The Beginners' Guide to the Best Tequila

If you thought tequila was only for speedy shots in the sticky-floored nightclubs of your student days, think again. The Mexican spirit is having a moment, favoured for its complex flavour profile, with the best quality examples good enough to sip straight-up.

"We were the first UK retailer to launch an own-label M&S Distilled Silver Tequila back in 2022," says M&S Drinks Product Developer, Jenny Rea. "Now, we're excited to launch two new Casa 1884 tequilas – Blanco and Reposado. They're both made with 100% agave, and distilled and bottled by our family-run producer in Guadalajara, Mexico. The agave takes about 7 years to reach maturity, and the Reposado is aged in American oak barrels for four months to develop its smooth, rounded flavour."

Get the lowdown on this very special spirit with our beginner's guide to tequila, from how to serve to crowd-pleasing cocktail ideas.

Tequila is a Mexican spirit from the blue Weber agave plant. To be called tequila, it must be produced in specific regions of Mexico under a protected designation of origin. It's made by cooking, fermenting and distilling the agave hearts (piñas), giving it a distinctive balance of sweet, peppery and earthy flavours. Not just for a classic Margarita, good-quality tequilas can be sipped over ice to unlock their diverse flavours.

Bright and zingy, tequila is perfectly suited to fresh, summery cocktails. Try some of our favourite ideas:

• Margarita: You can't go wrong with a classic Marg, made with tequila and lime. Or try switching up the flavours with a hot honey Margarita or mango Margarita. Read our ultimate guide to making a Margarita for inspiration.

• Paloma: The aromatic notes of tequila work brilliantly with grapefruit in a Paloma. Try this spicy version for an extra kick.

• Spicy cocktails: Tequila's complex flavours contrast brilliantly with bold, spicy flavours – try this trio of 'fricy' (fruity and spicy) cocktails.

• Tequila Sunrise: The retro classic, made with tequila, orange juice and grenadine, is a perennial holiday fave for a reason.

• Tequila Sour: Strike the perfect balance of sweet, zesty, refreshing and sharp by using tequila to shake up a classic sour cocktail, with the addition of cherries for extra fruitiness.

• Beerita: For a longer, daytime-friendly way to enjoy tequila, serve long with Mexican-style lager in this refreshing Beerita cocktail.

Browse our cocktail recipes and unleash your inner mixologist, whether you fancy something fizzy and fruity or rich and creamy. Want us to do the hard work for you? Our iconic pre-made cocktails are the way to go, from tinnies for your picky tea to bar-quality bottled cocktails. Ready for some fun? Take our interactive quiz to find out which cocktail tinnie you are.