When life gives you lemons, cut it in half, and use it with tequila shots! One of the oldest spirits of our civilisation, Tequila has been rescuing people for a very long time. At one point in 150 BC, it was considered an important part of the diet. Yes, you read that right. Even during the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic, patients were instructed to drink tequila with lime and salt to ease their symptoms.
Today, tequila isn't considered a cure in the conventional sense, but it might still help soothe sore throats and... hearts.
Now it's time to learn everything about it. Here are the broad categories of tequilas and the best 10 tequila brands in India.
1. Blanco Tequila (Silver)
Blanco Tequila is a clear white spirit, that's bottled and packaged immediately after distillation. This is tequila in its purest form, the closest expression of the agave's natural flavours.
2. Joven Tequila (Gold)
Rarer than the other types, but exciting nonetheless, Joven tequila in its basic form is a Blanco tequila blended with other aged tequilas. This type is usually coloured with caramel, syrups, or other additives.
3. Reposado (Aged)
Also known as rested or aged tequila, Reposado is what becomes of Blanco tequila after being stored in American or French oak barrels. Reposado Tequila is the bridging point between the flavours of young Blanco tequilas and the complexity of Añejo tequilas.
4. Añejo (Extra aged)
Tequila that has been stored and left to mature in a barrel for longer than a Reposado, is an Añejo Tequila. It's aged for a period ranging between 1 to 3 years and takes on a darker form and richer taste due to its prolonged interaction with the wood.
5. Extra Añejo (Extra, extra-aged)
Tequila aged in a barrel for more than 3 years, qualifies as an Extra Añejo Tequila. It comes with a smoother taste than the other subcategories of Tequila and is usually placed at a higher price point.
Now that you're familiar with the broad categories in your options, let's jump into the list of the top 10 tequila brands in India.
1. Patrón
Patrón Tequila price in India:
Gran Patrón Burdeos Tequila - ₹42,000 (Approx.) for 750 ml
Tequila Patrón XO Cafe - ₹7,428 for 750 ml
Patrón Tequila Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Image Courtesy: Digiday
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- One of the most famous tequila brands not just in the country but across the globe
- Patrón Tequila is known for inducing brilliant memories, and a blank memory slate
- Produced in Mexico from the core of the Blue Agave plant, Patrón Tequila can be safely filed under the best tequilas for downing in the form of shots
- Patrón Silver is one of the hottest spirits you will spot in the market, while Patrón Reposado is known for its beautiful balance of flavours like caramel, honey and spice
2. El Capo
El Capo Tequila price in India:
El Capo Extra-Aged Anejo Tequila - ₹10,000 (Approx.) for 750 ml
El Capo Tequila Alcohol Content: 40 % ABV
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- The Extra Aged El Capo Tequila is on the luxury end of top-shelf tequila brands
- It is considered to be one of the most reputed tequilas in Mexico
- El Capo Silver is adored for its pronounced Blue Agave flavours, with citrusy notes and hints of peppers
- Another variant, El Capo Tequila Anejo, is a 100% Agave tequila, aged for a period of up to 9 months that lends it its intricate balance of freshness and complexity
3. Jose Cuervo
Jose Cuervo Tequila price in India:
Tequila Jose Cuervo Especial Reposado - ₹4,438 for 750 ml
Tequila Jose Cuervo Especial Silver - ₹3,578 for 750 ml
Jose Cuervo Tequila Alcohol Content: 38 to 40% ABV
Image Courtesy: RetailDetail
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- Jose Cuervo is one of the best tequila brands in the world, one that's been producing the spirit since as far back as 1795!
- It's one of the world's first tequilas, and also regularly features under the best selling tequila brands
- Tequila Cuervo Especial is a joven tequila made from a blend of aged and younger tequilas
- The Especial Silver variant in Jose Cuervo Tequila is a double-distilled spirit with a fresh and clear aroma, and a crisp, clean taste
4. Sierra
Sierra Tequila price in India:
Sierra Tequila Reposado - ₹4,207 for 700 ml
Sierra Tequila Silver - ₹3,805 for 700 ml
Sierra Tequila Alcohol Content: 38% ABV
Image Courtesy: Liquor Barons
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- One of the most loved tequila brands in India
- Sierra Tequila is known for its remarkable quality, and ability to make the perfect glass of Margarita and other classic tequila cocktails
- Sierra Tequila's Silver variant is extremely smooth and elegant, while the golden Reposado form is delicate, mild, and pleasing to all your senses
5. Sauza
Sauza Tequila price in India:
Sauza Tequila Silver - ₹4,050 for 700 ml
Sauza Tequila Gold - ₹3,800 for 700 ml
Sauza Tequila Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Image Courtesy: Twitter
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- Sauza Tequila is one of the more affordable quality tequila brands
- It is one of the most-spotted tequila bottles in India
- Every bottle of Sauza Tequila is recognised for carrying a distinct, fresh, and natural agave flavour, and all the variants are double distilled in copper pot stills
Also Read: 20 Vodka Brands Absolutely Worth A Shot
6. Pepe Lopez
Pepe Lopez Tequila Price In India:
Tequila Pepe Lopez Premium Silver - ₹3,600 for 750 ml
Pepe Lopez Tequila Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Image Courtesy: Wore Out
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- You know a Tequila is going to be as close to authentic as possible when it's produced in a town with the same name!
- Pepe Lopez is one of the most popular tequila brands in India, one that's bit value for money
- Pepe Lopez Silver Tequila is created by pairing together natural spring water and mature blue agave plants of exceptional quality, followed by a double distillation process to ensure the freshest of tastes
7. Don Angel
Don Angel Tequila price in India:
Tequila Don Angel Oro - ₹3,083 for 700 ml
Tequila Blanco Don Angel - ₹2,724 for 700 ml
Don Angel Tequila Alcohol Content: 38% ABV
Image Courtesy: Behance
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- Packed with bright, vibrant Agave characters, Don Angel Tequila is the ideal ingredient to add to most classic tequila cocktails
- The spirit by Don Angel comes with excellent complexity and balance of flavours, and a powerful, crisp taste
- The Blanco variant is a clear coloured 100% agave tequila
- While Oro is a light golden coloured liquid made by blending together Blanco tequila and 100% reposado or añejo tequila
8. Don Julio
Don Julio Tequila price in India:
Don Julio Blanco Tequila - ₹2,972 for 750 ml
Don Julio Tequila Alcohol Content: 40% ABV
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- Don Julio is the largest tequila brand in the world in terms of value, and amongst the top 8 by volume
- Often dubbed to be the world's first taste of a luxury tequila brand, made from fully matured and ripened blue agave found in the clay soils of the Los Altos region in Mexico
- The Blanco tequila by Don Julio is known for its fruity and pleasantly sweet flavours and citrusy notes
- Don Julio Tequila is incredibly smooth and offers the best quality one can get within the price range
Also Read: Here's A List Of The 30 Best-Selling Whisky Brands In India
9. La Chica
La Chica Tequila price in India:
Tequila Blanco La Chica - ₹2,407 for 700 ml
La Chica Tequila Alcohol Content: 38% ABV
Image Courtesy: Carousell
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- One of the most budget-friendly tequila brands
- La Chica Tequila is an exceptional tequila brand that reflects simplicity and elegance as a spirit
- The delightfully crisp and clear La Chica Blanco works perfectly in pitchers of Margaritas, and practically all mixed Tequila serves
- The finish of La Chica Blanco Tequila is immensely easy, warm and earthy
10. DesmondJi
DesmondJi Tequila price in India:
DesmondJi 100% Agave - ₹1,980 for 750 ml
DesmondJi Blue Curacao - ₹1,552 for 750 ml
DesmondJi Margarita - ₹1,474 for 750 ml
DesmondJi Tequila Alcohol Content: 37.14% ABV
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
Why is it the best tequila brand in India?
- DesmondJi is a stellar Indian spirits brand, that offers five pleasant agave-based spirits
- While the homegrown liquor brand can't officially call its products Tequila (since they're not produced in Mexico), DesmondJi's spirits come as close to the real thing as possible
- DesmondJi is owned by Agave India, which is touted to be the country's first micro-distillery and is located in Andhra Pradesh
Now that we've listed the best Tequila brands for you, there won't be any poor choices on your part. Just pour decisions. *wink*
FAQ's
Q. What is the smoothest tequila?
A. The smoothest tequila in India is Tequila Ocho Plata at Drizly.
Q. What are the 5 best tequilas?
A. Patrón Tequila, Extra Aged El Capo Tequila, Jose Cuervo, Sierra Tequila and Sauza Tequila are the 5 best tequilas in India.
Q. What is a good brand of tequila?
A. El Jimador is a good brand of tequila.
Q. What are the 3 types of tequila?
A. Blanco Tequila (Silver), Joven Tequila (Gold), Reposado (Aged)