7 New Tequilas For A Cinco De Mayo Celebration

Jul 25, 2023

This year, the new list of agave-based spirits released ahead of Cinco de Mayo, and subsequently summer, proves lengthy and enticing.

In addition to limited edition tequilas and new styles from favored brands, there are also entirely new brands clinking onto the scene, as the tequila category continues to outperform all other spirits. Earlier this year, tequila surpassed American whisky to become the second most valuable spirit category in the U.S., and is on track to overtake vodka as the biggest category by value by the end of 2023, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

Whether sipping, mixing or blending tequila this Cinco de Mayo, here are seven of the newest bottles and brands to check out.

Patrón El Cielo

Patrón Tequila's latest addition to their portfolio is also the first of its kind – a premium silver tequila crafted from a four-time distillation process for a rich spirit that is balanced with sweetness and bright citrus. Though adding another stage of distillation is typically misconceived for diluting flavor, Patrón master distiller David Rodriguez shared in a release, "this was not the case for Patrón El Cielo." Rodriguez used the smallest copper pot still at Hacienda Patrón and found the quadruple distillation "unlocked and opened up the natural sweetness and smoothness from the agave to deliver an incredibly sweet and light tasting, smooth tequila." The structure and complexities of Patrón El Cielo make it an ideal sipper, over ice with a slice of orange. SRP $129, reservebar.com

Chrome Horse Society launched this week with its first expression as an ultra-smooth, premium blanco tequila. The refined spirit reveals notes of citrus and spicy pepper, and is presented in a sleek bottle meant to appeal to the sophisticated and contemporary consumer. The brand was founded by Jack Morgan, an equestrian and entrepreneur who envisioned a tequila "as refined as the people enjoying it." Morgan is also a philanthropist and wanted to ensure the brand's environmental responsibility, thus the agave fields are privately owned, crops are rotated frequently and the use of modern technology reduces water consumption and steam energy by 50 percent when compared to conventional methods. The tequila is pure enough to sip neat or to use as the base for your favorite tequila cocktail. SRP $75.49, chromehorsesociety.com

Calirosa Paloma

From the brand that popularized pink tequila comes the latest style to round out Calirosa's collection, Calirosa Reposado. The tequila is aged in red wine barrels for nine months, akin to the rest of the portfolio of Rosa Blanco, añejo and extra añejo, rather than the industry standard of whisky barrel aging. The red wine barrel imparts a delicate softness to the reposado tequila, which permits notes of juicy nectarine and pineapple to shine on the palate while tropical aromas of guava and orange blossom tantalize on the nose. It's these notes that lend themselves to the brand's recommendation of enjoying Calirosa Reposado in an espresso martini or paloma. SRP $59.99, calirosatequila.com

Though Storywood Tequila has been around since 2016, it was just recently launched in the U.S. Fusing the best of Jalisco, Mexico and Speyside, Scotland, the tequilas are a unique expression that will appeal to both tequila and whisky enthusiasts. Available in reposado and añejo styles, Storywood crafts their tequila from 10-year-old mature 100 percent blue weber agave that then spends seven or 14 months in single malt whisky casks, respectively for reposado and añejo. Due to the distinct nature and collaboration of this spirit, Storywood is best enjoyed as a slow sipping tequila; add a drop of water or block of ice to watch it evolve and open in your glass much like a single malt would. SRP $39.99 (reposado), $73.67 (añejo), storywoodtequila.com

Casa Don Ramón 25th Anniversary Extra Añejo

In honor of their 25th anniversary this year, Casa Don Ramón just released an extra añejo encased in a Swarovski- studded bottle. The limited edition tequila is triple distilled and aged for three years in American oak, French oak and whisky barrels to result in a powerful bodied liquid, accented by notes of dark cherries, cedar and caramel. The 25th Anniversary Edition bottles were crafted in collaboration with Mexican artisans who hand-placed the 301 golden SS12 Swarovski crystals on each of the 5,000 bottles. Savor this neat. SRP $750, totalwine.com

Last month, Tequila Don Julio added to its portfolio with this reposado tequila aged at least four months in ruby port wine casks. The light pink hue differs from the traditional golden liquid of a reposado, hence its label as a rosado, which is imparted by the port casks. Don Julio Rosado also offers a lighter profile – made with daytime moments in mind like poolside or patio meals – with notes of creamy strawberry, ripe raspberry and a touch of bitter cocoa. Enjoy as a long drink with a splash of club soda and lemon wheel. SRP $125.99, donjulio.com

Celosa Tequila is a newly-launched brand that proves pink tequila is in its prime. The organic joven rosé tequila is made with seven-year-old blue weber agave before its rested in French oak barrels previously housing red wine. On the palate, the freshness of summer berries are balanced by a slight sweetness of vanilla before a smooth finish. The elegant bottle is a beautiful serving vessel, topped by Mexican marble – no two of which are the same. Celosa suggests serving this chilled and neat or substituting it for gin in a negroni. SRP $129.99, celosatequila.com