With the proposed 25% tariffs on Mexican imports, now is the time to stock up on your favorite Mexican liquor brands before prices potentially rise. President Donald Trump’s tariff plan could affect many goods, including popular spirits like tequila and mezcal. As the clock ticks on potential price hikes, savvy buyers are taking action to ensure their liquor cabinet stays full without breaking the bank.
From the smoothest tequila to the smoky depth of mezcal, there’s no shortage of premium Mexican spirits worth investing in. These brands have become staples for cocktail lovers and casual sippers alike, so it’s a good idea to plan and secure your stock before any tariffs impact your next purchase. Ready to stock up on the best Mexican liquors? Let’s dive into both the renowned and under-the-radar Mexican liquor brands you’ll want to grab while you still can.
The Household Names
Jose Cuervo
As one of the world’s oldest and best-selling tequila brands, Jose Cuervo has been a staple in the tequila industry for generations. Known for its rich history and commitment to quality, the brand offers a range of tequila expressions, from the crisp and vibrant Blanco to the smooth, complex Añejo varieties that are aged to perfection. Whether sipping it neat or mixing it into a cocktail, Jose Cuervo provides a versatile selection that caters to every tequila enthusiast’s taste.
Patrón
Patrón is renowned for its premium quality and dedication to crafting exceptional tequilas from 100% Blue Weber Agave. Known for its smooth and rich flavors, Patrón offers a variety of expressions, including the popular Silver, which is crisp and clean, and the Reposado, which is aged to develop a deeper, more complex profile. Each bottle represents the brand’s commitment to luxury and craftsmanship, making Patrón a favorite choice for both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.
Don Julio
Don Julio is a high-end tequila brand celebrated for its exceptional aged varieties, renowned for their rich complexity and smooth finishes. Among its standout offerings is Don Julio 1942, a favorite among connoisseurs, known for its luxurious taste and the meticulous aging process that imparts deep, rich flavors. With a commitment to craftsmanship and quality, Don Julio has become synonymous with premium tequila, making it a top choice for those seeking a refined sipping experience.
Casamigos
Co-founded by George Clooney, Casamigos has quickly become a globally recognized tequila brand known for its smooth, refined taste. Offering a selection of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo, Casamigos has earned a loyal following for its commitment to quality and exceptional flavor profiles. Whether you prefer Blanco’s crisp freshness, Reposado’s mellow richness, or the complex depth of Añejo, Casamigos delivers a premium tequila experience that stands out in any glass.
Herradura
Herradura is a premium tequila brand renowned for its commitment to producing 100% agave tequila, ensuring rich, authentic flavors in every bottle. Known for its traditional production methods, Herradura uses time-honored techniques, including slow-cooking agave in clay ovens and aging tequila in oak barrels to develop complex, full-bodied profiles. Whether it’s their smooth Blanco, rich Reposado, or deep Añejo, Herradura offers a truly refined tequila experience that celebrates craftsmanship and heritage.
El Jimador
El Jimador is a popular tequila brand known for its affordability and lack of compromise on quality. Made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, El Jimador offers a variety of expressions, including Silver, Reposado, Cristalino, and Añejo tequilas, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of cocktails. With its smooth yet bold flavor profile, El Jimador provides excellent value, whether crafting margaritas or enjoying a neat pour. It’s the perfect balance of quality and cost, making it a go-to tequila for casual drinkers and bartenders.
Cazadores
Cazadores is a well-regarded tequila brand celebrated for its smoothness and balanced flavor, making it a favorite among tequila enthusiasts. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber Agave, Cazadores offers a refined drinking experience with a crisp, clean finish. Known for its consistency and quality, the brand’s Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo tequilas deliver exceptional taste, whether sipped neat or used in cocktails. With its smooth, approachable character, Cazadores remains a go-to choice for casual drinkers and aficionados.
Espolòn
Espolòn is a tequila brand recognized for its stylish bottle design and high-quality offerings that combine visual appeal with exceptional flavor. Made from 100% Blue Weber Agave, Espolòn produces a range of expressions, including Blanco, Reposado, Cristalino, and Añejo, each delivering a smooth, flavorful experience. With vibrant, art-inspired labels and a commitment to craftsmanship, Espolòn stands out as a favorite for those seeking a tequila that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
Del Maguey
Del Maguey is one of the most well-known artisanal mezcal brands, celebrated for its diverse range of single-village mezcals. Each expression is crafted in small batches, with a distinct character that reflects the traditions and flavors of the specific village it comes from. Using traditional production methods, Del Maguey’s mezcals are known for their complexity, depth, and smoky profile, making them a favorite among mezcal connoisseurs. With its commitment to quality and heritage, Del Maguey offers an authentic taste of Mexico in every bottle.
Montelobos
Montelobos is a high-quality mezcal known for its distinctive smoky flavor, crafted using traditional methods that stay true to the spirit’s roots. Made from 100% Espadín agave, Montelobos is produced in small batches using ancient techniques, including roasting the agave in an underground pit for that signature smokiness. This mezcal is highly regarded by aficionados for its complexity and smoothness, making it a standout choice for sipping and mixing cocktails. With a commitment to quality and tradition, Montelobos is a must-try for any serious mezcal enthusiast.
The Under-The-Radar Options
Here are five under-the-radar Mexican liquor brands worth stocking up on before tariffs increase prices. While these brands might not be household names, they represent some of the best, most authentic Mexican spirits that could see price hikes soon. Stocking up now ensures you get unique, high-quality bottles before they become more challenging or expensive.
Fortaleza
Fortaleza is a cult favorite among tequila aficionados. It is renowned for its small-batch, traditionally crafted tequilas, which offer a rich complexity and ultra-smooth finish. Using time-honored techniques such as stone-crushing the agave and distilling in copper pot stills, Fortaleza creates a refined and full-bodied tequila that stands out in premium spirits. For those who appreciate hand-crafted, artisanal products, Fortaleza is a must-have brand that showcases the artistry and dedication behind every bottle.
La Venenosa Raicilla
La Venenosa Raicilla is a lesser-known agave spirit that shares similarities with mezcal but boasts a distinctly different terroir-driven profile. Produced in the highlands of Jalisco, La Venenosa offers a range of single-region expressions, each capturing the unique flavors of the areas where the agave is grown. With a complex character that balances earthy, smoky, and fruity notes, La Venenosa provides a deep, authentic taste of Jalisco’s rich agave tradition. Perfect for those seeking something off the beaten path, this raicilla is a true gem for adventurous spirits.
Neta Mezcal
Neta Mezcal is a boutique, small-batch brand that celebrates the diversity of agave varieties and traditional production techniques from Oaxaca. Known for its commitment to craftsmanship, Neta focuses on bringing out the unique flavors of each agave variety, offering a range of mezcals that highlight the region’s rich heritage. A favorite among mezcal purists and collectors, Neta’s artisanal approach results in complex and authentic mezcals, making it a must-try for those seeking an elevated mezcal experience.
Rey Campero
Rey Campero is a family-owned mezcal brand known for producing rare and complex agave spirits that showcase lesser-known varieties such as Tepextate and Jabali. With a deep, earthy flavor profile, Rey Campero’s mezcals offer an authentic, rustic touch that reflects the traditional methods used in their production. Each batch is crafted with care, resulting in a mezcal rich in character and complexity—perfect for those seeking a true taste of Oaxacan heritage and craftsmanship.
Clande Sotol
Clande Sotol is an agave-like spirit from northern Mexico, offering a unique and herbaceous flavor profile that sets it apart from traditional tequila and mezcal. As one of the best artisanal producers in the category, Clande creates sotol using wild-harvested plants, resulting in a distinct taste that reflects the rugged landscapes of its origin. With its growing popularity among spirit enthusiasts looking to branch out, Clande Sotol is an exciting, lesser-known option that delivers complexity and an authentic taste of northern Mexico’s rich agave heritage.
