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The best coffee tequilas to rival Patrón XO Cafe
For mixing delicious Mexican espresso martinis
When news that Patrón XO Cafe was being discontinued leaked in 2021, it sparked an understandable uproar among its devoted fans. Thankfully, it was reinstated in some UK bars late last year and became available to buy online in early 2025.
In the meantime, several other brands have stepped in to fill its place. So, whether you’re a loyal fan of the original or keen to try something new, the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute have tested them all so you can sip with confidence.
Best coffee tequila 2025
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Looking to replenish your drinks trolley? Read on for more expert-tested reviews: Best whisky | best tequila | best gin | best flavoured gin | best port | best rum | best spiced rum | best vodka
What can you do with coffee tequila?
Surprisingly versatile, coffee tequila can be drunk over ice, added to coffee (we won’t tell if you don’t) or mixed into an array of cocktails. One of our favourites is a Mexican espresso martini (simply shake coffee tequila and espresso with ice, then strain into a chilled glass).
How we test coffee tequila
Our panel – made up of 10 WSET accredited spirits experts and tequila-loving consumers – put nine coffee-flavoured tequilas to the test.
Each was tried neat and blind, to avoid brand bias, allowing the full flavours — such as coffee, chocolate and vanilla — to shine through. Our experts were on the lookout for rich and velvety smooth styles, with well-balanced sweetness and added complexity.
Below are their best coffee tequilas to try in 2025.
Score: 85/100
Boldly aromatic, testers described the aroma of Cazcabel’s tequila liqueur as “like a freshly brewed coffee”. On the palate it’s silky and sweet, with notes of chocolate, roasted coffee beans, and fiery tequila. Ideal for sweet palates or enhancing desserts such as tiramisu.
Score: 83/100
With a slightly lower ABV of 30 percent, this coffee liqueur would be great served simply over ice.
It’s a blend of VIVIR Tequila Blanco, locally sourced Mexican coffee beans and piloncillo, or "Mexican brown sugar" which sweetens each sip.
Our experts found it pleasingly sweet without tasting artificial, with a lovely bitterness from the earthy coffee beans and a raw, vegetal note akin to olives, from the agave. Overall, it’s smooth and silky, and deserves a place on your drinks trolley.
Dead Man's Fingers Coffee Tequila Liqueur
Score: 83/100
Cornwall's Dead Man’s Fingers began with a spiced rum, later expanding to include this coffee liqueur among its lineup of quirky flavored spirits – Blue Raspberry Tequila anyone?
Known for their unique approach, this drink is slightly thinner than others we tested. It’s an excellent entry-level option, bursting with caramelized butterscotch, hints of hazelnut, and a touch of brown sugar, reminiscent of a sweetened Americano. Well-balanced, it finishes with a strong agave note.
Score: 81/100
With rich chocolate undertones, caramel sweetness, and hints of molasses, cocoa, and vanilla, this liqueur is perfect for sweet tooths. Its well-balanced alcohol makes it an excellent sipper or a delightful dessert addition.
Score: 76/100
Looking for something smokier? This coffee-flavored mezcal delivers powerful, rich, smoky notes with light agave and deep roasted coffee flavors. Beautifully balanced and silky-smooth, it’s perfect for crafting an espresso mezcal martini.
Score: 76/100
If you're willing to splurge, this premium digestif is a worthy choice. Its rich, silky texture impressed our experts, with its strong coffee-syrup sweetness and subtle tequila undertones – quite the contrast to its bold agave aroma. A perfect post-dinner treat.
Score: 71/100
This well-priced Mexican liqueur has a light, vegetal heat from the agave, combined with deep roasted coffee beans. There’s also well-integrated sweetness from the touch of piloncillo, and cocoa and vanilla notes. Perfect for cocktails, get set, ready, shake.
Score: 70/100
As the pioneers in this category, Café Patrón holds a unique legacy, though it ranked lower in our taste test this time. That said, its velvety, warming alcohol, roasted coffee and agave flavour, and sweet chocolate notes will always hold a special place in our drinks cabinet.
Stacey looks after all food and drink reviews — from coffee pods and veg boxes, to natural wine and tequila. Stacey is also founder of Crummbs, where she’s written nearly 2,000 restaurant and hotel reviews since 2013. Prior to this, Stacey wrote hundreds of in-depth buying guides for the Independent, i newspaper and BBC Good Food, as well as reviewing restaurants and interviewing celebrities in her column at Balance Magazine. Stacey has also appeared in BAFTA-nominated BBC documentary Blood, Sweat & Takeaways, where she investigated South East Asia's food production industry, appearing on both Newsnight and BBC World Service to share her findings. Regularly checking out the latest restaurants, bars and product launches, Stacey also loves experimenting with recipes at home, and is a WSET-certified wine and spirits expert, with over 10 years of experience in the business. You can follow Stacey on Instagram @crummbs_uk
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