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To Truly Understand Tequila, You Have to Know These 5 Mexican States
A deeper look at where tequila really comes from
Nickolaus Hines
January 20th, 2026
Hi there,
Conversations about tequila usually start, and end, in Jalisco. It’s where you’ll find the town of Tequila that lends the spirit its name, the Tequila Express train, and the best traveler experiences for anyone who wants to see the agave fields and distilleries first-hand. Nearly every bottle on store shelves comes from either the highlands or lowlands of Jalisco. Yet there are five states that can legally produce tequila, and there’s no better way to understand the spirit than to be familiar with each of these regions of Mexico.
I sat down with Mijenta’s maestra tequilera Ana María Romero to taste and learn more about how tequila changes from region to region. The differences aren’t as dramatic as Scotch from Islay versus the Highlands, but they’re there: some are fruitier, others more coastal, others still filled with more mineral or peppery notes.
Consider this regional guide your chance to really get to know the parts of Mexico where tequila comes from.
Cheers,
Nickolaus Hines, editorial content director
T O - D O
 | Destination: Mexico CityMexico City is one of the most magical cities in the world. It can feel endlessly generous, but it’s also a city where gentrification is lived, daily — especially in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. Tourism dollars do help, and that’s the tension: your presence matters, and so do your choices. Start with the Spanish you know, always, and let people meet you halfway. Shop local with intention, tip well, and think about who benefits when you buy, book, or linger. Don’t turn locals into props for your photos. Hire local guides. On all my trips to CDMX, I’ve found a few simple principles win out above all: stay curious, pay attention, and embrace the customs that make the city such an incredible place to visit. |
 Photo: Nickolaus Hines EatI’m not breaking any news here that Mexico City has some of the best food in the world. Wait in line for street food and eat it standing up. Stop at any taqueria that catches your eye. This is a multicultural city — taste the different takes on Japanese, Korean, and Italian cuisine. One of my favorite meals on the pricier side is at Cantina El Bosque (order the steak and seafood) near Chapultepec Park. For endless tacos and a beer in Roma Norte, head to El Charquito Taqueria and be prepared to go back for more plates of al pastor again and again. Never leave out a stop at any market you pass (especially if that market is Mercado Medellín). |  Photo: Nickolaus Hines DrinkFive cocktail bars made it onto the extended list of The World’s 50 Best in 2025. In my experience, those, and the other highly rated cocktail bars, can be hard to get into without a reservation. Luckily, there’s great drinking just about everywhere here. Go to Falling Piano brewery in Roma Norte for local craft beer, then take a leisurely stroll up to Pulquería los Insurgentes for every type of pulque you can imagine in a lively, multi-story bar. Across the street, Mano Santa has one of my favorite mezcal selections. For cocktails (and more mezcal), spend part of a night at La Clandestina and order an extra side of chapulines. |
 Photo: Airbnb StayAirbnbs in Mexico City are plentiful and affordable, and many have 24-hour doormen. Here, tensions over displacement run high, however, so be aware of the space you’re taking. Hotels are often pricier, but still budget-friendly even at the higher end. The Andaz Mexico City Condesa incorporates aesthetic design throughout the rooms and common areas, including the pool and rooftop bar. |  Photo: Nickolaus Hines DoChapultepec Park is more than double the size of Central Park and packed with vendors selling street food and tchotchkes, a lake with paddleboat rentals, and the only formal royal castle in the Americas. There are nine museums in the park. My favorite is Museo Nacional de Antropología for its expansive collection of pre-colonial artifacts. After a day at the park, go see a lucha libre match. |
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The Matador Editorial Team
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