The Best High-ABV Tequilas to Mix Into Cocktails or Sip Straight

If you glance at the label on an average bottle of tequila, there’s a good chance it will be listed as 80 proof. This means that it’s 40 percent alcohol. This is the baseline for tequila and many other spirits. But, while it’s the most common level of alcohol, it’s not the only one. There are myriad higher-alcohol tequilas on the market. They’re boozy, warming, high-octane, and perfect for the frozen winter months.

High ABV (when it comes to tequila) pretty much means anything over 80 proof, but most are at 100 proof (50 percent alcohol by volume) and above. At the highest level, 110 proof is the maximum alcohol content allowed by tequila.

These high-proof expressions still stand up when added to a cocktail with multiple ingredients without falling into the background. Some come from big-name brands and others are produced by smaller, artisanal brands. All are worth adding to your bar cart.

Tapatio Blanco 110

Sitting at the highest possible proof in the tequila world, Tapatio Blanco 110 is a bold, potent mixable tequila that’s perfect for the winter season. Like most blanco tequilas, it’s crystal clear. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of cooked agave, mint leaves, vanilla, citrus peels, and white pepper. Sipping it reveals hints of orchard fruits, baked agave, white pepper, vanilla, and just a wisp of smoke at the very end.

Terralta Blanco 110

Another tequila that sits at the highest possible alcohol content allowed in the tequila world, Terralta Blanco 110 is well-known for its nose of vegetal agave, citrus peels, crisp apples, and pepper. The palate is centered on cooked agave, vanilla, cracked black pepper, citrus zest, and a mineral flavor from the well water used to create this bold, high-proof tequila.

Dulce Vida Blanco 100

This 100-proof tequila from the well-known brand Dulce Vida is 100 percent organic and made using 100 percent Blue Weber Agave. It’s 50 percent alcohol by volume and loaded with aromas of white pepper, vanilla, roasted agave, and a nice citrus peel background. Drinking it brings forth notes of white pepper, vegetal sweetness, agave, vanilla, and gentle citrus. It’s a great base for your favorite wintery tequila cocktails.

Fortaleza Still Strength

Made from 100 percent stone crushed Blue Weber agave that’s double distilled in copper pot stills, this isn’t as over-the-top as some of the tequilas on this list, but it’s still a potent 92-proof. The nose is a symphony of roasted agave, pepper, almond cookies, orange peels, and earthy, herbal aromas. The palate is filled with notes of ripe fruit, cooked agave, pepper, caramel, citrus, and just a hint of smoke. It’s a big, bold tequila perfect for a seasonal margarita.

Santo Fino Blanco 110

This 110-proof tequila from the distillers at Santo Fino is more than just a celebrity brand. Sure, Guy Fieri and Sammy Hagar own it, but it’s also surprisingly nuanced and flavorful for a 110-proof tequila. It starts with a nose that is all cooked agave, black pepper, candied orange peels, and a gentle mineral aroma. The palate is centered on more minerality as well as mint leaves, cooked agave, pepper, and almonds.

Don Fulano Fuerte

The brand touts Don Fulano Fuerte as “the original overproof” tequila. This copper pot still distilled tequila sits at a bold 100-proof and begins with a nose of apples, baked agave, and spices. Drinking it brings forth notes of orange peels, pepper, cooked agave, and vanilla sweetness. It’s the kind of bottle that deserves a permanent spot on your home bar or bar cart.

El Luchador Distill-Proof Blanco

Regardless of whether or not you enjoy exciting mask-adorned wrestling, you’ll love the high-proof tequila called El Luchador Distill-Proof Blanco. It’s 110-proof and crafted to be used as a base in your favorite tequila cocktails. The nose is a mix of lemongrass, mint leaves, orange peels, cooked agave, and toffee. The palate is filled with roasted agave notes as well as orange zest, light smoke, and salted caramel. It’s a great, bold base for a paloma or any other fresh, tequila-based cocktail.

G4 108

G4 is a popular brand among tequila drinkers. This family-run distillery makes myriad award-winning expressions. Its high-proof tequila is G4 108. On the nose, you’ll find aromas of cracked black pepper, orange peels, ripe pineapple, and gentle spices. Sipping it reveals flavors like candied orange peels, roasted agave, baking spices, grapefruit, and earthy mineral quality. If you only buy one high-proof tequila to mix with during the winter months, make it this one. You definitely won’t regret your decision.