A Definitive Guide To Tequila Gifts
If you're searching for the perfect gift for a tequila lover we understand your desire to make it special. Tequila is more than just a drink. It has always been a symbol of celebrating life's moments and sharing joy with others. Gifting a bottle of tequila can add a touch of Mexico to any cocktail experience and create unforgettable memories. Whether you want to treat a tequila aficionado or indulge yourself, we're here to help. With the guidance of tequila expert Cara Watson, we've curated a list of our top 5 tequila gifts to help you find the perfect one.
What should you look for in a tequila gift?
When selecting a gift for a tequila enthusiast, choose a high-quality brand that respects the rich cultural heritage of tequila and guarantees a memorable experience, ensuring your gift won't be forgotten anytime soon.
Many tequila lovers have a preferred type of tequila, so it’s important to educate yourself before buying:
Blanco – the purest tequila, bottled after the second distillation
Reposado – “rested” by aging in oak barrels anywhere from two months to one year
Añejo – "old" or "vintage,” aged for at least one year but usually between 1–3 years
Extra Añejo – aged for three years or more, achieving a more complex, smoky flavour
Cristalino – “crystal-clear,” an Añejo tequila that has been charcoal filtered to add back in some brighter, fresh notes whilst maintaining its complexity
For more insider knowledge, check out our ultimate guide to tequila.
Here are 5 thoughtful options to lift their spirits
1. Top-notch gifts for the blue agave-minded
For those who truly appreciate the bold and unique flavour of blue agave, there's no better gift than Don Julio Blanco Tequila. This premium tequila is carefully crafted using only the finest hand-selected blue agave, resulting in a slightly sweet taste and a smooth finish perfect for sipping or mixing into various cocktails. Unlike some other tequilas that are aged for extended periods, Don Julio Blanco Tequila is clear in colour, fully allowing you to appreciate its rich and complex flavour profile. Although it's not aged, this tequila is occasionally allowed to sit for a few weeks which helps it to achieve an ideal balance of flavours. The result is a tequila that's truly a work of art and an exceptional gift choice for anyone who appreciates a refined spirit.
Cara on her favourite Blanco cocktail
“Why not try a Tommy’s Margarita? It is one of my favourites and so easy to make at home. Simply add the following ingredients into a cocktail shaker or old jam jar with ice and shake it up. Serve how you like; in either a tumbler with ice or straight up in a martini glass if you prefer.”
50 ml Don Julio Blanco
25 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml agave syrup
2. Treat them to a rare bottle or limited edition
When selecting a gift for a loved one, you want something truly special. Don Julio 1942 is an exceptional tequila that can make that moment of unwrapping even more remarkable. This luxurious and exquisite drink is highly regarded by connoisseurs for a good reason. It is made in small batches, aged for 2.5 years, and crafted by hand as a tribute to the year Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey. The bottle is a work of art itself with intricate design and attention to detail. You can even personalise it by engraving a message on the bottle to signify the importance of your relationship. If Don Julio 1942 is out of reach, there are other unique options, such as Don Julio 70 Cristalino Tequila. Whatever option you choose, rest assured that your loved ones will cherish it beyond the last drop.
Cara recommends a Don Julio 1942 cocktail
“Whilst 1942 is an incredibly smooth spirit you can sip neat or on the rocks, sometimes you might like to switch it up with a cocktail that’s a twist on an Old Fashioned. Stir the ingredients together and garnish with a lemon twist to bring a brighter note to this classic. Feeling adventurous? Swap the orange and angostura bitters for cardamom bitters and make your simple syrup with coconut water.”
50 ml Don Julio 1942
10 ml simple syrup
1 dash orange bitters
1 dash angostura
3. An exceptional Reposado tequila experience awaits
If you're searching for a gift for someone who appreciates Reposado tequila, Cara highly recommends Casamigos Reposado for its impressive combination of notes of dried fruit, spicy oak, sweet agave, and a captivating aroma of cocoa and caramel. For a more complex flavour experience, DeLeón Reposado is another excellent option. This tequila is aged in bold American Oak and delicately finished in French Oak wine casks. It boasts a complex flavour profile with hints of vanilla, dried fruit, and spice, making it an ideal gift for someone with a refined palate.
Cara’s go-to Paloma recipe
“The Paloma is my favourite long tequila drink of all time! A Paloma can be made by using a good grapefruit soda (I use Two Keys soda) and Don Julio Reposado, but if you want to make it like a bartender, build the ingredients below in a highball and garnish with a half salt rim and grapefruit slice.”
50 ml Don Julio Reposado
10 ml lime juice
10 ml agave syrup
30 ml pink grapefruit juice
Top with grapefruit soda (or regular soda)
4. A special gift set for a special someone
Gift sets are an excellent way to show appreciation. For an exceptional experience, the 21 Seeds Tequila Gift Set is perfect. It features three premium tequila Blancos expertly infused with fresh fruits. Cucumber Jalapeño is a refreshing and invigorating blend, Grapefruit Hibiscus offers a delightful citrusy taste, and Valencia Orange is impeccably sweet. Another highly giftable choice, the Don Julio gift set is a fantastic choice for those wanting to explore different tequila flavour profiles. It includes Don Julio Blanco and Don Julio Reposado, two of the finest tequilas. Don Julio Blanco is perfect for sipping or mixing in cocktails, while Don Julio Reposado offers a more complex flavour profile with hints of vanilla and caramel. This gift set is the epitome of luxury.
5. Gift them a bottle of Añejo tequila
Perhaps you are searching for a gift that will delight a tequila enthusiast with a preference for flavours of vanilla and cinnamon. Cara recommends a bottle of Añejo tequila, such as the premium brand Casamigos Añejo. Known for its smoothness and rich flavour, Añejo, which translates to "old" or "vintage," is a preferred choice for those who appreciate the finer things in life. It is especially perfect for sipping cocktails such as an Old Fashioned. Aged in oak barrels for at least a year, Añejo possesses a character that can be compared to a wise, older auntie of the tequila family. Additionally, it boasts a lightly spiced finish perfectly balanced with the taste of agave and butterscotch honey.
Give the gift of exceptional tequila
We hope our recommendations have sparked your curiosity to delve into the world of tequila and explore the vast selection of brands and flavours available. Whether it's the exceptional Casamigos or the iconic Don Julio, there is something for every taste bud. And for those who appreciate a personal touch, consider gifting a gift set or engraving the bottle to make it truly unique.
