to get a real taste for the best tequila in Mexico. If you are visiting Playa del Carmen, a trip to the Royal Hideaway Playacar Hotel is a must. 

Sip a cocktail in their swanky Tequileria bar which serves a classic as well as a more eclectic selection of tequilas. And, don’t miss out on their daily masterclass on the history of the spirit, aimed at travelers eager to dive deeper into the world of tequila. Here expert bartenders will ensure you leave well versed on the top tequilas from Mexico.  If you are traveling solo in Mexico or with a group, a tequila tasting is an unmissable experience.

Did you know? In 2019, the Barceló Maya Grand Resort organized the world’s largest tequila tasting with 1449 participants. This impressive event made its way into the Guinness Book of World Records, beating the previously held entry (864 people, Toronto, Canada) by a wide margin. If you plan to stay in this resort, be sure to carve out time for a cocktail in their Tequila Lobby Bar.