6 Must-Try Tequila Brands for Every Spirit Enthusiast

Tequila has long held a place of honor in the world of spirits, not just for its rich Mexican heritage but for its versatility and vibrant character. Whether you’re a connoisseur sipping it neat or a cocktail lover crafting the perfect Margarita, the right tequila elevates every experience. In this guide, we explore the 6 must-try tequila brands that every spirit enthusiast in India should know about—each with a story, a flavor, and a purpose.

Tequila in 2025: What’s the Buzz?

Before diving into our curated list of 6 must-try tequila bottles, let’s set the scene. As of 2025, tequila’s journey is hitting an interesting curve. After years of rapid sales growth, the global market has started to show signs of cooling down. According to the IWSR, tequila sales dipped by around 1% last year, and the trend might continue due to global economic uncertainty, U.S. tariffs, and market saturation.

But here’s the silver lining: the tequila boom brought with it a wave of innovation, celebrity-backed labels, artisanal expressions, and more discerning consumers. For those in India, this translates into access to an incredible variety of agave spirits—both imported and locally crafted. So, if you’re exploring your next bottle, this list of 6 must-try Tequila brands offers depth, diversity, and a splash of discovery.

1. Desmond Ji—India’s Homegrown Hero

Let’s start with the trailblazer—Desmond Ji. It’s not technically called tequila because Mexican law restricts that term to spirits made in Mexico. But make no mistake—DesmondJi’s agave spirits are as authentic as they come.

Founded by Desmond Nazareth, a Margarita enthusiast turned distiller, this brand is India’s first true attempt at crafting agave-based spirits. After studying the art of tequila-making in Mexico, Desmond returned and built India’s first official craft distillery in Goa, sourcing agave from the volcanic-rich Deccan Plateau.

The spirit is clean, earthy, and expressive—just what you'd expect from one of the 6 must-try Tequila labels, even if it wears a different name.

 Price: INR 2,230 per 750 ml
Available in Goa, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and a few more Indian states.

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• Locally crafted, globally inspired
  
  
• Pot-still distilled in small batches
  
  
• Brilliant for Margaritas or sipping neat
  
  

2. 1800 Tequila—The Classic Choice

Named after the year it was first distilled, 1800 Tequila brings with it more than two centuries of tequila heritage. Made using 100% blue Weber agave, this tequila follows traditional distillation methods but balances them with modern finesse.

In India, their Reposado expression has gained immense popularity. Aged for six months in oak barrels, it’s layered with flavors of butterscotch, nutmeg, and dried fruit. This bottle absolutely deserves a spot on the 6 must-try Tequila list—not just for its quality but also for its consistent legacy.

Price: INR 6,950 per 750 ml

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• One of the most awarded tequilas globally
  
  
• Rich, spicy notes ideal for sipping
  
  
• Pairs beautifully with Mexican food
  
  

3. Calle 23—A Scientist’s Tequila

Calle 23 stands out for more than just its taste—it has a fascinating origin story. Founded by biochemist Sophie Decobecq, this tequila is the result of scientific precision meeting traditional artistry. Each batch is crafted with highland agave and fermented under closely controlled conditions to highlight crisp, fruity flavors.

Its flavor profile—dominated by agave, pear, apple, and pepper—makes Calle 23 one of the most unique options among the 6 must-try Tequila brands available in India.

 Price: INR 9,600 per 700 ml

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• Created by a fermentation scientist
  
  
• Fruity and fresh with spicy undertones
  
  
• Ideal for both sipping and premium cocktails
  
  

4. Dos Flamos—The Fiery Folklore

Crafted by La Cofradia, a family-owned distillery with over 50 years of heritage, Dos Flamos is more than a tequila—it’s a story bottled with passion. The brand name translates to “two flames,” a nod to the volcanic origins of its agave and the legend of a fiery love story.

Both their Blanco and Oro varieties are available in India. The Blanco is smooth and slightly sweet, while the Oro adds a citrusy punch. If you're curating your collection of 6 must-try Tequila, Dos Flamos is an expressive addition.

Price: INR 3,990 per 750 ml

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• Family heritage + folklore branding
  
  
• Smooth yet zesty
  
  
• A versatile option for tequila cocktails
  
  

5. Código 1530—The Private Tequila

For decades, Código 1530 was a private reserve, shared only among a few elite families in Mexico. It was known as El Tequila Privado, and it wasn’t until 2016 that it became publicly available.

The entire production process reflects obsessive attention to detail—from volcanic rock-filtered water to handmade barrels and locally harvested yeast. Now part of Pernod Ricard’s global portfolio, Código remains rare and refined. This ultra-premium bottle easily makes it into any list of 6 must-try Tequila labels.

Price: INR 14,800 per 750 ml

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• Once private, now available globally
  
  
• Ultra-premium flavor and finesse
  
  
• Luxurious choice for serious sippers
  
  

6. El Jimador—Mexico’s Bestseller

One of Mexico’s best-selling tequilas, El Jimador is named after the skilled harvesters of agave—the jimadors. Produced by Herradura, this brand offers high-quality tequilas that are estate-grown and bottled in Amatitán, Jalisco.

El Jimador’s Silver tequila is a crisp, clean choice, while their Añejo offers aged complexity. Whether you’re new to tequila or already a fan, El Jimador rounds off the 6 must-try Tequila list with a perfect mix of tradition and accessibility.

Price: INR 3,295 per 750 ml

Why It’s a Must-Try:

• Best-selling tequila in Mexico
  
  
• Versatile range: Silver, Reposado, Añejo
  
  
• Excellent for shots, cocktails, or sipping
  
  

Final Sip: Why These 6 Must-Try Tequila Brands Stand Out

What makes these the 6 must-try Tequila options? It’s a mix of heritage, craftsmanship, innovation, and availability. From the volcanic fields of Mexico to the Deccan Plateau of India, these spirits are steeped in tradition yet built for the modern palate.

Whether you're planning a home bar upgrade, searching for your next signature cocktail base, or simply exploring new flavors, these tequilas offer insight and inspiration. Each bottle has a story worth tasting—and that’s what makes the tequila journey so exciting in 2025.

FAQs About Must-Try Tequila Brands

Q1. Can tequila be produced outside Mexico?
Technically, no. Only spirits made in designated Mexican regions using blue agave can be labeled as tequila. However, similar agave spirits like DesmondJi are now being produced in India.

Q2. What’s the smoothest tequila to sip?
Añejo tequilas, like those from Código 1530 and El Jimador, are often considered the smoothest due to extended aging.

Q3. What’s the best tequila under INR 4000?
Dos Flamos and El Jimador offer great options that deliver quality without breaking the bank.

Q4. Can tequila help regulate blood sugar?
Agave contains agavins—natural sugars that don’t raise blood glucose levels. While this sounds promising, moderation is still key!

Q5. What are the different types of tequila?
Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged 2-12 months), and Añejo (aged 1-3 years). Each offers a unique flavor profile and experience.