Tequila’s moment as America’s “it” spirit is far from over. It may even be getting stronger as other categories struggle. A recent report published by beverage data analytics firm ISWR indicated that agave spirits — a space primarily driven by tequila — was the only alcohol category to experience growth in the U.S. in 2023.
This sustained popularity coincides with a market increasingly flooded with new tequilas. These labels can pique interest and may even evolve into new favorites, and they make the category fun to explore. But as exciting as a fresh, shiny expression of tequila can be, there’s nothing as reliable as the familiar standby that always has a spot on your bar. It’s a bottle that unfailingly delivers comfort and happiness with every pour, which is what a good tequila should do — and no one knows good tequila better than the people who use it every day.
That’s why we asked 14 bartenders to share their own go-to tequilas, both behind the stick and on their home bar carts. Here’s what they said.
The best go-to tequila, according to bartenders: Siete Leguas Reposado Tequila Ocho Plata Fuentesca Huertas Las Antenas Blanco 2018 Dobel Diamante Cristillino Siete Leguas Blanco Don Fulano Blanco Pueblo Viejo Blanco Cascahuin Plata 48 Don Abraham Blanco Tequila Arette Fuerte 101 El Tesoro Extra Añejo Lalo Tequila Blanco
“My go-to tequila is Siete Leguas Reposado. This tequila is made in the highlands of Jalisco and the roasted agave piñas are
