Cinco de Mayo marks the anniversary of the 1862 Battle of Puebla when Mexican forces defeated French troops in the city of Puebla, southeast of Mexico City. Today, the holiday is a celebration of Mexican culture, heritage, and resilience, with many taking the opportunity to appreciate Mexican music, food, and drinks – the most famous of them being the tequila. 

The distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant is traditionally made in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the Jaliscan Highlands in Mexico. Tequila can be enjoyed pure or used in drinks such as the popular Margarita, the Tequila Sunrise, and the Paloma – either way, always drink responsibly and only if you’re over 21. 

Click here to learn more about Cinco de Mayo celebrations and take a look at our selection of tequila brands to try below: 

Casa Noble

Made of 100% Blue Weber agave cultivated in the volcanic soil on the mountains of Western Jalisco, the Casa Noble tequila is distilled three times to achieve the finest flavor and its unique aroma. Learn more on Casa Noble.com. 

LALO

This Guadalajara-based label uses no flavors or additives in its tequila, made using only agave, yeast, and water. The blanco tequila brings out aromatic notes of cooked agave, sweet potato, cinnamon, and even a hint of dulce de leche with a touch of citrus and tropical fruit. Available for $52.99 at ShopLaloSpirits.com.

Santera

Produced and bottled in Tequila, Jalisco, Santera blanco is unaged and undergoes a special filtration process to enhance the soft taste, and should be great for preparing cocktails. The label also offers añejo and reposado bottles. Learn more on SanteraTequila.com.

El Tequileño

Named in honor of the city where it was founded in 1959, El Tequileño offers a wide variety of bottles – the reposado is made of 100% agave that spends three months in American Oak, resulting in an aroma with hints of vanilla and taste of cooked agave. Find it on Tequileno.com.

Patrón

The handcrafted premium Patrón Silver is made of 100% Blue Weber agave meticulously distilled in small quantities, resulting in an interesting combination of citrus and pepper touches. Learn more on PatronTequila.com.

Próspero 

This Rita Ora-approved and female-led label carefully produces handcrafted blanco, reposado, and añejo varieties – the latter of which is aged for at least 12 months in oak barrels, with flavors of spice, toasted caramel, cacao, and roasted fruit. Read more on ProsperoTequila.com.

José Cuervo

Perhaps the best-selling tequila brand in the world, the traditional José Cuervo offers a wide range of bottles to choose from. The Cuervo Gold golden-style joven tequila is made from a mix of reposado and younger tequilas and is perfect for smooth Margaritas. Find it on Cuervo.com.