Top 100 Mexican Alcoholic Beverages

Añejo is a tequila variety that has been matured for at least one year in oak barrels with a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). The barrels are occasionally those once used for bourbon or cognac. This resting period in these barrels imparts a slightly darker golden hue to Añejo tequila, while its aromatic profile becomes more complex, and usually displays aromas of spices and vanilla.Expand

Reposado is a tequila variety that has been aged for a minimum of two, and a maximum of twelve months, usually in French or American oak. This tequila is characterized by a pale golden color and mellow agave flavor. It is praised for its complexity and a great, subtle balance of agave and wood aromas. Reposado is the most common tequila variety enjoyed in Mexico.Expand

Blanco is a clear tequila variety that is usually not matured, and it is never colored. Soon after distillation, it is diluted to drinking strength, and it is then immediately bottled. This tequila shows a true agave character, especially if made with 100% blue agave, and it is usually quite potent. Blanco variety is usually enjoyed neat from shot glasses.Expand

Ponche Navideño is a Mexican Christmas punch made with fresh and dried fruits, cane sugar, and spices. Traditional ponche typically includes water, piloncillo (raw cane sugar), spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and tamarind, along with fresh tejocotes (Crataegus mexicana), guavas, hibiscus flowers, apples, pears, prunes, and raisins. The combination is slowly simmered until the fruit is softened and flavors are combined. Ponche is traditionally poured in mugs and should always be served warm, with each portion including a portion of aromatic liquid and chunks of fruit. Ponche is usually enjoyed on Las Posadas, a traditional Christmas celebration that takes place during nine days leading up to Christmas and ending on December 24. This classic version is sometimes laced with brandy or tequila to create a variation known as ponche con piquete (punch with a sting).Expand

Probably the most famous tequila-based cocktail in the world, Margarita is made with a combination of Cointreau, lime juice, and tequila. The cocktail can be made in a few varieties: straight up (chilled with ice, then strained), frozen Margarita (with blended ice), or on the rocks (over ice). Regardless of the style, it is usually served in a margarita glass characterized by its rim which is rubbed with lime or lemon, then spun in salt or sugar. Some say that the inventor of the cocktail is Carlos Danny Herrera, who supposedly created it in 1938 in Mexico for Marjorie King, a dancer who was allergic to almost every spirit except tequila, although others claim that it was named after Margarita Cansino, also known as the famous actress Rita Hayworth. There is also a third theory - Margarita was adapted from the Daisy - a prohibition drink tweaked to use tequila instead of brandy (the Spanish word for daisy is margarita). Regardless of the origin story, the cocktail gained a huge leap in popularity only after Mariano Martinez created a frozen Margarita machine in 1971.Expand

This smoky Mexican spirit is produced from agaves that are grown throughout the country, but the main territory of mezcal production is in Oaxaca. Mezcal is traditionally prepared with agave hearts that are roasted in earthen pits and are then crushed to a pulp, which would later be distilled. Though some varieties are still made in this artisan way, mezcal is nowadays also commercially produced using modern ovens. Officially, it can be made in seven Mexican states and with over thirty types of agave, some of which only grow wild. It cannot, however, be made with blue Weber agave, which is used in the production of tequila. According to age, they are categorized as Joven, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra añejo. Mezcals have similar taste profile as tequila, but are slightly smokier and earthier, with hints of floral or ash aromas. In the 1950s, the spirit was infamous for red or golden worms that were found inside the bottles, but were only a marketing strategy and do not have any effects on the drink. High-quality, artisanal mezcals have recently been promoted into a fine sipping drink, but they also incorporate well in a variety of complex cocktails.Expand

This award-winning Mexican coffee liqueur was first introduced in 1936. It was created in Veracruz and was named Kahlúa, which in ancient Veracruz Nahuatl language means the house of the Acolhua people. Rum-based Kahlúa is a full-bodied liqueur with enticing flavor and aromas of roasted coffee beans and hints of vanilla and caramel. It is a mainstay in bars across the world, and though it works great on its own, preferably served on the rocks, it is mostly used in cocktails, out of which the most popular are White Russian, Espresso Martini, and a layered B52 shot. Because of its sweetness, it is also a great complement to desserts.Expand

Extra añejo tequila variety is matured for at least three years in oak barrels that have a maximum capacity of 160 gallons (600 liters). Longer aging time creates a drink of exceptional quality, and ultra-aged tequila varieties are typically incredibly complex, with a dark golden hue, and a mellow and long finish. They are occasionally marketed as Reserva and usually come with a high price tag.Expand

A minimalistic, yet elegant cocktail known as Paloma consists of tequila and grapefruit soda such as Fresca or Jarritos, which makes it a perfect combination of sweet and tart. Paloma, which means dove, is one of the most popular Mexican cocktails that can even be found ready-made in soda cans. Grapefruit soda can be substituted with freshly squeezed grapefruit and lime juice for a better, sourer flavor. The cocktail is typically served on the rocks in a highball glass with a lime wedge garnish.Expand

Latin American version of eggnog goes under the name rompope. The drink is based on a combination of rum or brandy, milk, sugar, and egg yolks, while the additions may include nuts and typically vanilla flavoring, nutmeg, or cinnamon. It is believed that the first version of rompope was created in Puebla by the Santa Clara nuns, sometime in the 1600s. Following its origin, the drink has spread throughout Latin America, resulting in numerous regional versions. Rompope can be served lukewarm, heated, or on the rocks, and it is usually enjoyed all year round, traditionally on various special occasions. It is also commonly used in desserts, as a fruit or ice cream topping.Expand

Cierto Tequila is a premium tequila producer renowned for its artisanal approach and commitment to excellence. Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, Cierto sources 100% Blue Weber agave grown in both the highlands and lowlands, ensuring a balanced and complex flavor profile. The brand emphasizes sustainability and traditional production techniques, including slow cooking in brick ovens and careful aging in French and American oak barrels. Cierto offers a range of luxury tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo expressions, each celebrated for its smoothness, richness, and elegance. The tequilas have received numerous accolades at international spirits competitions, solidifying Cierto's reputation as a leading name in ultra-premium tequila.Expand

Ocho Tequila is a renowned producer of high-quality, artisanal tequila, celebrated for its commitment to tradition and transparency. Founded by Tomas Estes, a global tequila ambassador, and Carlos Camarena, a master distiller from a legendary tequila family, Ocho is known for being the first tequila to designate its production from specific agave fields, emphasizing terroir in its flavor profile. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico, Ocho Tequila is produced using traditional methods, including slow cooking in brick ovens and natural fermentation. Each batch is made from agave harvested in a single estate, showcasing the unique characteristics of the land. Their lineup includes Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo expressions, all admired for their purity, complexity, and smoothness. Ocho is a favorite among tequila connoisseurs, embodying the artistry and heritage of authentic Mexican tequila.Expand

Mezcal Vago is a producer focused on small-batch, artisanal mezcals sourced from remote regions of Oaxaca, Mexico. The brand collaborates with four master mezcaleros, each using traditional methods passed down through generations. Their mezcals reflect the distinct terroir of the area and the unique craftsmanship of each producer. Mezcal Vago emphasizes authenticity, sustainability, and the deep cultural heritage of mezcal-making.Expand

Del Maguey is a mezcal brand founded in 1995 with the goal of introducing traditionally crafted, village-produced mezcal from Oaxaca to the international market. The brand works directly with individual villages and family producers (palenqueros) who follow ancestral production methods, including roasting agave in underground pit ovens, natural fermentation, and distillation in copper or clay stills. Each bottling is identified by its village of origin, emphasizing differences in terroir, agave species, and artisanal technique. The portfolio includes the Vida collection, widely used in cocktails, as well as Village Tradiciones and Village Varietales expressions that highlight specific agave types and micro-regions. Flavor profiles range from smoky and mineral-driven to floral, fruity, and spice-accented, depending on the raw material and production style. Del Maguey is recognized as one of the key brands in the global expansion of premium mezcal, with a strong focus on authenticity, provenance, and the preservation of traditional distillation practices.Expand

Don Julio Tequila is a prestigious tequila brand owned by Diageo, one of the world’s largest beverage companies. Known for its exceptional quality and craftsmanship, Don Julio was founded in 1942 by Don Julio González in Jalisco, Mexico, and quickly became a pioneer in the premium tequila industry. The brand emphasizes the use of 100% Blue Weber agave, combined with traditional production methods and aging techniques, to create smooth, refined tequilas. Under Diageo’s ownership, Don Julio has become a global leader in luxury tequila, celebrated for its rich flavor profiles and sophisticated offerings like Don Julio 1942 and Don Julio Añejo.Expand

Tequila Avión is a premium tequila brand crafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, renowned for producing some of the finest blue weber agave in the world. The brand was founded with a commitment to creating tequila of unparalleled quality, utilizing traditional methods and a meticulous process that emphasizes purity and flavor. Avión is made from handpicked agave plants grown at high altitudes, which are known for their sweetness and complexity. The production process includes slow roasting the agave in brick ovens, followed by a meticulous fermentation and distillation process designed to preserve the agave's natural essence. Avión is further refined through a proprietary ultra-slow filtration method, enhancing its smooth and crisp profile. The tequila is available in various expressions, including Silver, Reposado, Añejo, and Reserva 44, each offering a unique balance of flavors and aromas.Expand

Don Fulano is a premium tequila brand rooted in the rich heritage of the Fonseca family, who have been cultivating agave in the Highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, for five generations. Their journey began over 140 years ago in Atotonilco, where they started as agave farmers before acquiring the historic La Tequileña distillery in the mid-1980s. This distillery, with over a century of history, became the foundation for producing their exceptional tequilas. Don Fulano tequilas are crafted using estate-grown, hand-selected mature agave, proprietary yeast, and natural volcanic spring water, ensuring a product that honors the natural gifts of the agave plant. The brand is recognized for its commitment to traditional methods and has garnered international acclaim for its quality and authenticity.Expand

1800 Tequila, part of Proximo Spirits, is one of the oldest and most recognized tequila brands, crafted from 100% blue Weber agave harvested in Jalisco, Mexico. Known for its quality and variety, 1800 Tequila offers expressions ranging from Silver to Extra Añejo and specialty editions, including Cristalino and limited Artist Series releases. Each bottle showcases a commitment to tradition and innovation, making 1800 a staple in premium tequila.Expand

400 Conejos is a Mexican mezcal brand celebrated for its high quality and deep connection to traditional production methods. The name, inspired by Aztec mythology, symbolizes abundance, with "400 rabbits" representing the gods of intoxication. Their website showcases the brand's offerings, including various mezcal types crafted from carefully selected agave. It also provides cocktail recipes, serving tips, and insights into mezcal culture and heritage. By blending tradition with modern appeal, 400 Conejos promotes the richness of Mexican mezcal on a global scale.Expand