It’s National Tequila Day! But luckily tequila season is really all year-round. Inventive margaritas and cocktails deserve to be shaken with the tastiest and refreshing tequila around. Some tequilas are best to just sip and savor the sweet agave flavor right over ice. Try it. The sophistication will set right in. Nowadays, it seems like there is a new tequila to try every week, especially when a different celebrity is launching a bottle on repeat. Yup, we know babes…it can be hard to know if the tequila you’re buying is the one that you’ll love. We’ve broken it down for you and gathered a list of our favorite Añejos, Reposados, Blancos, and Extra Añejos. Here are some of the best tequila’s on the market right now.
Añejo
If you want top notch tequila, look for an Añejo. It translates to “vintage,” which means the tequila has been through a long aging process in oak barrels (that’s also where the darker color comes from). This is the pick if you plan on juts sipping or making a tequila Old Fashioned (yes, that’s a drink!) or a Manhattan. Our picks include Cazcanes No. 7 Añejo, Don Julio 1942, Herradura, or Adictivo. If you a dash of classy, try 1800 Cristalino. It’s a crystal clear Añejo finished in a port wine cask and is so smooth, silky and crisp, you can literally pair it with any meal.
Reposado
Reposado is for those who like a little the deeper flavor profile but can easily mix this into a cocktail. These tequilas are aged in barrels, so it’s a perfect mix between a Blanco and Añejo. Some of our favorite ways to enjoy a reposado are in the classic Cadillac Margarita, Paloma or Tequila Sour. Get shaking with recommendations like the Casa Noble Reposado, the Mandala Reposado, the Casa Dragones Reposado (our #1 pick). But if you’re drinking your “Repo” neat, then you absolutely want the best tasting. We love the taste of Nosotros Reposado. It’s an award-winning Reposado that has a smooth, butterscotch aroma and balanced with a honey-cinnamon twist. Another luxe option is the super fancy Clase Azul. Our EIC’s fave!! And you get to ring the bell on top too!
Blanco
Blano tequila’s are an all time favorite. They are often the choice for quick cool shots due to its strong, pure flavor but most importantly they’re known for being the base line for mixers. Plus, feel good knowing that Blanco’s are one of the healthiest alcohols because of its low calories. Some of our go to drinks are a Tequila Sunrise, Spicy Cucumber Margarita, or a refreshing Watermelon Margarita. Check out the Blanco’s we love to add to our cart. First up, there is Teremana’s Blanco. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson can bring anyone and any cocktail together with this tequila (btw, it’s a staff fave). We’re also loving Espolòn’s Blanco Tequila, which is celebrating its 25 Year Anniversary this year with a specially designed bottle by Mexican Artist, Saner. Everyone knows (& loves! Casamigos Blanco. It’s a class act from George Clooney and Rande Gerber, and Rande’s wife Cindy Crawford has joined the gang with her jalapeño infused blanco called Casamigas. It has the right level of heat and just for National Tequila Day (July 24th), you can get a limited edition cocktail kit with all the necessities to make your own Casamigas spicy jalapeño margaritas or spicy ranch water for the besties. We’re also digging e 123 Certified Organic Tequila, Los Sundays Coconut Tequila (it’s delicious and refreshing), and the Grand Mayan Silver Tequila. One blanco that has really caught our eye is Astral Tequila. It is a 2x distilled in traditional copper pot stills, producing a tequila that is authentically flavorful and smooth with bursts of citrus and green agave and a hint of vanilla. We also love the bottle too!
Extra Añejo
Extra Añejo is the crown jewel of tequilas, so the price tag can be a bit higher. Its complexity is definitely made for sipping, just like any fine Scotch. This one has to be aged at least three years, so you’re getting some rich flavors meant to be savored (it makes a great gift for the tequila lovers in your life too). Our preferred way to enjoy this one is in a pretty glass around those you love. We love El Tesoro Extra Añejo Tequila, Komos Extra Añejo, and the Dulce Vida Extra Añejo.
BONUS!
We just discovered Cantera Negra Tequila and it quickly became a new fave. Its an award-winning, ultra-premium, additive-free tequila hand-crafted in small batch quantities from 40 years of family tradition in Mexico. We were able to taste it’s 5 delicious flavors and and got to spend some time chatting with Master Blender Dan Becherano at its launch party in LA. Basically, Dan’s father – Don Alberto Becherano – began making tequila as a hobby and since then has been perfecting his proprietary method for making what we believe to be among the best tasting tequilas EVER! The secret is where the agave is grown. Unlike traditional methods, Cantera Negra grows their small batch Blue Weber agave plants in rich volcanic soil, a darker “black” soil, which gives Cantera Negra its signature flavor. BTW – the Extra Añejo – is a bourbon lover’s dream. We may be making our Old Fashioned with this one from here on out. Plus, they have a coffee infused tequila that’s perfect for making our fav Espresso Martinis.
Photo Credit: Elizabeth Kaminski / @vibelizabeth_
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