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Tequila vs. Mezcal vs. Sotol: What’s Trending in 2025?
Not All Agave Is Tequila
When most people think “agave,” they think tequila. But in 2025, the world is finally waking up to its bold, smoky cousins: mezcal and sotol.
While they may all pour from beautiful bottles and come from similar regions in Mexico, tequila, mezcal, and sotol are distinct spirits with unique traditions, flavors, and cultural backstories. And this year, all three are trending in very different directions.
At Liqir, we’re seeing collectors, connoisseurs, and cocktail lovers explore the entire agave spectrum, so let’s break it down.
Tequila: The Refined Icon
What it is:
Tequila is made from 100% blue weber agave, grown in Jalisco and a few surrounding areas. It must follow strict regulations and comes in clear (blanco), aged (reposado, añejo), and ultra-aged (extra añejo) formats.
Why it’s trending in 2025:
- Luxury sippers: Extra añejo bottles like Don Julio Ultima Reserva or Clase Azul Ultra are being collected like whisky.
- Celebrity drops: Expect more high-profile releases from athletes, artists, and designers.
- Low-ABV tequila cocktails are leading the brunch and daytime sipping scene.
Vibe: Polished, clean, versatile—great for both collectors and casual drinkers.
Mezcal: The Wild Smoky Soul
What it is:
Mezcal can be made from over 30 types of agave, mostly in Oaxaca. It’s typically roasted underground, giving it that earthy, smoky flavor.
Why it’s trending in 2025:
- Small-batch, artisanal vibe is attracting high-end buyers who want authenticity.
- Smoked cocktail trend is on fire – mezcal Negronis, mezcal espresso martinis, and even mezcal spritzes.
- Bottle design is bolder and more artistic, appealing to younger collectors and design lovers.
Vibe: Raw, smoky, expressive – mezcal is for those who want something wild, complex, and unforgettable.
Sotol: The Cult Favorite on the Rise
What it is:
Not technically agave, but close. Sotol is made from the Dasylirion (desert spoon) plant, native to Northern Mexico. It has a grassy, herbal profile with less smoke and more minerality.
Why it’s trending in 2025:
- Emerging from obscurity: sotol is now being embraced by Michelin-starred mixologists.
- “New terroir spirit” buzz is putting it in the same conversation as wine and mezcal.
- Eco-conscious production: sotol grows wild and regenerates faster than agave, making it a sustainable darling.
Vibe: Earthy, elegant, under-the-radar—perfect for early adopters and adventurous palates.
Which One Is Right for You?
Spirit | Flavor Notes | Best For | 2025 Trend Score ⭐️ |
Tequila | Smooth, sweet, citrusy | Luxury sipping, cocktails | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Mezcal | Smoky, earthy, complex | Bold cocktails, collectors | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Sotol | Grassy, mineral, dry | Exploration, pairings | ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ |
Final Sip – There’s Room for All Three
Whether you’re a collector adding something rare to your shelf or a modern drinker looking for a bold new flavor to sip and savor, agave spirits are having a moment, and it’s no longer just about tequila.
At Liqir, we curate the very best from all three categories, from Extra Añejo tequila and wild agave mezcal to rare sotol bottles ready to impress. So whether you’re team smooth, team smoky, or team herbal, there’s a bottle waiting for you.
