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Are you team tequila? If so, you’ve come to the right place to discover the best sipping tequila-it fits in every liquor bottle display. While a classic margarita is perfectly enjoyable-especially on National Cocktail Day, it’s not the only way to drink different types of tequila.
Tequila is one of the more underrated types of alcohol known for sipping. However, with a standard pour in a cocktail glass, it’s easy to sit back, sip, and relax.
Selecting the Best Sipping Tequila
Tequila is a common liquor in popular cocktail recipes. It is also common in many of the drinks every bartender should know. But if you have a “less is more” mentality, buying cocktail ingredients to make popular cocktails isn’t likely your forte.
To keep things simple, we’ve crafted a list of the four best tequila brands for sipping. Check them out below!
Best Sipping Tequila: Añejo
Ready to set sail and sip away with a tequila añejo? This type of tequila ages between one and three years in oak barrels. This process gives it a darker hue and creates a smoother and sweeter taste. Some might say a tequila añejo goes down too easily, which makes it a top contender for sipping.
The best tequila añejo for sipping is:
Don Julio Añejo
Carefully crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Don Julio Añejo has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 40%. This tequila creates a harmonious blend of toasted oak, baked yam, and caramel. All its round and subtly sweet flavors pair nicely with its undertones of peppery spice and ginger.
Don Julio Añejo sips nicely with some salty snacks on the side. Try making some delicious Mexican food appetizers like easy homemade salsa.
Best Sipping Tequila: Extra Añejo
If you want something a little extra, try a tequila extra añejo. This type of tequila ages for at least three years to embody a smoother and sweeter blend.
The best tequila extra añejo is:
Gran Patrón Burdeos
Got expensive taste? This top-shelf tequila might just be for you. Made in Jalisco and with an ABV of 40%, the price of this bottle is a match for the perfect sip.
Gran Patrón Burdeos ages in American and French Oak casks to develop a deep honey color. Blending notes of dates, cocoa powder, vanilla, and caramel, this tequila tastes and feels like sweet velvet. Once you start sipping, it’s hard to top. Serve neat or over ice in a cocktail glass and sip away.
Tequila añejos are a great substitute for cocktails that call for your favorite whiskey brands. So don’t be afraid to mix it up with your drink-mixing skills in the kitchen.
Best Sipping Tequila: Blanco
Tequila blancos are one of the best tequilas for margaritas. But they make for quite a delicious sip, too. Most tequila blancos age in barrels for less than two weeks, making them pure and agave-forward in flavor.
The best tequila blanco for sipping is:
Don Fulano Blanco
Don Fulano Blanco doesn’t fool around when it comes to being one of the best sipping tequilas. Produced in Jalisco and with an ABV of 40%, this tequila delivers refreshing and sharp flavors.
It creates a striking balance between cooked agave, lemongrass, lemon peel, and pepper to offer a unique and bright tasting experience. One sip does the trick.
Best Sipping Tequila: Reposado
It’s time to reel it in by revealing the best tequila reposado for sipping. Tequilas reposado consist of light golden coloring and subtly sweet flavors.
They’re one of the best tequilas for a tequila sunrise because they enhance the fruitiness. However, they’re also smooth and tasty on their own.
The best tequila reposado for sipping is:
Siete Leguas Reposado
Siete Leguas Reposado is carefully produced using a roller mill and a tahona in Jalisco, Mexico. These grinding methods add earthy undertones to complement its tasting notes of vanilla and baking spices. This tequila and all its flavors will keep you warm and wanting more.
The Siete Leguas Reposado also pairs well with a variety of foods. Take inventory of what you have in the kitchen and make some light bites from this appetizer list to satisfy all your cravings.
How to Choose a Sipping Tequila
Now that you know which tequila brands to look for in the liquor aisle, it’s time to select one. If you’re looking for something with a bite and hints of citrus, you can’t go wrong with the tequila blanco mentioned above. Casamigos Blanco is another great alternative, especially for sipping beginners.
Fun fact: George Clooney is one of the co-founders of Casamigos!
If you’re craving a smooth blend of sweet and spicy, a tequila añejo is a solid choice. If you can’t decide, why not try a few? A tequila tasting is a fun and helpful way to land on the liquor that pairs best with your palette. Tequila tastings are also one of several Cinco de Mayo restaurant specials.
These are some of the best tequilas for sipping. You can also use them in any of your favorite summer cocktails, fall cocktails, winter cocktails, or spring cocktails. Cocktails like margaritas or tequila sours use similar ingredients. This makes trying different recipes more exciting and doable. If you're hosting a tequila-themed party, you can make a variety of drinks to impress your guests. You can even make your own garnishes (learn how to make maraschino cherries). In other words, your options are endless.
The Best Affordable Sipping Tequila
A cheaper price does not always imply a cheaper taste. When you’re ready to settle on a sipping tequila but hope to booze on a budget, we’ve got you covered.
There are plenty of affordable tequila brands for sipping. To help you pick just one, try the Camarena Reposado. The Camarena Reposado ages for 60 days to offer a soft and tender blend of toasted agave, vanilla, and caramel.
What makes this tequila even better? It won’t bust your budget. You can find a bottle of Camarena Reposado for under $30.
How to Sip Your Tequila
Before sitting down to enjoy a simple sip of tequila, consider how you can make the most out of your sips. Unlike margaritas or other tequila cocktails, you won’t want to sip raw tequila through a straw. Whether you’re drinking it neat or over ice, follow the steps below to make the most out of your tequila:
- Gently swirl your glass to coat it. Take a small sniff to let the aromas settle in.
- Take a small sip. Let the liquor rest on your tongue for a few seconds before swallowing. This will help you detect the initial tastes and flavors.
- Keep sipping your tequila slowly to uncover the other tasting notes.
Feeling fancy yet? You don’t have to be a bartender or follow common bartender duties to drink tequila like a professional. All you need is a glass and an appetite for tequila.
Frequently Asked Questions About Best Sipping Tequila
Can You Sip Tequila Straight?
Many tequila experts will say that drinking tequila straight is the best way to drink it. However, you can drink it chilled or over ice. If you want to blend in other flavors, consider making a mixed drink like a margarita.
What Is the Smoothest Tequila Available?
Tequila Ocho Añejo is well-known for its smooth flavors. This tequila ages in old American barrels for one year to craft a delicious blend of vanilla and caramel undertones.
Is Tequila a Good Sipping Drink?
Tequila is reputable for consuming as a shot or in a mixed drink. However, it can be quite tasty on its own, similar to other liquors like whiskey.