The 7 Best Books for Tequila and Mezcal Lovers (Our Top Picks In 2023)

Tequila and Mezcal have a rich and textured history. It is culturally significant. For many, it is a way of life and, for even more, their livelihood that has been in their family for generations. Whether you want to learn more about the history, how to make it at home, are in search of some awesome recipes, or are just looking to have some fun with your favorite cactus, this list is for you!

📖 Keen on other spirits? Read our other carefully curated articles on books for other spirits:

• The 7 best books for tequila and mezcal lovers
• The 7 best books for rum lovers
• The 7 best books for gin lovers
• The 7 best books for whiskey lovers
• The 10 best books for learning how to distill

1. Tequila: A Natural and Cultural History 

The author, Gary Paul Nabhan takes us to the agave fields of Mexico and introduces the history, economic, and societal impacts of both the plant and the spirit. The illustrations are sure to mesmerize and give an accurate depiction of the entire process. The reader will be transported to where agave is born. It also sheds light on the labor involved and the people who tirelessly work the lush fields. It tells of the process of producing quality mescal. As well as the careful cultivation process that has been handed down through generations. Everything from seeking out mature agaves to the fermentation process is laid out. You will learn just how painstaking the growing and picking of the perfect agave really is. You will tour the distillery, and learn how it is manufactured. It’s a must-have for those who don’t want to just pour the tequila but, also show their intellectual mastery and historical knowledge of the plant. Available on Amazon.com

2.  The Tequila Dictionary 

Next on the list is a book the New York Times says has “everything you need to know ” about tequila, mezcal, and agave. Within its pages, author Eric Zandona gives us hundreds of entries on the culture, history, ingredients, and distilling techniques of the spirit. As one reader put it, ” this book will make you thirsty “. Mr. Zandona does a fabulous job of putting everything you need to know about tequila and mescal into one place. It will have you wanting to track down and sample all the different spirits that agave gives us. It is indeed one of the best books about tequila on the market. It is said to be the go-to gift for tequila lovers. Besides, of course, tequila itself!

Available From: Amazon.com

3. The Tequila Cookbook

Once you have satisfied your historical and societal thirst for tequila and are ready to quench your actual thirst, this offering by Lynn Nusom is just what you need. Not only does this unique recipe book include delicious tequila drinks, but it also has appetizers, soups, main dishes, and desserts galore that use none other than tequila as a major ingredient! Imagine having a dinner party in which tequila is in each course. If that sounds fun, then this book is definitely for you. Your guests will love you and your never had dishes before. There are over 150 unique recipes with which to impress friends and make them very happy. It is a great addition to any recipe book collection. The author even includes fun tequila trivia to expand your knowledge. 

Available From: Amazon.com

4. Tequila Mockingbird: Cocktails With A Literary Twist

No list of the best tequila books would be complete without this gem authored by Tim Federle. That’s right, a book about tequila that was premised around other books! The book includes 65 nifty drink recipes along with a clever guide to literary classics. Though the contents do include spirits other than tequila, rest assured that a tequila river runs through it. You’ll be the hit of the book club with drinks like, Are You There, God? It’s me Margarita and The Pitcher of Dorian Grey Goose. This book is great to have at a party, give as a gift, and even just to read on your own.

Available From: Amazon.com

5. Mezcal & Tequila Cocktails

If you are reading through the list and are thinking you just want tasty, solid go to recipes for, well, mescal and tequila, then this is the book for you. Within its pages, author Robert Simonson includes over 60 recipes for the tequila lover. Everything from the traditional Mezcal Mule to new and flavorful twists on the Siesta. It’s a straightforward guide for mescal and tequila enthusiasts to enjoy their passion in a variety of ways.

Available From: Amazon.com

6. Tequila and Mezcal: The Complete Guide

If you’re more about discovering the versatility and taste profiles of your beloved drink, then writer Isabel Boon’s guide is for you. It is a complete reference resource that categorizes the various types of tequila and mezcal.It chronicles the comeback of tequila ( was it ever down and out?) It takes you back to the origins of tequila, charts out distilleries, and tells some great stories. It also gives the reader a list of the best tequila bars. The author examines whether tequila is best drunk straight or in a cocktail. He also explores if tequila is the new gin.

Available From: Amazon.com

7. The Tequila Handbook ( International Tequila Academy )

Finally,  on our list we offer this gem by Adam Fodor. For those who want to be well versed in tequila but don’t have the time for a lot of reading, this book does the trick. It helps the individual who finds it difficult to navigate around the sometimes confusing vocabulary that can surround the industry. For example, what exactly is the difference between agave, tequila, and mescal? What spirit is that little worm in and what happens to you if you ingest him? It is short and to the point and full of pictures. It beautifully illustrates everything from the fields of Mexico, the agave plant to the delicious drinks in pretty glasses that stem from the tequila. It provides all that should be known by a tequila consumer.

Available From: Amazon.com

Honorable Mention 1: Tarot & Tequila

This book, though not information-based, was too fun NOT to include. So we offer it here strictly for those who are looking for a fun alternative to traditional drinking or board games. It is a beautifully illustrated bar book that includes both basic and humorous tequila meanings inspired by the tarot. It features 40 cocktail recipes based on the attributes of the cards. With this book by David A. Ross, you get a spiritual reading based on your spirit of choice.

Available From: Amazon.com

Honorable Mention 2: Tequila Made Me Do It

In case you don’t already have enough recipes, this suggestion offers everything you need to make over 60 tantalizing tequila cocktails in the comfort of your own home. From tequila aficionado, Cecilia Murruetta, this guide is brilliantly illustrated and shows you how to make everything from the classic margarita and Cadillac to many less common elixirs that will dazzle your guests. It’s another fun choice written by someone whose love of tequila shines through every page.

Available From: Amazon.com

Conclusion

There you have it. 7 of the best books about tequila and mescal. Plus two that were too entertaining to leave out! We hope you find the list helpful and fun. Whether you are in need of a simple drink recipe, looking to deep dive into tequila history, or just want to have a fun night with friends, there’s something on this list for everyone! 

📖 Keen on other spirits? Read our other carefully curated articles on books for other spirits:

• The 7 best books for tequila and mezcal lovers
• The 7 best books for rum lovers
• The 7 best books for gin lovers
• The 7 best books for whiskey lovers
• The 10 best books for learning how to distill