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Forbes
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Tequilas For Sipping, According To Bartenders And Beverage Directors
For a lot of drinkers, tequila still conjures up memories of rushed shots, salt, and a regrettable night. But here's the truth: good tequila deserves better. The best tequilas — the ones crafted carefully, without additives, and made from fully mature agave — aren't made for shooting. They're made for sipping. Like a fine Scotch or bourbon, a great tequila deserves to be savored: slow, thoughtful, and full of layered, evolving flavors. Whether you prefer a pure, clean blanco or a rich, barrel-aged añejo, sipping tequila opens up an entirely different—and far better—experience with the spirit. I spoke to bartenders, beverage directors, and agave experts about their favorite tequilas for sipping. Here's what they recommend—and why these bottles deserve your full attention. 'When choosing to sip on tequila rather than making a cocktail with it, you're making the conscious effort of wanting to taste the process of tequila distillation,' says Nicolette "Nikki" Bonkowski, Bar Lead at Whiskey Neat in Fort Lauderdale. For Bonkowski, finding a good sipping tequila means starting with quality: 'You'll want to seek out qualities that include 100% agave and additive free.' She recommends Lalo Blanco, describing it as smooth, balanced, and full of toasted agave sweetness—so much so that "you won't need or want to add anything to it." Chef Richard Sandoval, of Richard Sandoval Hospitality, shares a similar affection for blancos. 'I've always gravitated toward blancos. They're the purest expression of agave—the soul of tequila in its most honest form," he says. Among his favorites are Lalo Tequila and Tequila Deferente. Lalo, he says, 'delivers brightness and elegance with each sip," while Deferente captures the beauty of highland agave, "crisp, floral, and layered with minerality." In other words: if you're new to sipping tequila, a blanco is a pure, honest place to start. While blancos show the raw beauty of agave, reposados and añejos offer a deeper, more layered experience—without masking the spirit's soul. Reposado means "rested" in Spanish, and these tequilas are aged in oak barrels for anywhere from two months to one year. The aging process softens the fresh, vegetal notes of the agave and adds subtle layers of vanilla, caramel, spice, and sometimes light oak without overpowering the spirit's natural character. Añejo tequila, meaning "aged," is barrel-aged for one to three years, developing a deeper color and richer flavors like toffee, baking spice, roasted agave, and dark chocolate. Orestes Cruz, bar lead at Palo Santo in Atlanta, recommends Tierra de Ensueño Single Barrel Reposado (Wheated Bourbon Cask) for sipping, describing it as 'balanced sipping tequila with apple, cinnamon, oak, toffee, vanilla, and cocoa notes." He adds, "Tierra de Ensueño has a buttery mouthfeel with a warm baking spice finish. I enjoy this tequila in a glass with a large ice cube." For a slightly richer expression, Danny Garcia, Assistant General Manager at Lady Jane in Denver, turns to Wild Common Reposado. 'At 43% ABV, it is slightly higher proof than most tequilas on the market, but higher proof doesn't equate to more burn,' he explains. 'The slightly higher proof allows more nuance and flavor to be present and experienced while sipping. For me, this tequila smells of butterscotch and faint tobacco and tastes like spiced caramel.' If you're looking for something to impress even the toughest critics, Fortaleza might be the answer. Jordan Joseph, Beverage Director at Crawford Hospitality, compares Fortaleza Anejo to the "Pappy Van Winkle" of tequila: hard to find, highly prized, and worth every drop. "It offers a great balance of Fortaleza's agave spirit and barrel influence," he says, with driving flavors like 'Werther's Caramels, white peppercorn, vanilla gelato, and green cardamon.' Justin Parramore, Beverage Manager at Old Pueblo Cantina in Chicago, champions Fortaleza Reposado for its incredible texture and universal appeal. 'There's a subtle note of sweet spice that balances the savory quality of the cooked agave, and a nice almost oily texture to add some interest to the glass. I've never seen this tequila disappoint.' If you're looking for hidden treasures that sip beautifully without the heavy price tag, the pros have their favorites too. Augusto Lino, Bar Manager at Noir Bar, recommends La Gritona Reposado, noting that it's all about balance: 'They're not trying to hide the tequila behind secondary notes from oak barrels; they are simply using the six months of aging to soften the vegetable essence of their original product.' Bonus: it's a woman-owned, additive-free brand. Rio Azmee, General Manager at Bar Moga, suggests keeping Herradura Anejo Ultra chilled in the freezer for a smooth sipping experience. 'It has flavors of cooked agave, caramel, honey, and toasted almond which makes it perfect for sipping," he says. Meanwhile, Alexa Roberson, bartender and beverage manager at C&S Oyster Bar in Atlanta, applauds Inspiro Tequila, praising not only its clean flavor but the fact that it's woman-owned and additive-free—a meaningful combination for today's conscientious drinkers. Blur bottles of spirits and liquor on bar counter getty For those who like their spirits with a little story (and a lot of aging), Fuenteseca offers some of the finest sipping tequilas on the planet. John Cooper, General Manager at Vagabond DC, swears by the Fuenteseca Reserva Extra Anejo 21 Year, appreciating its complexity: 'I enjoy the varying niche notes due to the way it was aged both the barrels and in two different climates which gives it a unique flavor profile.' For something a little more approachable (but no less extraordinary), Oscar Ramirez of The Hideaway in Beverly Hills recommends the Fuenteseca Reserva 7 Year, calling it 'super smooth, full of deep flavor,' and noting, "you can taste how much care went into it. It's truly a tequila made for sipping, not shooting." Additional favorites from experts include Don Fulano Blanco, praised by Amber Bruce of The Keefer Bar for its richness and creamy texture despite a slightly higher proof. Amir Babayoff, Bar Director at Ophelia in NYC, agrees, calling Don Fulano "a standout sipping tequila with rich, full-bodied depth and no additives," layered with notes of "agave, vanilla, tropical fruit, herbs, pepper, and minerals." Tequila Ocho Reposado also earns a spot on the list for those who want a softer, lightly aged profile. As JoanRose Caguiat, Director of Beverages at The Ridley House, puts it: 'Tequila Ocho Reposado is a standout sipping tequila because it highlights the true essence of agave while layering in subtle oak aging. It's smooth, vibrant, and lightly sweet, with notes of cooked agave, tropical fruit, and soft spice.' Even spicier takes on tequila, like Tanteo Chipotle, have their moment. Ivan Vasquez, owner and bar manager at Mayahuel in Queens, calls it 'easy and smooth to sip and gives a pleasant chile heat that's not overwhelming," noting its mild smokiness adds a unique character to the glass. This Cinco de Mayo, leave the shot glasses behind. Instead, celebrate with a truly great tequila: one that showcases pure agave flavor, craftsmanship, and complexity. Whether you choose a bright blanco like Lalo or Don Fulano, a rich reposado like Tierra de Ensueño or Wild Common, or a long-aged beauty like Fuenteseca, one thing is clear: great tequila deserves more than salt and lime. It deserves your full attention. Because when you sip it slowly, you realize tequila isn't just a drink—it's an experience.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Best Tequila For A Margarita According To Bartenders (And Why The Right Bottle Matters)
Margarita cocktail with ice, lime slice and salt rim on a black slate board Cinco de Mayo is right around the corner, which means it's officially margarita season. But while it's tempting to grab any bottle off the shelf and start shaking, the truth is: not all tequilas are created equal—and the right bottle can turn a good Margarita into a great one. If you want a drink that's fresh, balanced, and worth celebrating, choosing the right tequila matters just as much as the lime juice or orange liqueur. I spoke to bartenders and beverage directors across the country to find out what tequila they're reaching for this May 5th. Friends toasting, saying cheers holding tropical blended fruit margaritas. Watermelon and ... More passionfruit drinks.; Shutterstock ID 780298633 The best margaritas typically begin with clean, additive-free tequilas that allow the natural agave flavors to shine. As Jesus Ramirez, bartender at Lagarde American Eatery, explains, "I'm a big fan of Don Fulano—especially for margaritas. It's a clean spirit with no additives, and the agave plant flavor comes through very strongly. Other tequilas sometimes have additives such as vanilla, caramel, or oak flavoring that can throw off the balance and also leave a bitter aftertaste. Having that clean tequila/agave flavor is key to a great margarita." Purity and balance matter even more if you're dialing back the sweetness, which is why many top bartenders favor blanco tequilas—or sometimes a carefully selected reposado—for their cocktails. fresh lime juice margarita served on the rocks in a dark restaurant While traditionalists might reach for a blanco, some experts find a well-made reposado adds just the right amount of depth. Nicolette "Nikki" Bonkowski, Bar Lead at Whiskey Neat in Fort Lauderdale, says, 'For a standard Margarita I find that I've been leaning more towards a Reposado because it has enough flavor and a touch of natural sweetness to it that you don't need to go heavy on all your other Margarita ingredients. A good one to use would be Tequila Ocho Reposado, 100% agave and no additives really shines a light on the quality and care you want to put into your cocktail. By adding only fresh lime juice and a touch of agave nectar, you'll have a quality Margarita that doesn't overpower the natural flavor profile of the Tequila." Choosing a tequila that balances naturally with the acidity of fresh lime is crucial, especially if you want the agave character—not sugar or additives—to be the star. Jonathan Kleeman, beverage director at Butcher Private a members club in Naples Florida, agrees that clean, smooth tequilas make all the difference: 'Ocho Blanco is such a smooth silver tequila. It's been my go-to for cocktails for a while now. That smoothness really helps, especially in more acidic cocktails. It rounds them out a bit, makes them a lot more drinkable, which, honestly, is what a Margarita should be. Fresh, delicious, and easy to drink." Margarita Glass, No People, On Colorful Table at Mexican Restaurant When it comes to other highly recommended bottles, bartenders had plenty of praise for clean, organic options. JoanRose Caguiat, Director of Beverages at The Ridley House and Medias Townehouse, singles out Tres Agaves: 'Tres Agaves makes one of the best margaritas by far. Their tequila is clean, vibrant, and made with 100% organic agave that gives it a fresh, authentic flavor without the harsh aftertaste. It's naturally a little sweet and citrusy, which pairs perfectly with lime and enhances the classic margarita taste.' Natasha Bermudez, Bar Director at Kent Hospitality Group, recommends Mijenta Blanco, praising its versatility and complex palate: 'Mijenta Blanco's herbal nose, floral and mineral palate, and light tropical fruit finish make it the go-to choice for classic margaritas.' For those who prefer a slightly bolder structure without losing that clean finish, Orestes Cruz, of Palo Santo in Atlanta, suggests Tequila Ocho Plata: "One of the best tequilas for a margarita that I enjoy is Tequila Ocho Plata. Tequila Ocho Plata provides a clean structure for the margarita with its creamy yet citrusy notes, balanced by a beautiful peppery finish.' And for those willing to spend a little more for exceptional quality, Brian White, Beverage Manager & Sommelier at Epicurean Atlanta, recommends Cazcanes: 'To present the sublime margarita, I like to use a line of tequila products from Cazcanes. All of their products are organic and 100% free of additives. The Cazcanes Blanco No. 7 makes a wonderful margarita. The blanco is a little expensive, but the cocktail is clean and fresh. We use Cazcanes Blanco No. 7 for margaritas, palomas and other tequila-based cocktails.' Still, there's no need to break the bank to get outstanding quality. As Beau du Bois, Vice President of Bar and Spirits at Puesto and Roma Norte in San Diego, puts it: "At $40 a bottle, El Tesoro Blanco is hands down the best choice. It's made by living legend, Carlos Camarena, from highland agaves that are cooked in ovens and tahona-crushed. Plus, no additives. At our Puesto locations, we make thousands of margaritas with El Tesoro blanco, you have all my confidence that it'll slap in any margarita." Two glasses of margarita cocktail with a lime on the side If you're building the perfect margarita, the recipe matters almost as much as the tequila. The classic Margarita uses tequila, fresh lime juice, and Cointreau (or another high-quality orange liqueur). The Cointreau adds a bright, sweet orange note that balances the lime's tartness and rounds out the drink. Tommy's Margarita, a modern classic developed in the 1990s, skips the orange liqueur entirely and instead sweetens the drink with agave nectar. It's cleaner, slightly less sweet, and puts the spotlight directly on the tequila. If you're using a beautifully crafted, additive-free tequila, a Tommy's Margarita may be the best way to really let the spirit shine. This is a photograph of barman serving cocktail margarita. Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel. Instructions: Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wedge. Choosing the right tequila makes all the difference between a forgettable margarita and one you'll crave all summer. Whether you go for the clean agave punch of El Tesoro Blanco, the silky smoothness of Ocho Blanco, or the layered complexity of a Reposado like Tequila Ocho, starting with a great base spirit is key.
