Updated June 2026. Facts, pour sizes, hours, and sources checked against current CRT/NOM rules and NIAAA drink math.
There is no official “best tequila in Mexico.” Tequila is a Mexican denomination of origin. The bottle has to come from the specified territory, from Agave tequilana Weber azul, bottled between 35% and 55% ABV, with a NOM number. “100% agave” is not mixto (mixto may use up to 49% other sugars). Blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo are age classes, not proofs. Most US export bottles are 40% — read the neck. We will not invent a 2026 ranking or MSRP.
Identity hub: tequila guide. Related: blanco, margarita blanco, margarita tequila, reposado, what reposado is, additive-free tequila, mezcal vs tequila, silver vs gold, mixed-drink tequila, smoothest tequila.
What the Mexican rules actually grade
| Mark | Keep |
|---|---|
| NOM number | Bottling facility. Required. Not a taste score |
| CRT / CRT hologram | Consejo Regulador del Tequila authenticity mark |
| 100% agave vs tequila (mixto) | Sugar source. Mixto is still tequila if it meets the spec |
| Blanco / reposado / añejo / extra añejo | Oak time. Not weaker/stronger |
| ABV | 35–55%. US shelves often 40% |
| “Best in Mexico” | Not a CRT class. Dropped the 2022 15-brand ranking |
A 1.5-ounce 40% pour is one NIAAA drink. A 750 mL at 40% is about 17 drinks. Four pours are four drinks. 50%+ sipping bottles scale up. Pour math: tequila drink count. Margarita math: alcohol in a margarita. Storage: does tequila go bad.
Sources
- CRT / NOM tequila specification: territory, agave, 35–55% ABV, 100% agave vs mixto, age classes.
- Most US retail 40% — not a CRT rule that every Mexican bottle is 40%., read the label.
- NIAAA standard drink (December 2025).