To celebrate National Tequila Day today (24 July), SB‘s editorial team has rounded up their favourite expressions and products from the category to give you some inspiration on what to drink tonight.

Sometimes the universe throws you a gift, and giving us National Tequila Day on a Monday so we can justify hitting one of our favourite good-time spirits at the beginning of the week truly the best we could have asked for.

Keep scrolling to find out which Tequilas The Spirits Business’ editorial team will be enjoying tonight.

Ocho Reposado Tequila

While I prefer to sip my Tequila rather than slam it, sometimes an occasion calls for shots (and I’ve found that protesting tends to get you nowhere). If I’m going to knock back my Tequila at speed, I want to make sure those few seconds its spends on my tongue are enjoyable, so the reposado expression from Tequila Ocho is my go to.

This lively Tequila is smooth, with a sweet, subtle nuttiness that reminds me of almond croissants and cinnamon buns. Rather than a burn, it offers a gentle warmth that washes over the palate, so if shots are on the cards with this bottle, it’s best to order two: one for partaking in the ceremony, and one to savour after.

Georgie Collins, digital editor

Patrón

In a word association game, the word Tequila would make me think ‘Patrón’. The brand has long championed the classic Tequila-based cocktail as its staple serve, and why shouldn’t it? Patrón regularly places the spotlight on Margaritas, be it in the form of bar takeovers or pop-up museums.

The flavour is incredibly smooth, resulting in a uniquely balanced Margarita. Just don’t forget to add equally high-quality triple sec and lime juice.

Alice Brooker, senior staff writer

Olmeca Altos Plata

A recent trip to Mexico with Altos Tequila led to a newfound appreciation for the brand as I delved into its history and production, and sampled its versatility in cocktails.

Made with 100% Blue Weber agave, the Altos range includes its blanco (plata), resposado and añejo offerings. The blanco was created specifically for cocktails, with its citrus-sweet and herbaceous notes.

It’s a Tequila created by bartenders (Dre Masso and the late Henry Besant) for bartenders, and works perfectly in all manners of cocktails, from a spicy Margarita to a simple serve with soda, or in a Paloma.

With its affordable price point (around US$25), I’ll be sipping Altos this summer in my favourite Tequila serve – the Tommy’s Margarita – with a touch of cayenne pepper to bring some extra heat.

Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor

1800 Añejo Tequila

I have long-loved Tequila and am delighted to see the spirit garnering the respect and enjoyment it deserves after decades of being billed as the ‘bad guy’ of spirits. Earlier this year, I was fortunate enough to go on my dream trip to Tequila town itself, courtesy of Proximo Spirits, owner of 1800 Tequila.

The brand’s portfolio boasts a delicious array of bottlings, but the 1800 Añejo (38% ABV) is one of my favourites. The aroma is slightly resinous, offering some woody notes from the Tequila’s time in barrels. For those who aren’t fully enamoured with the punchier, spritely spicy notes of blanco Tequilas, this is the perfect option with its rich toffee flavour, more mellow agave notes, and gentle, warm spice on the palate. Sip neat or mix in your favourite Tequila cocktail, this expression can do it all.

Melita Kiely, editor

Mirror Margarita

While I enjoy sipping Tequila neat, I think it truly comes alive when mixed in a cocktail, and let’s face it – you can’t talk about Tequila without talking about Margaritas.

There are so many incredible ready-to-drink Margaritas on the market these days (I love Moth’s canned Margarita), but the real stand-out for me is the Mirror Margarita by the pros at dedicated London-based ‘agaveria’ Hacha. Lucky for me, this serve now comes in a bottled format, so I can keep one in my fridge really to pour when Happy Hour strikes (which is whatever time I deem that to be).

Made with malic acid instead of the usual lime and sugar, alongside grapefruit essences and a premium blanco Tequila (the brand’s latest innovation uses El Rayo Plata with blood orange, lemon and lime for a rounded and bright citrus flavour profile – delicious) this groundbreaking cocktail is entirely clear in its appearance. Is this a glass of water at my desk or a Margarita? You’ll never know.

Georgie Collins, digital editor

Clean T

Having sampled many non-alcoholic ‘spirits’ in recent years, there remains very few Tequila substitutes on the market.

But CleanCo’s Clean T is an interesting alternative for a blanco-style Tequila, with a nice pepperiness to it, alongside hints of oak, fresh agave and jalapeño.

I’ve swapped full-strength Tequila with Clean T to make a Paloma and a Margarita and it holds up well, providing a refreshing booze-free serve for when I want a drink without the alcohol.

Nicola Carruthers, deputy editor

Mijenta

A favourite Tequila of mine – not just for its impeccable taste, but its sustainable practices – is Mijenta Tequila. The brand was the first Tequila to become B Corp-certified, and having spoken to both its UK brand ambassador Tasha Iny and CEO Mike Dolan, it’s clear this Tequila is destined for success.

The liquid also contains zero additives, and its range currently comprises three expressions: blanco, reposado and añejo – but I’m keeping an eye out for any upcoming launches.

I’ve tried Mijenta straight, in a Paloma, and in a Margarita, and have absolutely zero complaints. It’s my go-to Tequila brand.

Alice Brooker, senior staff writer

Sierra Milenario Extra-Añejo

Whisky lovers looking to dip their toe into the agave spirits world should definitely take note of Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo (41.5% ABV). This is nowhere near the spiky slammers of yore; this is sophistication in a bottle.

Sierra Milenario Extra Añejo is packed full of complex flavours, from the dried fruits and dates on the nose, to the mellow spice, toffee, sweet roasted agave, ginger cake and subtle wood influence, this is a round and delicious example of an aged Tequila. Give it a go – you won’t be disappointed.

Melita Kiely, editor