Top tequilas for crafting cocktails

Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner, and the celebration of Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla is in full swing. But what’s a Cinco de Mayo party without some tequila? From luxury pours to midrange options, the world of tequila is vast and diverse.

Legendary New York City bartender Richie Boccato advises that when choosing a tequila, it’s important to ensure it’s additive-free. Tequila should only contain water, blue agave, and Champagne yeast, without any colorants or flavorings that can tarnish the taste and lead to awful hangovers.

For those looking to mix up some delicious Cinco de Mayo cocktails, there are plenty of affordable tequilas to choose from. Blanco tequilas, aged for fewer than 59 days, showcase the bright, vegetal flavors of agave and are perfect for sipping neat or mixing into cocktails like margaritas.

Reposado tequilas, aged in oak barrels for two months to one year, offer flavors like vanilla and caramel and are great for stirred cocktails like tequila negronis. Añejo tequilas, aged for one to three years, are the darkest and most complex, with flavors of baking spice and vanilla that are perfect for sipping neat or mixing into smoked cocktails.

Whether you prefer blanco, reposado, or añejo, there’s a tequila out there for everyone to enjoy this Cinco de Mayo. So grab a bottle, mix up a cocktail, and raise a glass to Mexico’s victory with some delicious tequila. Cheers!