For years, Latin American spirits were often associated with cheap tequila shots, sugary aguardiente, and mass-produced rums—but that narrative has changed. Over the past decade, Latin America has gone premium, and its spirits are leading a global shift toward craftsmanship, terroir-driven production, and complex aging techniques.
From luxury mezcals and extra-añejo tequilas to refined aguardiente and terroir-focused rums, Latin spirits are now competing with high-end whiskey, cognac, and gin. Consumers are paying attention—and so is the industry.
What’s Behind the Latin Spirits Boom?
Several factors have fueled the rise of premium Latin American spirits:
A Demand for Authenticity and Craft:
Drinkers today want handmade, small-batch spirits that reflect a sense of place. Latin American producers are leaning into organic farming, traditional distillation methods, and unique aging techniques to create spirits with real depth and character.
Cocktail Culture Celebrates Latin America:
High-end bars are redefining classic cocktails with premium tequila, mezcal, and now aguardiente. Bartenders are swapping gin for aguardiente in a Negroni or mezcal for bourbon in an Old Fashioned.
Global Expansion:
Exports of Latin American spirits are booming, especially in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. As cocktail culture flourishes and drinkers crave authentic, regionally expressive spirits, producers are innovating to meet local palates—offering everything from low-ABV formats to cask-aged releases that speak to global tastes without losing their roots.
Where Latin Spirits Go From Here?
Five Spirits Leading the Premiumization Wave
1. Tequila:
From Party Shot to Collector’s Pour
Tequila has become a luxury item, and the rise of extra añejo (aged over three years) is pulling whiskey drinkers into the category.
- Fact: Over 75% of Mexico’s tequila exports go straight to the U.S.
- Barrel-aged and French oak-finished tequilas are commanding prices that rival high-end Scotch.
2. Mezcal:
The Cult Favorite Goes Mainstream
Mezcal’s smoky, terroir-driven profile has made it a darling of the cocktail world.
- Single-village, wild agave, and ancestral mezcals have turned mezcal into a collector’s category.
- Fact: U.S. mezcal sales have grown by over 700% since 2010.
3. Aguardiente:
A Classic Spirit Gets a Modern Makeover
Long considered a local Colombian favorite, aguardiente is now making its way onto Michelin-starred cocktail lists. Premium brands like Bacan Guaro are pushing the category forward with clean, high-quality expressions made from organic ingredients—but without added sugar or artificial flavors—appealing to modern drinkers.
- Fact: Aguardiente sales grew 15% globally from 2020 to 2023, reaching 21.5 million nine-liter cases.
- It’s now being used in cocktails as a gin or vodka alternative or enjoyed neat like an amaro.
- With the rise of the low-ABV category, Bacan Guaro’s 24% expression offers a premium option for drinkers seeking luxe flavor without the high-alcohol punch.
4. Cachaça:
Brazil’s Underrated Spirit Goes Premium
Cachaça is finally stepping out of the Caipirinha-only box and being recognized as a sipping spirit.
Aged expressions—matured in Brazilian hardwood barrels—are gaining a cult following.
- Fact: 99% of cachaça is consumed in Brazil.
5. Latin American Rums:
Competing with the Best
Guatemala, Venezuela, and Panama are leading the premium rum movement with single-estate and long-aged expressions that rival high-end whiskey.
- Fact: Producers use cask finishing techniques similar to high-end Scotch to create nuanced, collector-worthy rums.
- Expect more rums aged in sherry, cognac, and wine casks to hit the market.
Latin American spirits have undeniably gone premium, and the industry isn’t slowing down. Here’s what’s next:
- Sustainability & Organic Production – From agave cultivation to sugarcane harvesting, brands are focusing on sustainable practices.
- Under-the-Radar Spirits Take the Spotlight – As aguardiente and other lesser-known categories get an upgrade with high-quality ingredients and refined taste profiles, they’re finding their place on craft cocktail menus and home bars, driven by rising interest in unique, low-ABV spirits with cultural authenticity.
- Limited Edition & Collector Bottlings – Expect more single-village mezcals, numbered tequilas, and rare aged rums hitting the market.
- Barrel Aging Innovation – Tequila finished in PX sherry casks? Aguardiente aged like rum? The possibilities are endless.
The Bottom Line
Latin spirits are finally getting the recognition they deserve. Whether it’s a 15-year-old cachaça, a smoky wild-agave mezcal, or an award-winning sugar-free aguardiente, these spirits are proving they belong on the top shelf—and in your glass.
