The Best Tequilas of 2025 Don’t Need Gimmicks
Tequila has been on a tear: the agave-based spirit from Mexico has held fast as one of the most popular spirits categories in the nation, if not worldwide. And why not? It’s associated with celebrations, can be mixed into margaritas and numerous other classic cocktails, and offers an astonishingly wide range of flavors. It hasn’t hurt that numerous celebrities have attached their names to tequila brands.
This year, our top-rated tequilas displayed an even higher level of complexity, quality, and craftsmanship than we’ve ever seen. Somewhat unsurprisingly, agave—by definition tequila’s main ingredient, but not always playing a high-quality, starring role—shone bright in all of them.
“Although this year’s Top 100 includes tequilas across a range of expressions and age ranges—blanco, reposado, añejo—all keep roasted agave front and center,” says Kara Newman, Wine Enthusiast writer at large who reviews spirits and RTD cocktails. “The barrel-aged varieties in particular take care not to smother the agave, but accent it with subtle sweetness and spice.”
A quick refresher on agave: While the plants grow all around the world, tequila is specifically made with Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, as well as certain municipalities (Guanajuato, Michocàn, Nayarit, and Tamaulias). This differentiates it from mezcal, which can be made with a broader range of agave species. While not all tequilas are made with 100% blue agave, all the best versions are. (If you’re new to tequila, check out our beginner’s guide.)
Our top tequila bottles of 2025 proved that substance will always triumph over style. “We’re still in the thick of a celebrity tequila boom, and without naming names, that’s brought a lot of meh tequila,” says Newman. “These bottlings did better—way better. And they’re not all the same: some are fresh and zesty, others showed bright tropical fruit and mellow sweetness. And I loved seeing a single-barrel añejo tequila—which you see all the time in the bourbon biz, but rarely in tequila.”
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While there is no one right way to drink tequila, and plenty are worth sipping on their own, Newman expects to see the spirit take a starring role in even more cocktails in 2026. “Cocktails are a big part of tequila’s appeal, and it’s possible the Carajillo—made with strong coffee and tequila—might finally have its year, as people look for the next iteration of the espresso martini,” she says. “Concerns about additives in tequila continue to hold focus, and tequilas that can prove they are additive-free likely will benefit in 2026.”
Most of all, Newman is hoping that tariffs “won’t tamp down the flow of tequila” or drive prices much higher.
In the meantime, we’re celebrating these bottles, which are Wine Enthusiast’s best-rated tequilas of 2025. Happy sipping.
Wine Enthusiast recommends:
El Sativo Tequila Anejo
Expect a golden-orange hue and toasted coconut scent. Savory spice leads the palate: hint of mesquite, clove, ancho pepper, vanilla and a caramelized note fade into a long, sweet, warming finish. Certified organic. Aged 16 months. 95 points — Kara Newman
$59
Total Wine
Luna De Jalisco Reposado Tequila
Look for a light gold hue and mild vanilla and smoky aromas. The zesty, spicy palate shows lots of bold, savory flavor. Dried herbs plus a hint of chipotle smokiness and warmth linger into the robust finish. 95 points — K.N.
$47
Total Wine
Alida Tequila Reposado
This golden tequila offers a mild almond aroma plus a minty waft. The palate is distinctly light and silky, with nuanced pear, honey and roasted almond flavors leading into a long and toasty finish. Best Buy. 94 points — K.N.
$34
Purdy’s Wine
Humano Tequila Añejo
This burnished gold anejo has a zesty aroma and bold palate mingling savory spice with agave sweetness. The long, complex vanilla finish mixes golden raisin, ancho pepper and cardamom, plus a faintly sooty exhale. Packaged in a hefty, deep-blue ceramic decanter. 94 points — K.N.
$69
Total Wine
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Marcado 28 Tequila Blanco 100% Puro Agave Azul
The aroma is gently floral, with a zesty hint. Meanwhile, the palate opens with agave sweetness and a hint of graphite. Lively, tingly spearmint and fresh jalapeno pepper enliven the bracing finish. Bottle art was created by Austin, TX tattoo artist Billy Baca. 94 points — K.N.
$37
Total Wine
Cayéa Tequila Anejo “The Spirit of an Angel”
$183
Liquor Express
More Top 100 Spirits Coverage
- For more than just liqueurs, check out our full Top 100 Spirits List for the best gins, bourbons, tequilas, and more.
- Ready your rocks glass and dive into the best bourbons of the year.
- Or peruse our top-rated mezcals.
- Explore the highly expressive world of these standout gins.
- Find all of the year’s top wine recommendations on our Cellar Selections, Best Buys, and Enthusiast 100 lists.
In the shop
Riedel Tequila Glass (Set of 2)
In Stock | $39
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