About Mexican Spirits

About Mexican Spirits
Mexican spirits are all about beverages made from the agave plant, with the two most famous products being tequila and Mezcal. These products range from rustic and rough to polished and world-class; they are enjoyed by the common man as well as celebrities and they are consumed throughout Mexico as well as in the United States and many other countries.

While both tequila and mezcal are made from the agave plant, mezcal can be produced from many varieties from several area, while tequila can only be made from the blue agave and only from the Jalisco district.

There are several types of tequila, from the most basic, clear examples that can be sipped or serve as the base of numerous cocktails, all the way up to aged (añejo) versions that have gold or amber colors, smoky, caramel and honeyed aromas and a long, elegant finish that are meant for after dinner enjoyment on their own or with a cigar.

Tequila had become an enormous industry in Mexico and today the product is made by small family-owned companies as well as large multimillion dollar beverage giants.

There is also a small amount of liqueurs made in Mexico, such as those made from honey, coconut and even local flowers such as the Xtabentun; production is limited, but quality is quite high.

Top Picks for Mexico

Del Maguey San Pablo Ameyaltepec Single Village Blanco Mezcal
98 points
$124
An amazingly elegant and decadent Mezcal whose flavor and finesse may leave you speechless.
Awards: 2022 Best Blanco Mezcal
Mezcal Vago Mezcal Espadin Joel Barriga
97 points
$54
An outstanding example of a Blanco Mezcal; it hits all the right herbaceous, savory, and sweet notes in harmony.
1800 Milenio Extra Añejo Tequila
97 points
$225
A beautiful expression of an extra añejo sure to be a special sipper for any agave fan.
Awards: 2022 Best Extra Añejo Tequila
Mezcal de Leyendas Verde San Luis Potosi Mezcal
97 points
$49.99
A sweet, savory, salty, juicy display of complexity and finesse; enjoy this Blanco Mezcal liberally.
Awards: 2021 Best Mezcal
97 points $49.99
El Tesoro Paradiso Tequila Extra Añejo
97 points
$180
A tantalizing melange of complex flavors that reward each sip.
Awards: 2021 Best Tequila
El Tesoro Blanco Tequila
96 points
$44
A fun, bright, and fruity blanco great for fun times and complex cocktails.
Awards: 2022 Best Blanco Tequila
Lobos 1707 Blanco Mezcal Artesenal
96 points
$54
An delightfully rich, complex Mezcal for all manner of occasions.
Salvadores 70 400 2020 Artesanal Espadín Joven Mezcal
96 points
$73
A complex and interesting Mezcal with a wonderful balance of spice, smoke, and sweet that keeps you coming back to the glass.
Alquimia Reserva De Oro XIV Organic Extra Añejo Tequila
96 points
$250
A robust powerhouse of an extra añejo that bursts with flavor and begs for attention; try with a few drops of water and cigars.
Peloton de la Muerte Vegan Pechuga Mezcal
96 points
$44.99
A joyous, extroverted Mezcal with juicy fruit aromas, fresh green vegetal notes, and delicate hints of fragrant blossoms; an exceptionally balanced Mezcal for elegant cocktails and thoughtful sipping.
96 points $44.99