The best tequila for sipping (not slamming!) in 2025, expert-tested

Score: 90/100

Our top-rated tequila won our panel over with its alluring aroma, bringing spicier hints of clove, ginger, caramel and vanilla to the fore. The mouthfeel is rich and velvety, making it a standout sipper at this price point. No self-confessed tequila connoisseur should be without a bottle on their drinks trolley.

Score: 89/100

Aldi’s own-brand tequila is bursting with vibrant lime on the nose, while the mouthfeel is slightly sharper, with a unique spicy profile, mineral undertones and hints of Parma Violets. Fresh and floral, it’s an affordable choice for making margaritas.

Score: 82/100

Crafted by esteemed Master Distiller and third generation Tequilero de Primera, Carlos Camarena, Ocho Blanco is as crisp and clean as they come. With notes of fennel, anise, lemongrass, white pepper and freshly-cut grass on the palate, it’s best sipped straight up but makes a stellar margarita, too.

Score: 80/100

Casa Rayos stands out with its citrus-forward flavour and sweet floral lilt, balanced by a touch of spicy cracked black pepper and pink peppercorn. The subtle earthier notes, characteristic of the agave's region, add depth, making it the perfect choice for longer drinks like a paloma.

Score: 80/100

Our winning tequila reposado is a high-quality, golden-hued "rested" style that uses 100% blue weber agave. It has spent six months in bourbon barrels, which gives it extra complexity — think nutty, caramel, vanilla and peppercorn notes.

With a super-smooth mouthfeel and long, memorable finish, our testers thought this tequila was worthy of the price tag.

Score: 79/100

Born in the highlands of Jalisco, Espolòn’s distinctive bottle, wrapped in Day of the Dead-style artwork by José Guadalupe Posada, offers a citrus-forward pour that’s perfect for palomas.

The smooth sipper leads with bright lime and lemon peel, layered with vegetal, grassy bitterness, and finishes with herbaceous notes and a lingering green, unripe agave flavour.

Score: 78/100

Cazcabel’s reposado was popular with our experts, thanks to the combination of spice, fresh citrus notes and sweet caramel.

The peppery finish means this spirit is better suited to cocktails, rather than sipping neat — so try it in a classic margarita to enjoy the saline note.

Score: 76/100

For a fruity twist in tropical cocktails, try this top-rated, coconut-tinged tequila blanco. It smells sweeter than it tastes and has a super-smooth finish. We think those who enjoy rum will appreciate this, especially when paired with pineapple juice for instant summer refreshment all year round.

Score: 76/100

With soft cinnamon spice, sweet vanilla and pronounced woody notes, El Jimador Reposado may not be as complex as some tequila we tested, but we think it’s a solid drinks trolley staple for cocktail experimentation.

Score: 75/100

It was love at first sniff with Teremana’s añejo tequila, which our testers described as having a “premium” aroma. With notes of vanilla, coconut, and caramel leading to a spicy, woody finish, it’s smooth and easy to drink.

Perfect for sipping neat or crafting an indulgent margarita if you prefer your cocktails with a deeper, more complex flavour.

Score: 74/100

It’s highly likely you’ll be familiar with the Jose Cuervo brand, given it produces the best-selling tequila in the world. This is its silver variety, which is made in limited quantities each year.

With a subtle earthiness, sweet touch and excellent balance of spice, pepper and vanilla, we can see why it's such a crowd pleaser.

Score: 74/100

This may not be such a well-known name, but for something a little more exclusive, Olmeca is made in the top tequila-producing region of Mexico.

Expect a powerful smoky flavour and bags of complexity — with some testers likening it to cognac. It’s perfect for after-dinner sipping or would make a fresh twist on an old fashioned cocktail.

Score: 74/100

Aged for 30 days in oak, before being filtered through charcoal for a purer taste, this high-quality tequila is made from 100% agave. On the palate, our testers enjoyed notes of tobacco, delicate vanilla and a smooth, spicy finish. Designed with cocktails in mind, we’d suggest a refreshing paloma, to allow the sweetness to really sing.

Plus, a percentage of profits go towards supporting butterfly conservation across the US and Mexico. Win-win.

Score: 73/100

With its little sombrero hat, this uncomplicated tequila is instantly recognisable. It’s a great price, with notes of lime, salt and butterscotch and a warming finish. We’d suggest picking a bottle up for your next taco night.