Buy tequila online: blanco, reposado and añejo from Mexico

Mexican tequila: blue agave, denomination of origin and a unique identity

Tequila holds a Protected Denomination of Origin that restricts its production to Jalisco and parts of four other Mexican states. The only authorised raw material is blue agave (Agave tequilana Weber), a plant that takes between 7 and 12 years to reach optimal maturity. This combination of geography, plant variety and regulated production ensures a distinctive aromatic profile —citrus, wet earth, vegetal notes and oak in aged expressions— that no other spirit can replicate. Buying tequila means accessing one of the most geographically distinctive spirits in the world.

Production essentials: what to look for in a good bottle

The agave piñas are cooked in traditional brick ovens or industrial autoclaves —the method directly affects the final profile—, then fermented and distilled at least twice in copper or stainless steel stills. The most important quality indicator on the label is the mention 100% blue agave: it guarantees that no additional sugars have been used in production. Bottles without this mention, known as mixto, may contain up to 49% non-agave sugars. In aged expressions, both the type of cask and the ageing period directly influence the complexity of the final result.

How to choose: a guide by style and budget

Tequila is classified into four categories based on ageing, each with a distinct profile and drinking occasion:

• Blanco or Silver: unaged or aged for up to 60 days. Fresh, citrusy and vegetal profile. Ideal base for cocktails or for exploring agave in its purest form.
• Reposado: aged between 2 and 12 months in oak casks. A balance between agave character and wood influence. The most versatile style.
• Añejo: aged between 1 and 3 years in cask. Notes of caramel, vanilla and dried fruit. Best enjoyed neat.
• Extra Añejo: aged for more than 3 years. The most complex expression, comparable to the world’s finest aged spirits.

By budget:

• Under €20: José Cuervo is the global entry-level reference: the world’s best-selling tequila, reliable and widely recognised.
• Between €20 and €60: Herradura represents Jalisco tradition with strong value for money, particularly in reposado and añejo expressions.
• Between €60 and €150: Patrón defines the premium artisanal tequila standard, produced in copper stills at Hacienda Patrón in the Highlands of Jalisco.
• Above €150: Clase Azul is the ultra-premium benchmark, recognised for its iconic hand-painted ceramic bottle and the depth of its aged expressions.

How is tequila made?

Blue agave piñas are harvested by hand, cooked to convert their starches into fermentable sugars, crushed, fermented and distilled at least twice. The entire process, from agave cultivation to bottling, is overseen by the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), which certifies compliance with the denomination of origin for every bottle.

What alcohol strength does tequila have?

The legal alcohol content of tequila ranges between 35% and 55% ABV. Most commercial bottles are bottled between 38% and 40%. Some artisanal or cask-strength expressions may exceed 45%, which must be indicated on the label along with denomination of origin certification.

What are the 5 best tequilas?

There is no universal ranking, but five names consistently receive the highest recognition: Clase Azul in the ultra-premium segment, Patrón as a benchmark for artisanal tequila, Herradura for its Jalisco heritage, José Cuervo for its historical legacy and global reach, and Don Julio as another key reference among top-quality tequilas.

Tequila in cocktails

Tequila is the base of some of the world’s most iconic cocktails. Blanco brings fresh citrus and vegetal character, while reposado adds body and roundness. Both work well in short and long drinks alike.

• Margarita: with José Cuervo blanco — 5 cl tequila, 2 cl Cointreau, 2.5 cl freshly squeezed lime juice. · Shake with ice. · Serve in a glass with a salted rim.
• Paloma: with Herradura reposado — 5 cl tequila, 15 cl grapefruit soda, juice of half a lime, a pinch of salt. · Serve in a highball glass with ice and a slice of grapefruit.
• Tommy's Margarita: with Patrón Silver — 6 cl 100% agave tequila, 2.5 cl lime juice, 1.5 cl agave syrup. · Shake with ice and strain. No triple sec: pure agave focus.

Buy tequila online at Licorea

Since 2004, Licorea has selected tequilas with expert criteria. The range includes everything from well-known entry-level references to ultra-premium expressions such as Clase Azul, with options for every budget and occasion. All orders are prepared with reinforced anti-breakage packaging and fast delivery across Spain and Europe, with guaranteed authenticity for every bottle. The Licorea team is available to assist you in choosing the right style or price range before purchase.