Tequila and Cigars

Tequila and cigars make an incredible combination. Whether you’re a longtime fan of both, new to cigars, or new to cigars and spirits, you’re in the right place.

Here, we’ll explain everything you need to know about tequila and cigars, how best to pair them, and which cigars go best with tequila. 

Do tequila and cigars pair well?

Of course! There is a huge variety of cigar types available today, and — as a result — aficionados can find pairings that work beautifully with just about any liquid. 

However, cigars and tequila make a wonderful pairing option. 

How should you pair cigars and tequila?

There’s no “wrong way” to pair a premium cigar with a glass of tequila. Still, when it comes to pairing cigars and alcohol, experts typically recommend pairing “like with like” — that is, combining darker cigars with darker spirits and lighter cigars with lighter spirits. 

For a deeper dive on the different types of cigar tobacco, click here. 

In the meantime, here’s how we would pair cigars and tequila – generally.

Cigar and tequila pairings

• Blanco Tequila & Mellow Connecticut Shade Cigars: Sometimes referred to as silver tequila, this is probably the most well-known version that is taken as a shot or mixed into a lot of popular cocktails like margaritas. 

  • We like pairing it with an herbal, grassy, and creamy Connecticut Shade cigar to really help the agave notes shine.

• Reposado Tequila & Medium-Bodied Habano Cigars: Meaning “rested,” Reposado is the same tequila as Blanco, aged for two to eleven months in oak barrels to give it a golden hue and slightly smoother drinking experience. Reposado tequila is great in some classic tequila cocktails like the Paloma.

  • A Habano makes an excellent companion to a reposado tequila because both are balanced, spicy, and nuanced. 

• Añejo Tequila & Full-Bodied Maduro Cigars: Translating to “aged,” Añejo tequila has rested in oak barrels for at least a year, giving it an ultra-smooth finish and vanilla notes. Añejo is typically sipped straight like a fine whiskey or scotch.

  • Maduros — much like Añejo tequila — take a long time to fully develop their flavor. As such, maduros are bursting with rich, sweet, and diverse flavor profiles. In other words, a great pairing for a fine glass of Añejo.

The best cigars to have with tequila

Before we show off the full list, we want to give special attention to cigars made with Mexican San Andrés wrappers. Obviously, tequila has a long history in Mexico, but in recent years, the San Andrés valley has produced some amazing tobaccos. These cigars are especially high on our list to pair with tequila:

• Drew Estate Undercrown Maduro

• Cohiba Riviera

• Partagas Valle Verde

• CAO Zocalo

• La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor

More great cigars to have with tequila

• Don Diego

• AVO Classic

• Oliva Serie G

What’s your favorite cigar and tequila pairing? Sign up for Cigar World and let us know with a comment!