Margarita Bar & Drinkware

Caballito, Copita or Riedel? The Best Tequila Glasses

Caballitos, copitas, veladoras and the official Riedel tequila glass: which tequila glasses to buy, what each shape does, and how much they hold.

Two tall shot glasses of golden spirit with citrus wedges on the rims, against warm blurred lights
Two tall shot glasses, each topped with a citrus wedge.

Tequila has more glasses than most spirits, and each one says something about how the tequila is meant to be drunk. The tall, narrow caballito is the classic in Jalisco. The wide, shallow copita and the little veladora come from mezcal country in Oaxaca. And since the early 2000s there has been an official tequila glass, a tall stemmed glass designed by Riedel and adopted by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, the body that oversees tequila production.

Which one is best depends on the tequila in the bottle and what you want from it. A good añejo rewards a glass that gathers its aroma; a blanco poured for friends is perfectly at home in a caballito. This guide explains the shapes, sizes and materials, and names the tequila glasses worth buying for each way of drinking.

Julia’s earns a commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on what a working Mexican restaurant looks for in glassware, the makers’ own specifications and published sources, which we cite.

Quick verdict: which tequila glass to buy

For sipping good tequila, the best tequila glasses are the Riedel Ouverture tequila glasses: the stemmed glass the Consejo Regulador del Tequila designated as the official tequila glass, machine-made in crystal glass and dishwasher safe. For the traditional way to serve a pour of blanco, choose a set of hand-blown PINYAS caballitos, and for a mezcal-style tasting, a set of vaso veladora glasses from Oaxaca.

The rest of this page explains each style and who it suits. For the drink most people make with tequila, see our separate guide to the best margarita glasses.

Five tequila glasses at a glance

Our five standout picks, one for each way of drinking tequila, with the specifications each maker or listing states. All nine sets are reviewed in full below.

Glasses Best for Style Capacity & count Buy on Amazon
Sipping reposado and añejo Official tequila glass, stemmed crystal glass 6.4 oz, 2 glasses View on Amazon
Traditional pours of blanco Tall caballito, hand-blown recycled glass About 2 oz, 4 glasses View on Amazon
Mezcal-style tasting Veladora, ribbed glass, made in Mexico 2.7 oz (80 ml), 4 glasses View on Amazon
Tequila and whiskey drinkers Tulip-shaped nosing glass, lead-free crystal 200 ml (6.8 oz), 2 glasses View on Amazon
Parties, measured pours Tall, flared shot glass, clear glass 1.5 oz, 12 glasses View on Amazon

Product images from Amazon. Capacities are as stated by each maker or listing; hand-blown glasses vary slightly from piece to piece.

Our picks for the best tequila glasses

These nine sets cover every way tequila is commonly served: tasting glasses for aged tequila, caballitos for a traditional pour, wide copitas and veladoras borrowed from mezcal, and a sturdy dozen for parties. They also span machine-made crystal and hand-blown recycled glass from Mexico.

1. Riedel Ouverture Tequila Glasses, Set of 2 – The Official Tequila Glass

Best overallRiedel Ouverture Tequila - Set of 2

This is the glass the tequila industry chose for itself. Riedel says the shape was designed in 2001 after two tasting workshops led by Georg Riedel with more than two dozen tequila producers and officials, and the Consejo Regulador del Tequila designated it the official tequila glass. The listing describes it as endorsed by the council and designed to highlight the aromas and flavors of reposado, añejo and reserva tequilas.

The design is a tall stem with a narrow, elongated bowl. Riedel lists the glass at about 8.3 inches tall, and the listing gives a capacity of 6.4 ounces, far more than you would pour: the space above a small measure of tequila lets the aroma collect, and the narrow rim directs it toward your nose, while the stem keeps your hand from warming the spirit.

It is machine-made in Germany from what Riedel calls crystal glass, part of its entry-level Ouverture range, and both Riedel and the listing describe it as dishwasher safe. Riedel advises placing glassware in the dishwasher so it does not touch other items, which matters with a tall stem. Riedel’s own listing for the Ouverture red wine glass, from the same range, describes it as machine-made from lead-free crystal; the tequila glass’s listing does not mention lead.

Why we like it

  • Designated the official tequila glass by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, according to Riedel
  • Designed with tequila producers for reposado, añejo and reserva
  • Tall stem keeps your hand off the bowl
  • Machine-made crystal glass, dishwasher safe

Key specifications

Model Ouverture Tequila 6408/18
Material Crystal glass, machine-made
Capacity 6.4 oz (listing)
Count 2
Dimensions About 8.3 in tall (Riedel)
Dishwasher safe Yes
Made in Germany
Care Place in the dishwasher so it does not touch other items

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you buy good reposado or añejo and want to taste what you paid for, or want a glass with a documented tequila pedigree for a gift.

Skip it if your tequila mostly goes into margaritas, or if tall stems and a crowded cupboard do not mix. A tall, thin-stemmed glass is easier to knock over and break than a caballito.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Official tequila glass
  • Shape gathers aroma
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Only two glasses in the set
  • Tall stem is easy to knock over
  • Overkill for a quick pour of blanco

Check price on Amazon

2. Viski Mezcal Glasses, Set of 2 – A Modern Crystal Cup on a Flared Foot

Best modern sipperViski Mezcal Glasses Set of 2 - Premium Crystal Clear Tequila Glass

If the Riedel feels too formal, Viski’s mezcal glass is a stemless alternative. Viski says the design draws on the shallow clay cups traditionally used for agave spirits, reworked in clear, lead-free crystal with precise angles, a rounded open bowl and a flared, sturdy foot. The listing title calls it a tequila glass as well as a mezcal glass.

The proportions suit sipping. Each glass holds 6 ounces, so a modest pour sits low in a wide bowl with plenty of room for aroma, which Viski says is meant to show off the smoky nose of mezcal. Without a stem it is stable on a table and fits in an ordinary cupboard.

It is also versatile. Viski pitches the glass for whiskey and brandy too, so one pair covers the whole bar. The listing does not say whether the glasses are dishwasher safe, so hand washing is the safe choice.

Why we like it

  • Lead-free crystal, according to Viski
  • Shape based on the traditional mezcal cup
  • Open bowl with room for aroma
  • Flared, stable foot

Key specifications

Model 9552
Material Lead-free crystal
Capacity 6 oz
Count 2
Dimensions Not stated
Dishwasher safe Not stated
Made in Not stated
Care Not stated; hand wash to be safe

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want a sipping glass that is easy to store and use every day, for tequila, mezcal and other spirits alike.

Skip it if you want the glass the tequila council endorsed, or a handmade Mexican piece. This is a modern, machine-finished design, and the listing gives no dimensions, care instructions or country of manufacture.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Stable, stemless design
  • Room for aroma above the pour
  • Works for any neat spirit

Cons

  • Only two glasses
  • Dishwasher safety not stated
  • Country of manufacture not stated

Check price on Amazon

A single tall, narrow shot glass of golden spirit on a dark surface
A tall, narrow glass with a heavy base, the caballito shape.

3. Glencairn Glass, Set of 2 – A Tasting Glass for Tequila and Whiskey

Best crossoverGLENCAIRN Whiskey Glass

The Glencairn is a whisky glass, and Glencairn calls the original “the world’s first official whisky glass”. It earns a place here because its shape, a wide bowl tapering to a narrower mouth, works on the same principle as a tequila tasting glass: the bowl gives the spirit room, and the tapered mouth gathers the aroma. Many spirits lovers use one glass for both.

The listing explains the design: the tapered mouth captures the bouquet while being easier to drink from than a traditional nosing glass, the wide bowl lets you see the color, which is useful when comparing a pale reposado with a deeper añejo, and the solid base is “easy on the hand”. Glencairn lists the capacity as 200 ml (about 6.8 ounces).

It is made from lead-free crystal and is dishwasher safe, according to both Glencairn and the listing. The short, solid base makes it far sturdier than a stemmed glass.

Why we like it

  • Tapered tulip shape gathers aroma
  • Wide bowl shows the color of aged tequila
  • Solid, sturdy base, no fragile stem
  • Lead-free crystal, dishwasher safe

Key specifications

Model Glencairn Glass (twin gift carton)
Material Lead-free crystal
Capacity 200 ml (6.8 oz)
Count 2
Dimensions 115 x 66 mm (Glencairn)
Dishwasher safe Yes
Made in Not stated (Glencairn Crystal is based in Scotland)
Care Dishwasher

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you drink whiskey as well as tequila and want one good tasting glass for both, or if a stemmed glass would not survive your household.

Skip it if you want a glass made for tequila specifically. The Riedel was designed with tequila producers; the Glencairn was designed for whisky and simply works well with aged tequila too.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Sturdy and stable
  • Works for tequila and whiskey
  • Lead-free crystal

Cons

  • Designed for whisky, not tequila
  • Only two glasses
  • Country of manufacture not stated

Check price on Amazon

4. PINYAS Hand-Blown Caballitos, Blue Rim, Set of 4 – The Classic Mexican Tequila Glass

Best caballitoPINYAS Mexican Shot Glasses

The caballito, “little horse”, is the glass most people in Mexico picture when tequila is poured. It is tall and narrow with a thick, flat base, and it is meant for sipping a straight pour as much as for a quick shot. PINYAS calls this one “the traditional and authentic caballito perfect for sipping tequila or mezcal”.

These are hand-blown by Mexican artisans from recycled glass, with the cobalt blue rim that marks a lot of traditional Mexican glassware. Each holds about 2 ounces (60 ml) and stands about 4 inches tall by 1.75 inches wide, according to PINYAS, so a standard pour leaves a little room at the top. Because they are handmade, each varies slightly in color, shape and size, and you may see small bubbles in the glass.

The listing gives them as lead-free and dishwasher safe, and they come in recycled and recyclable packaging. Hand-blown recycled glass is thicker than machine-made crystal, which makes these sturdy enough for regular use.

Why we like it

  • Classic tall caballito shape
  • Hand-blown in Mexico from recycled glass
  • Cobalt blue rim, each piece slightly different
  • Lead-free and dishwasher safe, according to PINYAS

Key specifications

Model Mexican Shot Glasses, Blue Rim Tall
Material Hand-blown recycled glass, lead-free
Capacity About 2 oz (60 ml)
Count 4
Dimensions About 4 in tall, 1.75 in wide
Dishwasher safe Yes
Made in Mexico (artisan made)
Care Dishwasher; sizes vary slightly

Why we recommend it

Choose it for blanco tequila served the traditional way, for a Mexican dinner table, or as a gift with a bottle. It is the glass most associated with tequila in Mexico.

Skip it if you want to study the aroma of an aged tequila. A narrow, straight-sided caballito does not gather aroma the way a tasting glass does.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Traditional shape and look
  • Sturdy hand-blown glass
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Pieces vary in size
  • Not a tasting glass for añejo
  • Set of four only

Check price on Amazon

5. Dos Sueños Hand-Blown Tequila Glasses, Confetti, Set of 6 – Colorful Caballitos for a Table

Most colorfulDos Sueños Mexican Hand Blown Tequila Shot Glasses

Dos Sueños makes the hand-blown margarita glasses we recommend in our margarita accessories guide, and these tequila glasses come from the same kind of workshop: Mexican blown glass, made by artisans “using techniques handed down from generation to generation”, as the listing puts it.

The confetti finish is the draw, with flecks of color through the clear glass, so no two glasses look alike. Each holds 2 fluid ounces and measures about 3.9 inches tall and 1.6 inches across, close to the PINYAS caballitos in size, and there are six to a set, which suits a family table or a small party.

Dos Sueños says its Mexican glassware is made from recycled glass, is lead free, and is sturdy and dishwasher safe. As with any handmade glass, expect slight variations in size, color and design.

Why we like it

  • Set of six for a table of guests
  • Colorful confetti glass, each piece unique
  • Recycled, lead-free glass
  • Dishwasher safe, according to the listing

Key specifications

Model 1025868791
Material Hand-blown recycled glass, lead free
Capacity 2 oz
Count 6
Dimensions About 3.9 in tall, 1.6 in diameter
Dishwasher safe Yes
Made in Mexico (artisan crafted)
Care Dishwasher; each piece varies

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you want festive, colorful tequila glasses for entertaining, or a set that matches Dos Sueños margarita glasses.

Skip it if you prefer clear glass that shows the color of the tequila. The confetti flecks make it harder to judge a reposado from an añejo by eye.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Six glasses per set
  • Bright, handmade look
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Color hides the tequila’s hue
  • Sizes vary slightly
  • Not a tasting shape

Check price on Amazon

A rider on horseback between long rows of blue agave plants, seen from above
A rider among rows of blue agave.

6. Libbey Tequila Shooter, 1.5 oz, Set of 12 – Restaurant Glass for a Crowd

Best for a crowdLibbey 9862324 Clear 1.5 Oz. Tequila Shooter Glass - Dozen

Libbey’s tequila shooter is a foodservice glass, sold by the dozen to bars and restaurants, and that makes it the practical choice for parties. It is a tall, slightly flared clear glass holding 1.5 ounces, which is the size of one U.S. standard drink of 40% spirit as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines it. A full glass is a measured pour.

Restaurant suppliers list it at 3 5/8 inches tall, 1.5 inches across the top and 1.25 inches across the base, a caballito-like shape with a thick bottom. Clear glass shows the color of the tequila, and twelve matching glasses mean everyone at the table gets the same pour.

The Amazon listing itself is brief: model number, “glass” and a dozen to the set. It does not state the country of manufacture or dishwasher safety, so we have not guessed. Glassware made for restaurant service is generally built for frequent washing, but check the box.

Why we like it

  • Twelve matching glasses
  • 1.5-ounce capacity equals one standard pour
  • Clear glass shows the tequila’s color
  • Foodservice glass from a major glassmaker

Key specifications

Model 9862324
Material Clear glass
Capacity 1.5 oz
Count 12
Dimensions 3 5/8 in tall, 1.5 in top, 1.25 in base (retailers)
Dishwasher safe Not stated
Made in Not stated
Care Not stated

Why we recommend it

Choose it for parties, taco nights and any table where you want plenty of identical glasses that measure a standard pour.

Skip it if you want something handmade or a glass for slow sipping. These are plain, practical restaurant glasses, and the listing gives few details.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • A dozen per set
  • Measured 1.5-ounce pour
  • Simple, sturdy shape

Cons

  • Few details in the listing
  • Dishwasher safety not stated
  • Plain look

Check price on Amazon

7. The Curated Pantry Vaso Veladora Glasses, Pack of 4 – The Oaxacan Candle Glass

Best veladoraThe Curated Pantry Vaso Veladora Mezcal Glasses from Mexico (Pack of 4)

Order mezcal in Oaxaca and it often comes in one of these: a short, ribbed glass with a cross on the base. The Curated Pantry explains the history in its listing. The vaso veladora was originally made to hold prayer candles in Catholic churches across Oaxaca, which is where the cross comes from, and it became a traditional glass for drinking mezcal.

It works for tequila too, especially for a side-by-side tasting. Each glass holds 2.7 ounces (80 ml) and measures about 2 3/8 inches tall and 2 1/8 inches wide, so a pour sits in a short, wide glass where it is easy to smell. The ribs give a good grip, and the squat shape is hard to knock over.

The listing says the glasses are made in Mexico and lead-free, and they come in a gift box with a postcard. It does not say whether they are dishwasher safe.

Why we like it

  • Traditional Oaxacan mezcal glass
  • Made in Mexico, lead-free
  • Short, wide shape for smelling a pour
  • Ribbed sides for grip; cross on the base

Key specifications

Model 4vaso
Material Clear glass, lead-free
Capacity 2.7 oz (80 ml)
Count 4
Dimensions About 2 3/8 in tall, 2 1/8 in wide
Dishwasher safe Not stated
Made in Mexico
Care Not stated; hand washing is the safe choice

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you drink mezcal as well as tequila, want an authentic glass with a story, or are setting up a tasting of blanco, reposado and añejo side by side.

Skip it if you want a glass for aged tequila’s full aroma, or a set larger than four. A tulip-shaped tasting glass gathers aroma better.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Authentic Oaxacan design
  • Made in Mexico
  • Stable and easy to hold

Cons

  • Dishwasher safety not stated
  • Small 2.7-ounce size
  • Four to a pack

Check price on Amazon

8. PINYAS Hand-Blown Copitas, Blue Confetti, Set of 4 – Broad Mouth for Aroma

Best copitaPINYAS Mezcal Cups

A copita is a small, wide, shallow cup, the other traditional vessel for agave spirits alongside the veladora. Its broad mouth spreads the spirit over a wide surface, which PINYAS says helps “better circulate the aromas of your favorite agave drink”.

These are hand-blown by Mexican artisans in deep cobalt blue confetti glass. PINYAS gives each a capacity of about 2 ounces (60 ml), at about 2 inches tall and 2.5 inches wide, so the shape is wider than it is tall, the opposite of a caballito. They come four to a set, in recycled and recyclable packaging.

The listing gives them as lead-free recycled glass and dishwasher safe. As with all hand-blown glass, each one varies a little in color, shape and size.

Why we like it

  • Traditional wide copita shape
  • Hand-blown by Mexican artisans
  • Recycled, lead-free glass
  • Dishwasher safe, according to PINYAS

Key specifications

Model MezcalCopitasBlueConfetti4
Material Hand-blown recycled glass, lead-free
Capacity About 2 oz (60 ml)
Count 4
Dimensions About 2 in tall, 2.5 in wide
Dishwasher safe Yes
Made in Mexico (artisan made)
Care Dishwasher; each piece varies

Why we recommend it

Choose it for sipping blanco or mezcal slowly, the way agave spirits are often drunk in Oaxaca, or as a pair to the PINYAS caballitos.

Skip it if you want to see the tequila’s color. The deep blue glass hides it, and a wide, open cup lets the aroma drift away faster than a tulip-shaped glass.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Wide mouth opens up aroma
  • Handmade in Mexico
  • Dishwasher safe

Cons

  • Blue glass hides the color
  • Small 2-ounce cups
  • Pieces vary in size

Check price on Amazon

9. Historically Modern Designs Oaxaca Tequila and Mezcal Glass, Set of 2 – A Wide Copita With Room for Ice

Best wide sipperHistorically Modern Designs The Oaxaca Tequila & Mezcal Glass Glass Set of 2

This glass takes the copita and makes it bigger. Historically Modern Designs says the design was inspired by traditional Mexican copitas, with a shallow bowl that brings the aroma closer and a wide rim that, in the maker’s words, “prevents alcohol vapor concentration”.

Each glass is hand-blown, 4 inches across and 2.5 inches tall, and holds about 5 ounces, with a weight of about 300 grams that gives it a solid feel. The maker points out that there is room for ice, so it works for tequila on the rocks or a mezcal served with a single large cube, as well as for mocktails.

The listing mentions a discreet monogram on the base. It does not state lead content, dishwasher safety or the country of manufacture, so we have not assumed any of them.

Why we like it

  • Copita-inspired shallow bowl
  • Room for ice as well as a neat pour
  • Hand-blown and weighty, about 300 g
  • Also suits mocktails and other drinks

Key specifications

Model GCUP0101045
Material Hand-blown glass
Capacity About 5 oz
Count 2
Dimensions 4 in diameter, 2.5 in tall; about 300 g
Dishwasher safe Not stated
Made in Not stated
Care Not stated; hand washing is the safe choice

Why we recommend it

Choose it if you like tequila or mezcal over a little ice, or want one stylish glass for spirits and non-alcoholic drinks alike.

Skip it if you want clear care instructions and origin details, which the listing does not give, or a glass that concentrates aroma for a serious tasting.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Roomy enough for ice
  • Solid, hand-blown glass
  • Versatile for other drinks

Cons

  • Care not stated
  • Origin not stated
  • Only two glasses

Check price on Amazon

How to choose glasses for tequila

Five things decide which glasses suit you: how you drink tequila, which tequila you buy, how much you pour, what the glass is made of, and how many guests you serve.

1. Shape: caballito, copita, veladora or tasting glass

  • Caballito. Tall, narrow and flat-bottomed, the traditional tequila glass in Mexico. Its name means “little horse”; the stories behind the name, involving riders in the agave fields, are folklore rather than documented history. It is ideal for a straight pour of blanco and for parties.
  • Copita. A small, wide, shallow cup. The broad mouth exposes the spirit to air, which opens the aroma; it is a traditional vessel for mezcal and suits blanco tequila sipped slowly.
  • Veladora. A short, ribbed glass, originally a candle holder in Oaxacan churches, now a classic mezcal glass. Stable, grippy and good for side-by-side tastings.
  • Tasting glass. A tulip or tall-bowled glass, such as the Riedel tequila glass or a Glencairn, that narrows at the rim to gather aroma. The best choice for aged tequila you want to taste closely.

2. The tequila you drink

Blanco, unaged and bright with agave, is at home in a caballito or copita. Reposado and añejo, rested in oak, have more aroma to find, and a tasting glass shows it off; Riedel designed its glass with reposado, añejo and reserva tequilas in mind. Our guide to tequila types explains how the categories differ, and tequila vs mezcal explains why copitas and veladoras come from mezcal country.

Wooden barrels stacked high on both sides of a long cellar aisle
Rows of wooden barrels in a cellar.

3. Capacity and pour size

Caballitos and copitas usually hold about 1.5 to 2 ounces, so the glass itself is the measure. Tasting glasses hold 6 ounces or more, but that space is for aroma, not for filling: a 1.5- to 2-ounce pour is plenty in a 6-ounce glass. The U.S. standard drink, as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism defines it, is 1.5 fluid ounces of 40% spirit, so a full 2-ounce caballito is a little more than one standard drink.

4. Material

Machine-made crystal glass, as Riedel, Viski and Glencairn use, is thin, clear and consistent; Riedel and Glencairn describe theirs as dishwasher safe, and Viski and Glencairn say theirs is lead-free crystal. Hand-blown Mexican glass is usually made from recycled glass, thicker and sturdier, with small bubbles and variations that are part of its character; the makers here state it is lead-free. Colored glass looks festive but hides the color of the tequila, which matters if you are comparing reposado with añejo.

5. How many you need

Tasting glasses tend to come in pairs, caballitos and copitas in fours and sixes, and restaurant glasses by the dozen. For a household, a pair of tasting glasses plus four to six caballitos covers almost everything. For parties, a dozen identical glasses makes pouring and washing up simpler.

How we chose these nine sets

We started from how tequila is actually served: in caballitos at a Mexican table, in copitas and veladoras where mezcal traditions meet tequila, and in tasting glasses when the tequila is aged and worth studying. We looked for glasses sold on Amazon in the United States from identifiable makers, and confirmed each one’s material, capacity, size and care on the maker’s website or the brand’s own Amazon listing, noting where a figure came from a restaurant supplier instead. Riedel’s account of the official tequila glass comes from Riedel’s own product page. Every pick was in stock when we checked; several otherwise appealing sets, including Riedel’s four-glass tequila sets and some hand-blown caballitos, were close to selling out and were left out, as were unbranded multipacks. We have not drunk from every glass listed here; where we describe how a shape behaves, it is from the maker’s description or general glassware practice, and we say so.

How to taste tequila properly

A good tequila deserves a few minutes. Pour about an ounce into a clean, dry glass at room temperature; chilling dulls the aroma. Look at the color against a white surface: blanco is clear, reposado pale gold, añejo deeper. Bring the glass to your nose slowly, with your mouth slightly open, since the alcohol vapor can be sharp up close. Then take a small sip, let it sit on your tongue, and notice the cooked agave, citrus, pepper, vanilla or oak.

A small ribbed glass of clear spirit on a grey surface next to a wooden bottle stopper
A short, ribbed glass, the kind of shape used for a neat pour.

If you are comparing several, use identical glasses, go from youngest to oldest, and keep a glass of water on the table. Sip rather than shoot: tasting is about small amounts. Never drink and drive, and offer guests a good non-alcoholic option, such as an agua fresca, alongside.

Tequila glass questions, answered

What are the best glasses for tequila?

For sipping aged tequila, a tasting glass that narrows at the rim, such as the Riedel tequila glass the Consejo Regulador del Tequila designated as official, or a Glencairn. For blanco served the traditional way, a caballito. For mezcal-style tastings, a copita or veladora.

What is a tequila glass called?

The traditional Mexican tequila glass is the caballito, a tall, narrow glass with a heavy base. Copitas and veladoras are traditional for mezcal and also used for tequila. The stemmed Riedel glass is often called simply the official tequila glass.

Is there an official tequila glass?

Yes. Riedel says it designed its tequila glass in 2001 after tasting workshops with tequila producers and officials, and that the Consejo Regulador del Tequila designated it the official tequila glass. It is sold today in Riedel’s Ouverture range.

How much does a caballito hold?

Usually 1.5 to 2 ounces. The Libbey shooter here holds 1.5 ounces, one U.S. standard drink of 40% spirit, while the hand-blown PINYAS and Dos Sueños caballitos hold about 2 ounces.

Should tequila be served chilled?

Good tequila is usually served at room temperature in a clean glass, so its aroma comes through; cold mutes it. Blanco can be served chilled if you prefer, and tequila over ice in a wide glass is a personal choice rather than a mistake.

Our glasses for a tequila shelf

Buy the Riedel tequila glasses if you sip reposado and añejo and want the glass made for them. Add a set of hand-blown caballitos for blanco and for the dinner table, and a few veladoras or copitas if mezcal is in the cupboard too. For a party, a dozen Libbey shooters keeps pours even. Whatever the glass, pour a measured amount and take your time with it.

Tequila’s best-known drink needs a different glass: see the best margarita glasses, and our hub on margarita accessories for the shaker, squeezer and rimmer that go with them.

A bottle pouring spirit into a crowded tray of small clear shot glasses
Pouring a tray of small glasses for a group.

And if you would rather someone else poured tonight, see our drinks and the menu, or call to order.

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