Struggling to find the right gift for the tequila lover or mezcal aficionado in your life? Then, you’ve come to the right place. We selected 19 gift ideas to put a smile on any agave spirit fan – even if you can’t afford that bottle of Clase Azule!
(BTW, if you’re shopping for gin lovers or bourbon lovers, we’ve got gifts for them too).
1. Riedel Ouverture Tequila Glass
Riedel is a family-owned, 300-year-old crystal company known for its varietal-specific stemware. Understanding how the vessel's shape affects the spirit's taste, the Ouverture is excellent for everyday use while maximizing the aromas and flavors with every sip of tequila. Its narrower design captures the subtle nuances while sure to please the most discerning drinker.
2. Volcanic Rock Flight Tray
If you want an authentic mezcal or tequila tasting experience, try this flight tray handmade in the Mexican state of Puebla from the Millennial rocks of the Popocatepetl volcano. These artisanal copitas with serving tray will charm agave aficionados and indeed complement that bottle of Del Maguey Tobala.
3. Mezcal + Tequila Cocktail Book
This cocktail book answers the age-old question "what else can I do with tequila and mezcal other than a margarita?" Let the James Beard Award-nominated author and New York Times Spirits writer, Robert Simonson, show you agave's versatility and chart these two spirits' evolution and their role in the craft cocktail revival. The recipes found within these pages show you how to apply classic cocktail formulas to Mexico's finest.
4. Sal de Gusano
Get ready for an agave-smoked flavor bomb that puts your regular salt to shame. Sal de Gusano is a traditional Oaxacan spice made from sea salt, ground toasted agave worms, and chile costeño. Lightly sprinkle over your orange slice; it's mezcal's perfect companion. If you're looking for more seasonings to enhance your sipping experience, check out this 4-flavored salt pack.
5. Talavera Travel Mug
Level up your coffee game with this artisanal Talavera travel mug. Whether you're toting tea, coffee, or something chilled, this vessel's vibrant colors, unique design, and impressive craftsmanship will earn you some rubbernecker points. It's equipped with a silicone topper to prevent spills while preserving your drink's temp. This earthenware pottery style adds a dash of personality to the on-the-go mover and shaker.
6. Pink Himalayan Salt Glass Set with Serving Tray
If you love salt with your tequila, get ready to meet your soulmate. These glasses are carved from dark pink crystals with the most minerals and nutrients straight from the Himalayan Mountains and fashion a translucent rose quartz appearance. Each one includes a patented insert to keep your shooter tasting like tequila (and not ocean water). Perfect novelty gift for any tequila drinker's home bar. Bottoms up!
7. Tequila Cocktail Recipe Glass
Here's one for the budding mixologist: a tequila cocktail-making cheatsheet with seven classic recipes baked into the glass. Never wonder what goes into an El-Diablo again, as this item keeps your measurements on point. From the Paloma to the Bloody Maria to the Tequila Sunrise, if you're looking for libations made easy, consider this gift your final destination. If you're in the mood for a gin-themed measuring glass, head here.
8. Veladora Shot Glass
Catholic prayer candle turned shot glass, the "Veladora," is a favorite among Oaxacan mezcal drinkers and is appearing more frequently than the traditional copita. This style spotlights the spirit's complexity while measuring just under three inches tall. Each vaso has a crucifix imprinted at the base to remind you of its divine origins, inviting you to "drink until you see the cross."
9. Casa Dragones Añejo Barrel Blend
This standalone bottle of añejo from small-batch producer Casa Dragones offers a savory tequila tasting experience by combining two styles of aged tequila: one from custom-made French Oak barrels and the other from American Oak. The result gets you a velvety rich mouthfeel with hints of blackberry and nutmeg on the tongue, followed by a long round finish with fine cacao and spicy black pepper notes.
10. Marble Stone Shot Glasses with Serving Tray
Here's some statement-making marble stone glassware to shoot your favorite tequila in the next time you play host. Handmade and inspired by the Nahua people of Puebla Tecali de Herrera, each glass adds a dash of rustic elegance while being durable enough to handle the most rigorous drinking sesh.
11. Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spirit
This James Beard-nominated book is the definitive guide to exploring the spirit's origins, being an excellent teacher while highlighting lesser-known traditional Mexican flavor combinations. Its author spent a significant amount of time talking to the people who have been living and breathing mezcal their whole lives. It's an accessible, well-organized read that will have you nerding out over this agave-based distillate.
12. Siete Leguas Tequila Reposado
It can easily hold its own in a bar fight. This reposado is aged eight months in white oak barrels and punches above its weight class as both being an excellent tequila to sip neat or enjoy in a cocktail. Treat your palate to notes of citrus zest, fresh coriander, and soft vanilla while packing a long and powerful finish.
13. Hella Cocktail Co. Bitters
14. Frozen Margarita Machine
If you're looking for an idiot-proof margarita machine that's stupid easy to use, you've come to the right place. This high-quality model from Margaritaville includes four pre-programmed drink settings and makes enough for up to two-and-a-half pitchers courtesy of its extra-large ice reservoir. Turn your ordinary concoctions into something restaurant-worthy with premium shaved ice made specifically for blended cocktails.
15. BrüMate MargTini Tumbler
If you're sick of your margaritas getting warm before drinking half, this tumbler beats the heat. So the next time you're outdoors sipping on something sweet, sour, and 80 proof, try this vessel from the folks at BrüMate. It keeps your beverage cool for hours by packing a double-walled, steel interior (without the metallic aftertaste) and a removable splash-proof lid to keep those pesky bugs away.
16. Tequila Vintage Bar Sign
Give a little boozing gift with a retro tequila wall hanging. This high-quality tin-plated piece of wall decor comes equipped with pre-drilled holes made for easy fastening to cozy up any corner of your home (or man cave) with a little rustic charm.
17. Finding Mezcal: A Journey into the Liquid Soul of Mexico
Author Ron Cooper nearly singlehandedly spearheaded the artisanal mezcal movement in the U.S. and is responsible for its enormous popularity today. This book recounts his story of founding Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, collaborations with the Oaxacan craftspeople, and introducing 40 cocktail recipes created by chefs and bartenders worldwide. Learn the beautiful story of the people and places responsible for this enchanting spirit.
18. Tequila Dish Towel
Mom owned and operated, the women behind Moonlight Makers bring you a 100% cotton flour-sack dish towel that's handmade and screen-printed using their original designs with non-toxic ink. One of the best gifts for that tequila lover who's also a cynic. Use this for drying those "damned shot glasses" after last night's soiree that started as a tequila and tacos tasting but got a "little bit" out of control.
19. Del Maguey Tobalá Mezcal
Del Maguey (pronounced 'ma-gay') is an innovative spirit brand forging its way to the top of the international market since 1995. It's made in several different locations across Puebla and Oaxaca, Mexico. Each release stems from a single village where the varying micro-climates give every bottle a unique flavor unique to the region's terroir. This premium Tobala was handcrafted in the town of Santa Maria Albarradas, naturally fermented and twice distilled in wood-fired copper stills with notes of floral, tropical fruit, and a slightly smoky finish (for a beginner-friendly mezcal, try this).
FAQs
Can You Ship Alcohol As A Gift?
Yes, you can ship alcohol as a gift when using a spirit delivery service (the USPS prohibits the mailing of alcohol). Any approved retailer with a license to ship alcohol is acceptable. Amazon even has a few select spirits (although those appear to be routed through local liquor stores.
Some of our favorite places to order booze from include:
- Drizly
- Flaviar
- ReserveBar
What Is the Most Expensive Tequila?
The most expensive tequila is Tequila Ley Diamante, valued at $3.5 million. It’s an extra premium Anejo made with the finest agave, weighing in at 84 proof and aged in white oak barrels for seven years.
But what makes this bottle so pricey is the bottle itself. Made with two kilos of platinum (the world’s most expensive metal) and lined with 4,100 white diamonds, it’s no wonder this vessel’s market value is seven figures.
If you want to sidestep its sky-high cost, a regular bottle of extra Anejo Ley .925 will set you back ~$75.
What’s the Difference Between Tequila and Mezcal?
The main difference between tequila and mezcal is that tequila gets made when you steam agave inside ovens before distilling it in copper pots. Alternatively, mezcal roasts inside earthen pits lined with lava rocks before distilling in clay pots.
This underground roasting is where the slightly smoky flavor comes from.
The other difference is the kind of agave used during distillation. Mezcal is made from any of the 50 species of the agave plant, tequila from only one: Weber blue agave.
The Last Word On Mezcal and Tequila Gifts
Whether you’re looking for that perfect housewarming gift, Christmas gift, or something else, the items found inside this post will set you up for success and satisfy even the fussiest mezcal and tequila fans.
Curious to learn more about how to spruce up your home bar? Read this.
