5 Expensive Tequila Brands to Impress Your Guests

Tequila — some love it, others can’t stand to smell or drink it. However, not all tequilas are created equal. Mexico’s national drink is a spirit distilled from the agave plant. It comes in five basic varieties, including Blanco, reposado, Joven, añejo and extra añejo. There are many ways to drink tequila so you can avoid a gnarly hangover the next day.

You should spend your money wisely on liquor. However, more expensive tequila typically brings better quality. If you’re willing to shell out a bit of cash for your tequila, you’re guaranteed to impress any tequila-loving guests.

If you’re interested in purchasing expensive tequila but don’t know where to start, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of seven pricier tequilas to consider buying to throw a party you and your guests will never forget.

1. Casa Dragones

Casa Dragones is a small-batch tequila producer that strives to make high-quality tequila in every bottle. The company produces at most 500 cases a batch to ensure quality control and the best taste. This expensive tequila brand offers various types of smooth tequila with refined character and soft, clean finishes for the ultimate tasting experience.

Forbes Magazine once called Casa Dragones Joven the “Tastemakers’ Top Tequila,” a master blend of 100% Blue agave silver and extra-aged tequila. The Joven variety runs for around $299, the Barrel blend is $165, and the Blanco is $82. Casa Dragones is a famous tequila brand because there’s an affordable bottle for everyone’s budget.

2. Clase Azul

Another high-end tequila brand is Clase Azul. The Clase Azul Reposado Tequila is a popular choice with a $159.99 price tag. This bottle comprises 100% Tequilana Weber Blue Agave and is eight months old.

One unique aspect of this brand is that each bottle of Clase Azul is hand-made and hand-painted by artisans in a small Mexican village. You could buy one bottle of this tequila brand, but the other bottles on the shelf would look a bit different.

3. Tears of Llorona

Tears of Llorona Tequila is an extra añejo tequila with tastes of black cherries, vanilla, apples and honeysuckle. Some of its top notes are toffee, chocolate and crème brûlée. This company ages its tequila for five years in barrels that once had sherry, brandy and scotch.

The triple barreling and extra-long aging processes create a complex taste that mimics cognac or old whiskey but maintains clear agave notes. A bottle of Tears of Llorona costs around $269.99.

4. Don Julio 

Don Julio is an iconic tequila brand, as it’s well-known in pop culture and featured in exclusive cocktail bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It’s aged for a minimum of two and a half years and produced in small batches. The Don Julio 1942 version is widespread and costs around $219.99.

This tequila has chocolate and caramel smells and tastes like vanilla, roasted agave, and warm oak. It’s common to serve it on the rocks or neat. 

Consider using Don Julio tequila as the main drink for your party games. You can play Truth or Drink, a low-effort, high-stakes drinking game where one player asks another a question. They can either answer the question or opt to take a drink. Consider using Don Julio tequila as a drink to get the party going!

5. Patrón

Last but not least, Patrón is another expensive tequila mentioned by famous musicians such as Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Drake and The Weeknd. It’s a high-end tequila with natural, raw ingredients to develop deep and complex flavors. 

There are a few different types of Patrón, including classic Patrón, Roca Patrón, Gran Patrón, XO Cafe and Limited Editions. 

Tequila lovers enjoy drinking Patrón in a classic margarita or a mojito. It’s a trendy choice, but you may want to go for the Gran Patrón Platinum Silver Tequila. This bottle has excellent online reviews, is high-quality and costs around $199. 

Buying an expensive tequila brand can bring your party or get-together to the next level. As mentioned above, the more expensive tequila is, the better it will taste for you and your friends.

Use the Classic Tequila Toast

Whether you use expensive tequila for a shot or prefer to sip it, use the classic tequila toast, “Arriba, Abajo, al Centro, y Pa’ Dentro!” There is no precise translation to English, but it’s common for people to raise their glass, lower it, put it in front of them and drink when performing this toast. If you purchase expensive tequila, share it with friends or family and always drink responsibly.