Tequila’s ascent has been fueled by a convergence of many factors—and boosted during the pandemic. It now has a 16% share of sales on Drizly, just six percentage points behind vodka.
“A shift in consumer perception over the category has been a key driver of growth for tequila over the past few years,” says Liz Paquette, Drizly head of consumer insights. “Once seen as an occasion-based drink — for Cinco De Mayo, for instance — today tequila has grown to an everyday staple alongside vodka and whiskey.”
Two other contributors to tequila’s recent success: the rise of celebrity-endorsed tequilas (like George Clooney’s Casamigos and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s Teremana, both of which are among Drizly’s top-sellers) and its correspondence with wellness trends. “Because tequila is plant-based and more visibly so, a lot of consumers believe it’s better for them and is less adulterated, which is perceived to reduce hangovers,” says Rand. “Tequila has become much more associated with the ‘better-for-me’ movement than many other categories.”
Drizly’s Top-Selling Tequilas, March 2020 through March 2021
- Casamigos Blanco
- Espolòn Tequila Blanco
- Patrón Silver Tequila
- Clase Azul Reposado Tequila
- Don Julio 1942
- Don Julio Blanco
- Casamigos Reposado
- Jose Cuervo Especial Silver Tequila
- 1800 Silver Tequila
- Jose Cuervo Especial Gold
- Espolòn Tequila Reposado
- Casamigos Anejo
- Hornitos Reposado Tequila
- Milagro Silver Tequila
- Teremana Blanco Tequila
- Hornitos Plata Tequila
- El Jimador Silver Tequila
- Don Julio Anejo
- Tequila Casa Dragones Blanco
- Camarena Silver