When you hear agave spirits, you might instantly think of tequila shots. But there’s much more to it than just party drinks. Agave spirits—whether tequila, mezcal, or India’s own versions—offer a wide spectrum of flavours: fresh and citrusy, mellow and oaky, or smoky and earthy. They’re versatile enough to sip neat, mix into cocktails, or even pair with food. Here are five agave spirits worth discovering in India, complete with tasting notes, approximate prices, and pairing ideas.
DesmondJi 100% Agave
If you’re looking for an Indian take on tequila, DesmondJi is where you should begin. Made in Bengaluru from agave grown in Maharashtra, it’s smooth, refined, and proudly labels itself as India’s 100% agave spirit. Priced between INR 2,200 and INR 2,400 for a 750 ml bottle, it offers incredible value for the quality. The flavours are clean and fresh, with natural agave sweetness, light citrus, and just a touch of pepper. It’s versatile enough to sip neat if you want to taste the plant in its pure form, but it also works beautifully in cocktails like margaritas or palomas. Thanks to its crisp and zesty character, it pairs well with grilled seafood, tangy salads, or even spicy Indian snacks, where the citrus and peppery finish balance out the heat.
Pura Vida Blanco Tequila
Among imported tequilas available in India, Pura Vida Blanco is one of the more approachable options. Retailing at around INR 4,500 to INR 6,000 depending on state taxes and import duties, it’s a crisp, refreshing spirit that appeals even to beginners. On the palate, it has bright citrus notes, mild herbal undertones, and a clean finish that makes it very easy to drink. Its lightness makes it especially suited for cocktails—whether it’s a classic margarita, a tall paloma, or even something as simple as soda with lime. With food, its zesty, refreshing profile complements Mexican-inspired dishes, citrus-based salads, and even street-food favourites like sev puri or bhel, where the tang and crunch meet the tequila’s freshness.
Corralejo Reposado Tequila
For those who want to go beyond basic silver tequilas, Corralejo Reposado is an excellent step up. A reposado, which means “rested,” spends a few months ageing in oak barrels, giving it more complexity. In Corralejo’s case, that means a golden-straw colour and flavours of roasted agave layered with vanilla, honey, and gentle spice. It sells in the INR 5,000 to INR 7,000 range in India, depending on availability, and offers a mellow, almost whisky-like sipping experience. You can drink it neat or with a single large ice cube to let its oaky sweetness unfold slowly, though it also makes for a rich base in cocktails like a reposado margarita or even a tequila old-fashioned. Its depth makes it a natural match for grilled meats, smoky barbecue flavours, or even desserts that echo its vanilla and caramel notes.
Patrón Silver
No list of agave spirits is complete without Patrón, one of the most iconic tequila brands worldwide. Its Silver expression is a crystal-clear, unaged tequila that showcases pure agave character with elegance. Priced around INR 6,000 to INR 9,000 for a 750 ml bottle in India, it’s considered a premium option, but the silky-smooth texture and refined flavour justify the splurge. Expect aromas of fresh agave, citrus, and floral hints, followed by a crisp taste of lime and gentle pepper on the finish. Patrón Silver is excellent neat or on the rocks, where you can fully appreciate its finesse, though it also elevates cocktails like margaritas and palomas. Its bright, clean profile pairs wonderfully with seafood dishes such as ceviche and oysters, light citrusy salads, or even Indian chaats, where its freshness balances the spicy-sour flavours.
Mezcal Unión Uno
If tequila represents the clean and polished side of agave, mezcal is its smoky, adventurous cousin—and Mezcal Unión Uno is one of the best introductions to this style. Made from a blend of Espadín and Cirial agaves that are roasted in underground pits before distillation, it delivers a bold, smoky character layered with fruity notes of green apple and pear, as well as herbal and earthy tones. It usually retails in India at INR 5,000 to INR 8,000, though availability is limited to select cities. Mezcal is best enjoyed neat to truly savour its smoky depth, but it also shines in cocktails that twist familiar recipes—like a smoky Negroni or mezcal mule. Its intensity makes it a brilliant companion to grilled meats, charred vegetables, spicy curries, or even dark chocolate desserts, where the interplay of sweet, smoky, and earthy notes creates an unforgettable experience.
Maya Pistola (Agavepura)
Pistola is India’s bold new step into the world of agave craft spirits. Made from wild Agave Americana grown on the Deccan Plateau and distilled in Goa, Pistola has quickly made its mark with premium offerings. The Reposado, priced around INR 4,000–4,200, is particularly popular, offering aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, and orange marmalade, followed by flavours of spice, black pepper, pineapple, and crème brûlée on the palate. Beyond the Reposado, Pistola also experiments with variants like Rosa (aged in Cabernet Sauvignon casks, lending berry and floral notes), Añejo (oakier and richer), and Extra Añejo (deep, complex, and dessert-like). Pistola is versatile—enjoy it neat, savour it in twists on classics like a Reposado Old Fashioned, or mix it into cocktails like a Paloma or Picante. Its spice and fruit notes make it an excellent match with grilled meats, spicy curries, or even chocolate-based desserts.
