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Browse any Reddit post, algorithm-tailored news headline, or spirits e-commerce front page and you'll be bombarded with "additive-free tequila" talk. But WTF is additive-free? What additive are we talking about? Isn't everything we consume outside of farmer's markets full of additives? Let's dig into that, shall we?

The Rise of Additive-Laden Tequila

Tequila, once made purely from 100% blue agave, now often contains additives like caramel coloring, glycerin, oak extract, and sweeteners. These are legally allowed in mixto tequilas (at least 51% agave sugars) and even in 100% agave tequilas—up to 1% of the total volume—without disclosure. Additives help standardize flavor, smooth out harshness, and appeal to a wider audience unfamiliar with the natural complexity of pure agave spirits. Many brands use them to create a sweeter, milder taste that mimics aged tequila or hides production flaws.

The use of additives grew with tequila’s global boom, especially in the late 20th century, as large producers sought ways to make it more appealing to international drinkers. Additives sped up aging, ensured consistency, and made mass production more efficient, leading to their widespread use in commercial tequila.

Why Additive-Free?

Additive-free tequila contains no added flavorings, sweeteners, colorings, or texture enhancers, letting the true agave flavor shine. Made using traditional methods—fermentation, distillation, and natural aging—it offers an authentic, high-quality experience. As more consumers seek transparency and craftsmanship in their spirits, additive-free tequila is gaining popularity. Enthusiasts appreciate its earthy, peppery, and naturally sweet flavors, driving demand for brands that proudly market their purity and tradition.

Are Other Spirits Full of Additives?

Other spirits, such as whiskey, rum, and vodka, also commonly contain additives. In rum, for example, caramel coloring and sugar are often added to adjust flavor and consistency. Some whiskeys use flavoring or additional filtration to create a smoother profile, and many vodkas contain glycerin or citric acid for mouthfeel and balance. However, the conversation around additives in these spirits is less prominent because they have long histories of accepted practices regarding enhancements.

In contrast, tequila has historically been marketed as a "pure" spirit made from agave, making the presence of undisclosed additives feel more like a betrayal to enthusiasts. The recent movement toward additive-free tequila is part of a larger trend in the spirits industry, where consumers are pushing for greater transparency and traditional production methods.

Some Additive-Free Tequilas Worth Sipping

El Tesoro Tequila

El Tesoro Blanco Tequila is traditionally crafted using a tahona to crush agave, resulting in a pure expression with earthy, citrus, and peppery notes. The Reposado is aged for 9–11 months in American oak, balancing cooked agave with hints of vanilla and soft oak. Aged for 2–3 years, the Añejo delivers rich caramel, roasted agave, and warm spice. The Extra Añejo, with five years of aging, develops deep layers of dried fruit, oak, and chocolate. The Mundial Collection: Knob Creek Rye Edition Añejo Tequila matures in Knob Creek rye barrels, blending agave sweetness with bold rye spice. Paradiso Extra Añejo, aged in French oak, showcases dried fruit, vanilla, and spice. The 85th Anniversary Extra Añejo is a special release aged in Booker’s bourbon barrels, offering luxurious caramel, toasted oak, and rich agave flavors.

Tequila Ocho

Tequila Ocho Plata is a single-estate, unaged tequila that highlights the natural sweetness of agave with minerality and citrus. The Reposado, aged in used American whiskey barrels, introduces light vanilla and caramel while maintaining agave brightness. Aged for one year, the Añejo blends rich cooked agave, oak, and warm spice. The Single Estate 2024 Plata Puntas Tequila is bottled at high proof, offering an intense agave character with spice and floral notes. Meanwhile, the Single Estate 2023 Plata Puntas 106 Overproof is a robust, overproof blanco with concentrated agave flavors, pepper, and citrus zest.

Mijenta Tequila

Mijenta Maestra Selection No. 1 Blanco is a limited-edition, artisanal tequila that showcases bright agave, floral notes, and a silky-smooth finish, perfect for those seeking a refined blanco experience.

G4 Tequila

G4 Blanco Tequila is made with a blend of rain and spring water, creating a crisp, smooth tequila with rich agave flavors. The Reposado, aged for six months in used whiskey barrels, adds soft vanilla and oak without overpowering the agave. Blanco 108 High Proof is a bold, high-proof expression with intensified pepper and mineral complexity. Blanco de Madera, fermented in wooden tanks, delivers a unique depth and earthiness. The Reposado de Madera Día de Muertos 2023 Edition is a special release, aged in wooden tanks and barrels for a rich, spiced profile.

Tapatio Tequila

Tapatio Blanco 80 Proof is a classic, clean tequila with fresh agave sweetness, citrus, and peppery spice. The Reposado, aged for four months, balances vanilla and caramel with bright agave notes. Aged 12–18 months, the Añejo offers deep caramel, oak, and spice with a silky finish. Tapatio Blanco 110 Proof is a bold, high-proof blanco with intensified agave, pepper, and citrus flavors.

Volans Tequila

Volans Blanco is a crisp, unaged tequila that highlights sweet agave, citrus, and light minerality. The Reposado, aged in oak, adds warmth with soft vanilla, caramel, and gentle spice. The 6-Year-Old Extra Añejo is an ultra-aged tequila that delivers a luxurious, velvety texture with deep oak, dried fruit, and spice.

Tequila Arette

Tequila Arette Blanco is a smooth, earthy tequila with bright citrus and herbal notes. The Reposado, lightly aged, blends soft vanilla and oak while preserving fresh agave flavors. Arette Artesanal Blanco is a small-batch expression crafted with traditional methods for a richer agave profile. The Artesanal Reposado is aged in oak barrels, introducing honey, vanilla, and baking spices. The Artesanal Blanco Fuerte 101 Proof is a higher-proof blanco that amplifies agave richness, pepper, and citrus. Aged longer, the Artesanal Añejo is a refined tequila with deep caramel, oak, and spiced vanilla. The Artesanal Gran Clase Extra Añejo is a premium, ultra-aged tequila with luxurious layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and oak.

The fifth of May
Is but a few days away.
But whether you stay or party away,
you'll want only the best bottles to have a true partay!

That’s right, it’s spring which means that Cinco de Mayo is just around the corner! For those interested in a quick history fact, Cinco de Mayo is celebrated in the good ol’ US of A to commemorate a large battle over the French in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. While not such a widely celebrated day in Mexico, the holiday is big in the Land of Opportunity among Mexican Americans to celebrate its culture and heritage. Of course, what better way to commemorate than with some good ol’ fashioned tequila? Let’s jump right in and rediscover some tequila classics and uncover some gems you may have missed during this long, rainy/snowy winter. It’s party time!

We’ll split these up into sippers and mixers. Whether you prefer a luxurious and rich mezcal or you just want something to mix with your Coke, we have you covered at Sip Whiskey. Grab some of these for your Cinco de Mayo party, give one to a friend, or treat yourself to a special bottle. Sippers can be mixers and mixers can be sippers - no judging here.



The Sippers

Don Julio 1942 - Boy do we have some 1942 for you! immerse yourself in the spirit of celebration with the exquisite Don Julio 1942 Tequila, a revered choice among discerning aficionados worldwide. Crafted in homage to the legendary Don Julio González's tequila-making legacy, each bottle of Don Julio 1942 undergoes meticulous production, aged for a minimum of two and a half years to perfection. Its distinguished flavor profile tantalizes the senses with notes of rich caramel and chocolate on the nose, followed by a palate of warm oak, vanilla, and roasted agave, culminating in a finish of lingering oak and rich vanilla.

Whether you're hosting a lively party, seeking the ideal gift, or simply indulging in an elevated tequila experience, embrace the variety of bottle options available, including the 375 ml (pre-order), the convenient mini 50 ml (pre-order), the multi-gift 50 ml six-pack (pre-order), and the generous 1.75-liter size. Elevate the occasion further with the option of custom engraving, adding a personal touch to this iconic tequila experience. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style with Don Julio 1942, an embodiment of craftsmanship and tradition.

Adictovo Tequila - Experience the unparalleled luxury of Adictivo Tequila this Cinco de Mayo, offering a distinguished selection of premium spirits to elevate your festivities. Indulge in the refined taste of Adictivo Cristalino Reposado, renowned for its smoothness and clarity, perfect for savoring on its own or in artisanal cocktails. For those seeking an extra touch of sophistication, seize the opportunity to acquire one of the last remaining bottles of the exclusive Adictivo 14 Year Old Extra Rare Double Black Extra Anejo, a true gem among tequila connoisseurs. With its complex flavor profile and unparalleled depth, this extraordinary spirit promises an unforgettable drinking experience. Additionally, explore the rare and coveted Adictivo 14 Year Old Extra Rare Extra Anejo, boasting exquisite aging and craftsmanship, resulting in a tequila of unparalleled richness and complexity. Whether you're celebrating with friends, gifting a discerning enthusiast, or simply indulging in luxury, Adictivo Tequila offers the perfect complement to Cinco de Mayo festivities, ensuring every sip is a celebration of exceptional quality and taste.

Don Julio Personalized Bottles - We did a whole article on this very subject and why it’s a special treat for anyone you deem worthy. Sip Whiskey presents their exclusive Don Julio Blanco personalized bottles, providing a unique opportunity to customize your tequila experience for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for loved ones. Each bottle can be personalized with up to nine characters, allowing you to imprint a name, nickname, or heartfelt message, ensuring that your celebration is as unique as the tequila itself.

Not only do these bespoke creations serve as memorable keepsakes, but they also contain the exceptional quality of Don Julio Blanco Tequila, crafted with the finest blue agave plants and a time-honored distillation process. With its crisp agave flavor and subtle citrus notes, Don Julio Blanco is the perfect companion for Cinco de Mayo, whether enjoyed in cocktails or savored neat. By gifting a personalized bottle from Sip Whiskey, you're not only presenting a premium spirit but also a thoughtful gesture sure to be cherished. Raise a glass, honor tradition, and celebrate Cinco de Mayo in personalized style with Sip Whiskey's special Don Julio Blanco bottles.

Ilegal Mezcal - Elevate your Cinco de Mayo celebration with the authentic flavors of Ilegal Mezcal, offering a selection of premium expressions including Añejo, Joven, and Reposado. Crafted with traditional methods and a commitment to quality, each variant embodies the rich heritage and artistry of mezcal production. Whether you prefer the smooth complexity of Añejo, the vibrant intensity of Joven, or the nuanced balance of Reposado, Ilegal Mezcal promises a sensory journey unlike any other. Perfect for sipping neat or crafting artisanal cocktails, these distinctive spirits capture the essence of Mexico's cultural legacy. Embrace the spirit of adventure and authenticity this Cinco de Mayo with Ilegal Mezcal, a testament to tradition and taste.



The Mixers

Tapatio - As you prepare for your Cinco de Mayo fiesta, consider the vibrant flavors and versatility of Tapatio Tequila, the perfect choice for mixing up refreshing cocktails that will delight your guests. Available in a range of expressions including Añejo, Reposado, Blanco 80 Proof, and Blanco 110 Proof, Tapatio Tequila offers something for every palate and cocktail preference. Whether you're crafting classic margaritas with the crisp Blanco or adding depth to your cocktails with the smooth Reposado or Añejo, Tapatio Tequila ensures each drink is infused with authentic Mexican spirit. With its quality craftsmanship and commitment to tradition, Tapatio Tequila elevates any celebration, making it the ideal choice for your Cinco de Mayo party. Raise your glass, toast to the occasion, and let Tapatio Tequila bring the flavors of Mexico to your festivities.

Tequila Arette - Make your Cinco de Mayo celebration unforgettable with the exceptional range of Tequila Arette, offering a variety of expressions to suit every drink you plan to concoct. Whether you opt for the smooth simplicity of Blanco or Reposado or choose to indulge in the luxurious Artesanal selection, including Añejo, Reposado, Blanco, Blanco Fuerte 101 Proof, and Gran Clase Extra Añejo, Tequila Arette promises an unparalleled drinking experience. Elevate your cocktails with the rich complexity of Añejo or Blanco Fuerte 101 Proof, or savor the smoothness of Reposado and Blanco. With its commitment to craftsmanship and quality, Tequila Arette embodies the essence of Mexican heritage in every sip. Treat yourself and your guests to the finest tequila this Cinco de Mayo with Tequila Arette, a true symbol of tradition and taste.

Corazon - Elevate your Cinco de Mayo festivities with the dynamic flavors of Corazon Tequilas, crafted to perfection for mixing in vibrant cocktails. Choose from the smooth and versatile Tequila Corazon De Agave Blanco, the rich complexity of Añejo, or the balanced notes of Reposado, each offering a distinct character to your drinks. For those seeking top-shelf indulgence, explore Corazon's premium selections, ideal for sipping and savoring the true essence of agave craftsmanship. With Corazon Tequilas, every pour is an invitation to elevate your celebration with authentic Mexican spirit and flavor.

El Tequileño - Kick your Cinco de Mayo celebration up a notch with the vibrant flavors of El Tequileño, perfect for crafting delicious cocktails that will impress your guests. Explore the smooth and versatile options of El Tequileño Reposado and Blanco, each bringing its own unique twist to your drinks with their distinct flavor profiles. But why stop there? El Tequileño also offers a selection of top-shelf choices, inviting you to indulge in the finer side of tequila with their premium offerings. Whether you're mixing up margaritas, palomas, or your own creative concoctions, El Tequileño ensures that every sip is a celebration of Mexican heritage and craftsmanship. Raise a glass and toast to the spirit of Cinco de Mayo with El Tequileño, where quality meets tradition in every bottle.