The Best Flavored Tequila: Your 2026 Tasting Guide

My first proper introduction to tequila happened on a warm evening on a quiet patio in Guadalajara, far from the typical party scene. An old friend’s grandfather, a man with lines on his face that told a thousand stories, poured a small measure of a beautiful, amber colored liquid. He explained, in a mix of Spanish and broken English, that this was his personal creation. It was a reposado tequila he had infused with local oranges and a single cinnamon stick. That one sip was a revelation. It was smooth, warm, and layered with flavor, completely shattering my youthful perception of tequila as a harsh spirit best taken with salt and lime. That was my first real taste of a flavored tequila, and it sparked a long-standing appreciation for this creative spirit.

Many people hear flavored tequila and picture artificially sweet, neon-colored liquids. But the world of tequila de sabores is so much richer. True craftsmanship is about enhancing the natural, earthy notes of blue Weber agave, not masking them. Distillers are using everything from spicy jalapeños and cool cucumbers to rich coffee and tropical coconut. This guide is for anyone looking to explore beyond the standard blanco or añejo. We’ll explore some truly exceptional bottles, including some of the finest flavored tequila from Mexico, that honor the spirit’s heritage while offering something new and exciting.

What Exactly is Flavored Tequila?

Before we get to the rankings, let’s clarify what we’re talking about. According to Mexican law, a tequila flavoured spirit is one that uses a base of tequila (blanco, reposado, or añejo) and has flavors added before bottling. These can range from natural fruit infusions to spices, coffee, and more. The key is that the final product must maintain the character of tequila. It is different from a liqueur, which often has a much higher sugar content and lower alcohol percentage. Think of a good flavored tequila as a well-made cocktail that comes straight from the bottle, ready to be sipped or mixed. This category has expanded significantly, offering sophisticated options that stand apart from simpler party drinks. The best tequila de sabores respects the agave at its core.

The Top 10 Flavored Tequilas You Need to Try

This list was compiled based on taste, quality of ingredients, balance, and overall drinking experience. Forget what you think you know; these bottles are in a class of their own.

1. Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila
This is the bottle that proves spicy tequila can be both balanced and delicious. Tanteo is a cooperative of agave farmers in Jalisco, and their commitment to quality is evident. They infuse their 100% blue Weber agave blanco tequila with fresh, locally sourced jalapeños. The result is a vibrant spirit with a genuine, green pepper aroma and a pleasant, lingering warmth that never overwhelms the palate. It’s not just hot; it has the vegetal, slightly fruity flavor of the actual pepper. It makes the absolute best Spicy Margarita you will ever have, but it’s also surprisingly smooth to sip on its own. For anyone exploring tequila flavoured spirits, this is a perfect starting point to understand how heat and agave can work in harmony.

2. 1800 Coconut Tequila
While some people might be searching for Malibu rum and tequila drinks, this bottle offers a far more refined tropical experience. 1800 Coconut is a blend of their signature silver tequila and natural, raw coconut flavor. Unlike many coconut-flavored spirits that taste synthetic and overly sweet, this one is different. It has a light, authentic coconut water aroma with hints of toasted coconut on the finish. The agave flavor is still present, providing a slightly peppery and earthy base that keeps the spirit from becoming cloying. It’s brilliant with just a splash of pineapple juice or soda water, creating a simple, refreshing highball that transports you to a beachside bar. It’s an excellent example of a well-made tequila de sabores.

3. Patrón XO Cafe
A legendary bottle, and for good reason. Patrón XO Cafe was a pioneer in the premium coffee liqueur space, blending Patrón Silver tequila with the essence of fine Arabica coffee. It’s important to note this isn’t a sweet liqueur; it’s dry, rich, and robustly flavored. The aroma is pure, dark-roast coffee, with underlying notes of chocolate and a hint of that classic tequila pepperiness. It’s incredibly versatile. You can sip it chilled, use it to make an unforgettable Espresso Martini, or even pour it over vanilla ice cream for a simple, adult dessert. This is a benchmark flavored tequila that proves infusions can be sophisticated and complex.

4. Casamigos Jalapeño Tequila
From the brand that brought premium tequila to the mainstream, Casamigos Jalapeño is a newer but impressive entry. Made with their classic Blanco tequila, it is naturally flavored with green jalapeños. What sets it apart is its smoothness. The spice is clean and crisp, not muddy or aggressive. You get notes of citrus and sweet agave on the front of the palate, followed by a wave of gentle, consistent heat. It’s a very balanced expression of a spicy tequila flavoured spirit. It’s perfect for giving a kick to a Paloma or a simple tequila and soda. This bottle showcases how a popular brand can successfully innovate within the category.

5. Dulce Vida Pineapple Jalapeño Tequila
Dulce Vida is known for its organic, 100% blue agave tequilas, and their flavored expressions are no exception. The Pineapple Jalapeño is a fan favorite, and it’s easy to see why. It captures the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. The flavor of fresh, juicy pineapple hits you first, followed by a mild, warming kick from the jalapeño. It’s not a candy-like sweetness but rather the natural flavor of the fruit. This is a fantastic flavored tequila from Mexico, handcrafted with care. It’s amazing in a simple mix with club soda and a lime wedge, letting the spirit’s complex flavors shine through.

6. Ghost Tequila
Ghost Tequila was created by a bartender who wanted the perfect spicy spirit for cocktails. Infused with a touch of ghost pepper, this tequila has a reputation for being hot, but it’s surprisingly nuanced. The heat builds slowly and lingers, but it doesn’t scorch your taste buds. Underneath the spice, you can still taste the crisp, 100% blue agave tequila base. It has a smoother finish than you might expect, making it a great choice for spicy cocktails where you still want the tequila character to come forward. It’s a modern and bold take on tequila de sabores.

7. Cincoro Gold
While not a traditionally “flavored” tequila in the sense of fruit or spice infusions, Cincoro Gold is a unique blend that deserves a spot here. It combines all four of their expressions: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and a generous portion of Extra Añejo. The result is a spirit with incredible complexity and layers of flavor. You get the crispness of the blanco, the subtle sweetness of cooked agave from the reposado, and the deep notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruit from the aged tequilas. It’s a masterclass in blending, offering a rich and luxurious sipping experience that evolves in the glass. It is a top-tier spirit that redefines what a tequila flavoured with character can be.

8. 21 Seeds Valencia Orange Tequila
This brand was founded with the mission of creating easy-to-mix, naturally infused tequilas. The Valencia Orange expression is a standout, infused with the essence of real oranges. It’s bright, zesty, and incredibly fresh, without the artificial taste found in many citrus spirits. It makes mixing a drink almost effortless. Just add club soda, and you have a refreshing, low-sugar cocktail. It’s an excellent alternative for those looking to create something similar to Malibu rum and tequila drinks but with a more authentic citrus base. This is a fantastic flavored tequila for effortless entertaining.

9. Casa Maestri Café Tequila
Another excellent coffee-infused option, Casa Maestri Café offers a slightly different profile than Patrón XO Cafe. It delivers a rich, authentic coffee flavor that feels slightly sweeter and has a wonderfully smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel. The aroma is like walking into a high-end coffee shop, with notes of fresh espresso, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla. This flavored tequila from Mexico is exceptionally well-executed, balancing the bitterness of the coffee with the sweetness of the agave. It’s perfect for sipping neat after dinner or as the base for a creative dessert cocktail.

10. Hornitos Spiced Honey
This unique offering combines plata tequila with the sweetness of honey and a special spice blend. The result is a warm, inviting spirit with notes of vanilla, floral honey, and a hint of spice on the finish. It’s sweeter than many others on this list but avoids being syrupy. It works surprisingly well in autumn or winter cocktails, pairing beautifully with apple cider or ginger ale. For those who enjoy spiced rums, this tequila flavoured spirit provides a similar cozy warmth but with a distinctive agave backbone. It’s a creative and approachable option for newcomers.

Did You Know? A New World of Cocktails

Many people get stuck thinking flavored spirits are only for shots. But the rise of high-quality flavored tequila has opened up a new frontier for cocktails. You no longer need a cabinet full of liqueurs and syrups to make a complex drink. A bottle of Tanteo Jalapeño and some fresh lime juice is all you need for a perfect Spicy Margarita. A splash of 1800 Coconut in pineapple juice creates a drink far superior to most generic Malibu rum and tequila drinks. These spirits provide a shortcut to flavor without compromising on quality. The best tequila de sabores from Mexico offer a foundation for creativity, making it easier than ever to craft delicious, bar-quality cocktails at home.

Exploring the world of tequila flavoured spirits is an adventure. From spicy to fruity to rich and decadent, there is a flavored tequila from Mexico to suit every palate. The next time you’re looking for a bottle, consider one of these top contenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is flavored tequila real tequila?
Yes. To be called a flavored tequila, the spirit must be made with a tequila base that adheres to Mexican regulations. Flavors are added, but the foundation is authentic tequila made from blue Weber agave.

2. Are flavored tequilas full of sugar?
It varies by brand. While some cheaper options can be very sweet, the premium brands on this list focus on natural infusions and balance, keeping sugar content relatively low. They aim to complement the agave flavor, not hide it with sugar.

3. What is the best way to drink flavored tequila?
It depends on the flavor! Spicy tequilas are excellent in margaritas or palomas. Fruit-infused ones are great with soda water or in simple highballs. Coffee-flavored tequilas are perfect for sipping chilled or using in dessert cocktails.

4. Can I find good flavored tequila from Mexico?
Absolutely. Most of the highest-quality and most authentic flavored tequilas come from Mexico, where distillers use local ingredients and time-honored techniques. All the brands on our list are great examples of flavored tequila from Mexico.

5. Are there cocktails that specifically use both Malibu rum and tequila drinks?
While not a classic combination, some modern recipes mix coconut rum with tequila for a tropical-themed drink. However, using a high-quality coconut flavored tequila like 1800 Coconut often provides a more balanced and refined flavor profile for those Malibu rum and tequila drinks.