The United Kingdom has finally embraced its agave era. While tequila and mezcal have long been staples in North America—with tequila even surpassing whiskey as the second most popular spirit in the US in 2023—the UK market is now catching up at a remarkable pace.
The Rise of Premium Mexican Spirits in Britain
Sales of tequila at Waitrose alone surged by 86% last year, signalling a significant shift in British drinking habits. This boom is fuelled by celebrity endorsements, the ubiquitous spicy margarita, and a growing consumer appetite for premium, authentic spirits. The trend has also sparked wider curiosity, elevating the profile of mezcal, tequila's smokier cousin, from specialist taquerias to the menus of luxury hotels and trendy cocktail bars across the country.
Tequila vs. Mezcal: Understanding the Difference
It's a common point of confusion, but the distinction is crucial. By legal definition, tequila must be made from at least 51% Blue Weber agave and produced in just five Mexican states, with Jalisco at its heart. Mezcal, however, is a broader category referring to spirits distilled from various other agave species, like espadín or tobalá, and can be made in nine states, primarily Oaxaca.
The production method also sets them apart. For mezcal, the agave hearts are traditionally roasted in underground pits over hot stones, which imparts the spirit's signature smoky character—a step not used in standard tequila production.
Navigating the Styles: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo
Within both categories, you'll encounter several key styles defined by ageing:
- Blanco (Silver/Plata): Unaged or rested for under two months. Expect a clear spirit with crisp, fresh, and citrusy flavours.
- Reposado: Aged between two months and one year in barrels. This process softens the spirit, adds warmth, and introduces woody notes, resulting in a golden hue.
- Añejo: Aged for one to three years, becoming sweeter, richer, and more complex, with a deep caramel colour.
The Best Agave Spirits to Buy Now
After a rigorous tasting of around 40 expressions—sampled neat and unchilled—our expert has curated a selection spanning styles and price points. Here are the standout bottles for your home bar in 2025.
Top Tequila Picks
For Luxury Sipping: Patrón El Alto. A groundbreaking blend of extra añejo, añejo, and reposado tequilas aged for four years. It rivals fine cognac with its smooth, complex profile of dried fig and retains a delightful lightness. A stunning gift option.
Best Blanco: Teremana Blanco. Created by Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson with a family-owned distillery, this is a textbook example: sweet, light, clean, and fresh with tropical fruit notes. Perfect neat or in a sharp margarita.
Best Value Cocktail Tequila: El Jimador Blanco. A 100% agave, unaged tequila that is crisp, citrussy, and incredibly versatile. It's a top-seller in the UK for good reason and makes an excellent base for any classic cocktail.
Party Starter: 818 Tequila Blanco. Kendall Jenner's award-winning brand offers a light-bodied, sweet spirit with flavours of marzipan and key lime pie. Ideal for shots that don't compromise on quality.
Exceptional Mezcals to Explore
Smoky Classic: Del Maguey Vida Clásico. An accessible entry-point from a revered producer, handcrafted in Oaxaca. It delivers tropical fruit, ginger, and cinnamon with a fiery, smoky finish. Exceptional with fresh pineapple juice.
For Margaritas: Rosaluna Joven. Sustainably produced by a sibling duo in Oaxaca, this mezcal is surprisingly low on smoke but high on sweet caramel and pineapple notes. It won an award for the world's best margarita.
The Ultimate Sipper: Zacal Manso Sahuayo y Bruto. Hailing from Michoacán, this double gold award-winning mezcal is harmonious and balanced with a creamy, almond-like finish. A sophisticated choice to enjoy over ice.
Gift Set: The Lost Explorer Trilogy Pack. This trio of artisanal mezcals—espadín, tobalá, and salmiana—beautifully demonstrates how agave species and terroir create vastly different flavour profiles, from sweet and herbal to earthy and picante.
Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the category, the world of agave spirits offers incredible depth and variety. From sustainable independent producers to iconic brands, there has never been a better time to explore tequila and mezcal in the UK.
