Tequila and Tequila Drinks: How to Choose the Right Bottle for Sipping, Cocktails or Gifting

Buying tequila and tequila drinks online can be more complicated than it first appears. A clear bottle is not automatically a blanco tequila, an amber colour does not guarantee a particular flavour profile, and a drink with “tequila” in its name may contain tequila flavouring rather than distilled tequila.

For UK shoppers aged 18 and over, three common buying traps are worth avoiding:

• Confusing 100% blue Weber agave tequila with mixto tequila: Check the ingredients and product description. Bottles labelled 100% blue Weber agave tequila identify the main raw material more clearly than vague references to “agave flavour”.
• Assuming longer ageing always means better value: Reposado and añejo tequila develop oak, vanilla and spice notes, but these styles are not automatically more suitable for Margaritas or mixed drinks than blanco tequila.
• Overlooking bottle size, ABV and alcohol units: A 70cl tequila bottle at 38–40% ABV can contain roughly 27–28 UK units. A multipack of flavoured drinks may have a lower ABV per serving, but the total units still matter.

The key specifications to check before buying

1. Tequila style and ageing

The style gives you a useful starting point:

• Blanco tequila is generally unaged or rested briefly, preserving fresh agave, citrus, herbal and peppery notes. It is a practical choice for Margaritas, Palomas and other cocktails where the mixer should remain prominent.
• Reposado tequila is rested in oak for at least two months under the relevant tequila category rules. Oak can add vanilla, caramel and gentle spice while retaining some cooked-agave character.
• Añejo tequila is aged for at least one year. It often suits neat serving or drinking over ice, where oak, dried fruit and warm spice can be appreciated without strong mixers.

Ageing is only one factor. Match the style to how you expect to drink it rather than paying more for a darker or older-looking bottle that may not suit your intended use.

2. Ingredients and authenticity

For a straightforward purchase, look for 100% blue Weber agave in the product information. This separates traditionally made tequila from products that may use other fermentable sugars. Also distinguish a spirit from a tequila-flavoured drink:

• Tequila bottles such as blanco, reposado and añejo contain distilled tequila.
• A tequila liqueur may include sugar, cream or fruit flavourings and is usually lower in ABV.
• Tequila lager beer, such as a flavoured lager with natural tequila flavouring, is a beer rather than a bottle of tequila.

This distinction matters for cocktails, gifting and dietary choices. For example, a strawberry tequila cream liqueur contains milk, so it is unsuitable for anyone avoiding dairy.

3. Bottle format, ABV and storage

A standard 70cl tequila bottle is a useful format for home bars, gifting and occasional entertaining. A pack of two may be more practical for regular cocktail preparation, but compare the total price and units rather than assuming a multipack offers better value.

Check:

• ABV: The products listed here range from 15% for cream liqueur to 40% for some tequilas.
• Alcohol units: Use the stated units on the product listing and plan servings accordingly. UK Chief Medical Officers advise adults not to regularly exceed 14 units per week.
• Storage: Keep spirits upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Cream liqueurs require additional care: once opened, refrigerate them and follow the stated consumption period.
• Allergens: Cream-based drinks contain milk, while lager products may contain gluten from barley malt.

Our Top Recommendations by shopping profile

MATCH FOR: Budget-Conscious Starters

El Jimador Tequila Blanco 70cl

Why This Fits Their Persona: A 70cl blanco format is a manageable starting point for first-time tequila buyers, home cocktail makers and shoppers comparing authentic Mexican spirits.

How It Avoids the Trap

The listing specifies 100% blue Weber agave, 38% ABV and no listed allergens, making the contents easier to compare with flavoured tequila drinks.

Key Advantage & Pros

Clear agave-led character with citrus and herbal notes; suitable for neat serving, ice or Margarita recipes.

MATCH FOR: Premium Quality Seekers

Herradura Añejo 70cl

Why This Fits Their Persona: Añejo tequila in a traditional 70cl bottle suits shoppers looking for a considered sipping spirit or a tequila gift for an adult recipient.

How It Avoids the Trap

The product information states 100% blue Weber agave, 25 months of ageing in American white oak and 40% ABV, rather than relying only on colour-based descriptions.

Key Advantage & Pros

Described with cooked agave, toasted oak, dried fruit, caramel and warm spice notes; intended for neat serving, ice or a premium Margarita.

MATCH FOR: Specific Use Case/Heavy Users

Pack of 2 - El Jimador Tequila Blanco 70cl

Why This Fits Their Persona: Two 70cl bottles are suited to hosts preparing Margaritas for gatherings or households that use blanco tequila regularly.

How It Avoids the Trap

The pack clearly states two bottles, 70cl each, 38% ABV and 100% blue Weber agave, helping shoppers calculate quantity and alcohol units.

Key Advantage & Pros

Fresh, crisp agave notes with citrus and herbal hints; practical for Margaritas, Palomas and other mixed drinks.

Choosing tequila drinks beyond traditional spirits

If you want an easier-drinking option, a strawberry tequila cream liqueur can work neat, over ice or in a dessert-style shake. The listed product contains milk, is 15% ABV and should be refrigerated after opening, with consumption within six months.

For parties where beer is more suitable than spirits, tequila lager beer offers a lager base with natural tequila flavouring. A three-bottle pack contains 330ml bottles at 5.9% ABV, with barley malt and gluten listed among the ingredients. It is not a substitute for tequila when preparing a classic Margarita, but it may suit guests who prefer a chilled bottled drink.

For cocktail-focused shopping, compare tequila for Margaritas by style, ABV and flavour profile. Blanco usually gives a cleaner agave-led base, while reposado adds oak and vanilla. Use measured pours, serve responsibly and check the bottle label before serving.

Frequently asked questions about tequila and tequila drinks

Which tequila is suitable for Margaritas?

Blanco tequila is a practical choice when you want fresh agave and citrus notes to balance lime and orange liqueur. Reposado can also be used if you prefer additional oak, caramel or vanilla character. Always check the ABV and measure servings carefully.

How should an opened tequila bottle be stored?

Store tequila upright, tightly sealed, in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Unlike cream liqueurs, standard tequila does not normally require refrigeration. Flavour can gradually change after opening, particularly if a bottle is nearly empty, so avoid leaving it exposed to air for long periods.

How many drinks are in a 70cl tequila bottle?

The answer depends on the serving size. A 70cl bottle contains fourteen 50ml measures or twenty-eight 25ml measures before accounting for spillage. A 40% ABV bottle contains approximately 28 UK units, while a 38% ABV bottle contains approximately 27 units. Check the product label and follow UK responsible-drinking guidance. Tequila and tequila drinks are for adults aged 18 and over only.