Remember this past winter when we were all holed up inside and the idea of “summer 2021” seemed…fake? Yeah, I do. But we made it bbs, and summer 2K21 is here. Because we all know that an ice-cold pitcher of margaritas is more of a summer staple than sunscreen (JOKING: Daily SPF is v important), why not celebrate by grabbing a bottle from one of these A+ tequila brands—or three? For best results, serve with lots of vaxxed and relaxed friends
Though, tbh, there’s actually so much more tequila can do for you between June and September (or any season really, but we were just talking about summer, and I love to stay on theme). You’ve got palomas, tequila sours, tequila sunrises, mojitos (!), about a million other cocktails, and tequila on the rocks (badasses only). It’s truly so versatile in every form, which is why we love her forever and ever.
If you’re just looking for a pretty bottle to display or something to make your drinks stand out, take a gander at the list below of the best tequila brands money can buy for your ~vaccinated~ summer.
1
if you like re-using bottles
Organic Reposado Tequila
Solento
totalwine.com
$64.99
It’s more than just some (seriously) pretty packaging, friends. This reposado is on the sweeter side with a hint of caramel and citrus.
2
if you want to splurge
Anejo Tequila
Cincoro
drizly.com
$131.50
Okay, so it’s a little more expen$ive. But if you’re looking to save a bottle for something special, this one features notes of chocolate, pepper, and cinnamon and tastes excellent with literally any dessert.
3
if you’re into the classics
Casamigos Blanco
Casamigos
drizly.com
$49.99
George Clooney’s tequila brand has honestly gone beyond “celebrity alcohol” and is a staple on every shelf. Why? It’s smooth as hell.
4
if you want something versatile
Patrón Silver
Patrón
reservebar.com
$60.00
A crowd favorite for a reason, Patrón can be sipped neat, mixed into a cocktail, or over ice. But our rec is to use it in a mojito. Trust.
5
if you’re into making cocktails
Joven Tequila
S/O to LeBron James for gifting us this delicious joven that was literally designed to be the secret ingredient in all of your summer palomas.
6
if you want something refreshing
Blanco Tequila
Anteel
rancholiquoronline.com
$32.99
Smooth? Check. Cool? Check. Notes of florals and fruits? Hell yes. This cost-effective bottle is ideal to sip over ice when your AC is broken.
7
if you have no time for fancy cocktails
DeLeon Reposado Tequila
Honestly, we love a bottle that tastes the best in shot form. With notes of vanilla, dried fruit, and spices, it’s perfectly sandwiched between some salt and lime wedges.
8
if your favorite DCOM is ‘Camp Rock’
Villa One Silver Tequila
Villa One
drizly.com
$49.99
Did you have “Nick Jonas coming out with a crisp, smooth tequila with notes of toasted nuts” on your 2019 bingo card? Me neither, but I’m so glad it happened.
9
if you want to impress someone
Don Julio 1942
Don Julio
reservebar.com
$179.00
If $$ bottles of tequila are your thing, then this is the perfect gift to give anyone near and dear to your heart. The flavors range from warm oak, pepper, to cinnamon will make you their favorite person.
10
If You Have a Sweet Tooth
Siete Leguas Tequila Anejo
Siete Leguas
drizly.com
$62.99
Come for the agave aged in white oak barrels for 24 months, stay for the ultimate buttery and fruity flavored bottle.
11
if you’re going on a picnic
Sparkling Tequila Lime
ONDA
drinkonda.com
$39.00
Ooookay, so this is technically not a straight-up tequila. But this canned cocktail (basically a tequila soda) contains tequila from a distillery in Jalisco, Mexico that’s owned and operated by women.
12
If You’re Looking For a Bar Cart Mainstay
Espolòn Tequila Blanco
Espolòn
drizly.com
$26.99
If you’re looking for an affordable bottle of tequila that holds up to the higher-priced competitors, Espolòn is Here. For. You. With a fruity and tropical flavor, the blanco variety is ideal for sipping on the rocks.
13
If You’re a Fan of Rosé
Gran Centenario Rosangel Tequila
Gran Centenario
drizly.com
$19.99
This rosy reposado is gently infused with hibiscus, giving it an added level of intrigue when enjoyed on its own or mixed in a margarita.
14
If You’re Looking For a Pretty Bottle
Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
Clase Azul
drizly.com
$72.99
This unique reposado comes in a gorgeous, hand-painted ceramic bottle and goes down smooth with hints of vanilla. And, if you’re so inclined, you can keep it out as an art piece.
15
If You’re Looking for an Affordable Mixer
Tres Agaves Blanco
Tres Agaves
totalwine.com
$25.99
This affordable pick is made with 100 percent organic agave and is a perf base for your next round of spicy cocktails, thanks to its earthy flavor.
16
If You’re Booze-ing on a Budget
El Jimador Silver Tequila
El Jimador
proofpoint.com
$13.99
Oh, hi. It’s a super affordable blanco tequila that’s still made with 100 percent agave. Use this one as a base for party-ready punches at your next gathering.
17
If You’re Looking for a Smooth Sip
Qui Platinum Extra Añejo Tequila
Three years of aging give this guy a pleasant, smooth sweetness with none of the throat-burning kick.
18
If You’re Looking for a Staple
Corralejo Reposado
Tequila Corralejo
drizly.com
$32.99
This well-priced, fruity-flavored tequila is perfect for shots and for that pitcher in the kitchen. Mix it up for a big batch of cocktails featuring mango or strawberry.
19
If You’re Loyal to Hennessy And Open To Trying New Spirits
Volcan Tequila Blanco 750mL
Moet Hennessy recently got into the tequila game with this surprisingly sweet sipper. Break this one out for the super special occasions.
20
If Pink is Your Favorite Color
Código 1530 Rosa Tequila
Tequila Codigo
proofpoint.com
$44.99
A month in Napa Cabernet barrels gives this (preeettttyyyy) blanco tequila its rosy hue and soft floral notes.
21
If You’re Trying to Spend the Big Bucks
G4 Tequila Extra Añejo
Tequila aficionados adore how easy this smooth and sustainably produced spirit goes down.
Sarah Weldon
Associate Lifestyle Editor
Sarah is the associate lifestyle editor at Cosmopolitan where she covers food, home, health, career…basically all the things you love to love — follow her on Instagram.
Mariah Schlossmann
Mariah Schlossmann is the editorial business assistant at Cosmoplitan and is obsessed with all things food, lifestyle, and entertainment.
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