Tequila. Mezcal. Sotol. All of these lovely spirits are growing in popularity, and two of them come from the heart of agave plants. Thus, these spirits are naturally romantic.
Here’s a round-up of some tequilas, mezcals and sotol to celebrate this Valentine’s Day.
Tequila Dahlia Cristalino, $39.99
This luxurious reposado tequila is filtered through activated charcoal then bottled in a glass vessel reminiscent of a classic perfume bottle. It’s a lovely tequila on its own, but it works equally well in cocktails.
Próspero Tequila Blanco, $39.99
Born of the volcanic soil of the tequila valley, Próspero is the crafted by one of the few female master distillers, Stella Anguiano. Anguiano partnered with Rita Orr to launch Próspero Tequila. With bright aromas and undertones, this blanco tequila is a perfect tequila to celebrate this holiday.
Ilegal Mezcal Reposado, $57.99
This aged mezcal is something agave lovers will enjoy. Aged for six months in a combination of new and used American oak barrels, this mezcal has a velvety mouthfeel, with aromas of caramelized pear and bitter orange on the nose, with hints of vanilla, clove and butterscotch on the palate. It’s perfect for sipping by the fire or shaking into a margarita this Valentine’s Day.
1800 Cristalino Añejo Tequila, $60
This crystal clear añejo tequila is aged in new American and French barrels before it is blended together and finished in port casks. The clear liquid belies its depth of taste and flavor, making it a romantic gesture to serve or gift this Valentine’s Day.
Dulce Vida Grapefruit Tequila Grapefruit Tequila, $25.99
An organic blanco tequila is infused with real fruit flavors, and the results are nothing short of delicious. If you like palomas, then you’ll love this tequila. Also quite good is the pineapple jalapeño and the lime. Enjoy on the rocks or mixed Into cocktails this Valentine’s Day.
PATRÓN EL ALTO, $179
This latest tequila from PATRÓN is primarily crafted with extra añejo and blended with añejo and reposado tequilas, each aged to their maximum potential, and it took more than four years of craftsmanship and artistry to make this luxury tequila. It’s meant for sipping, and this tequila would wow as a gift this Valentine’s Day.
El Silencio Espadín Mezcal, $35.99
This robust mezcal boasts a deep flavor profile with subtle spice and a pronounced finish. El Silence is considered a disruptor of a brand that was founded by Fausto Zapata and Vincente Cisneros, Mexico City natives. Its dramatic, black bottle presents an inviting Valentine’s Day gift.
Rancho La Gloria Pink Lemonade Infused Tequila, $29.99
If you’re looking for something fruity and pink, look no further than Rancho La Gloria’s tequila that’s infused with pink lemonade. Packaged in a pretty bottle, this fruity tequila is great for mixing. If you like it spicy, Rancho La Gloria also makes a Jalapeño Lime Infused Tequila, too.
Camarena Tequila Reposado, $24.99
This award-winning tequila is barrel-aged, and it’s got agave sweetness and toasted oak, along with deep vanilla and caramel notes. It’s a great tequila to cozy up with on Valentine’s Day, either served neat or added to a cocktail.
Costa Tequila Añejo, $56.99
This is the latest offering from Costa, a maker known for blending 100 percent blue weber agave that’s sourced from two different tequila regions in Jalisco – from both Los Altos or the Highlands and Valle de Tequila or the Lowlands. This delicious tequila was aged for 16 months in American oak barrels, delivering a peppery, earthy and spicy tequila that boasts notes of roasted hazelnut, caramel, vanilla and brown sugar.
Los Magos Sotol Blanco, $59.99
Los Magos, or “The Magicians,” Sotol was originally conceived in 2014 by native Chihuahuenses who saw an opportunity to share a centuries-old traditional spirit through a modern artisanal approach. Unlike tequila or mezcal, Sotol is distilled from, well, sotol, which is a different plant than agave. This award-winning, smoky spirit boasts complex notes of citrus, black pepper, light smoke and eucalyptus. It’s got a soft, velvety palate with a herbaceous finish. It’s the perfect gift for a spirit lover.
Cutwater Spirits Tequila Blanco, $34.99
The elegant and precise nature of the rayador, also known as the black skimmer sea bird, served as the inspiration for this tequila. This tequila’s slight grassy aroma gives way to heavier, sweet notes of cooked agave, and ends with a smooth finish. While this tequila is perfect for mixing your own cocktails, it’s also used in making Cutwater Spirits’s canned strawberry margarita, which is good if you’re feeling a little lazy this Valentine’s Day.
El Bandido Yankee Blanco tequila, $39.99
Created by former Packer Jim Bob Morris, this tequila is crafted using using old school methods without mixing in additives or pouring hydrochloric acid on the agave plants during the processing. The result is smooth and sweet.
Milagro Tequila Select Silver, $39.99
Milagro Select Silver is a premium tequila aged in mindfully sourced wooden barrels. Savor this tequila straight or add it to a thoughtful cocktail this Valentine’s Day.
Catedral Mezcal $59.99 to $89.99
This new line of mezcals is created with care. “There’s nothing more romantic than sipping a spirit that is made by hand with love,” says Sydney Block, founder. “It’s a great gift for people who care about artisanal creations and small batch drinks. Each sip is like kissing Mother Earth.”
Milagro Tequila Select Silver, $39.99
Milagro Select Silver is a premium tequila aged in mindfully sourced wooden barrels. Savor this tequila straight or add it to a thoughtful cocktail this Valentine’s Day.
Siempre Tequila Plata, $37.25
Alex Lacroix and his partner Monica Sanita founded Siempre, and for the better part of ten years, they put their passion into this brand while they weren’t receive a paycheck. “Siempre is a love story about a couple who wanted to build a legacy out of a family passion for agave spirits,” says Lacroix. “Monica and I braved it against all odds, from humble beginnings to building a multinational luxury tequila brand.” It’s a favored brand, he says, at weddings, because the name means “always.”