Whether it’s stirred into a Margarita, poured tall in a Paloma, or sipped neat from a tulip glass, tequila is having a serious moment. Once dismissed as a party shot to slam back with salt and lime, agave-based spirits are now stepping into the limelight across Asia—and Singapore is right at the heart of this boom.
To get the lowdown on why tequila is suddenly everywhere, we spoke with two experts shaping the scene: Brian Werner, Managing Director of East West Management & Marketing (specialists in premium tequila distribution across Asia-Pacific), and Jesse Vida, co-founder of Cat Bite Club, Singapore’s award-winning agave temple.
From Late-Night Shots To Luxe Sips
"The biggest misconception about tequila is that you need salt, sugar, or fruit to drink it with," Jesse tells us. "If you drink the good stuff, it’s totally unnecessary."
And there’s a lot of "good stuff" these days. Tequila and mezcal producers are leaning into provenance, sustainability, and craftsmanship in order to create artisanal agave spirits that rival single malts and small-batch gins in complexity.
Brian adds that younger Singaporeans are leading the charge. "They’re becoming more adventurous with their drinking choices and often seek out artisanal and authentic spirits with a story behind them. Add to that the rise in high-end Mexican and Latin-inspired restaurants and bars, and you’ve got the perfect landscape for tequila’s growth."
Why Tequila, Why Now?
Globally, cocktail culture is booming. The Margarita ranked #3 and the Paloma #9 in Drinks International’s 2024 list of the world’s best-selling cocktails. And here in Singapore, that trend translates into more demand for agave-based drinks at every level—from speakeasy-style bars to buzzy new taquerias.
On the supply side, falling agave prices have also opened the door for innovation. "This price correction has given producers flexibility to explore new expressions and reach a much wider audience," says Brian. "It’s created the perfect storm for tequila’s rise."
Image credit: Cat Bite Margarita from Cat Bite Club | Supplied
Enter Cat Bite Club
Tucked away on Duxton Road behind a glowing red sign and a mischievous Cheshire grin, Cat Bite Club is rewriting the rulebook for agave in Singapore. Home to over 200 bottles of tequila, mezcal, and other agave spirits, it was recently crowned #44 on Asia’s 50 Best Bars list 2025 (a huge feat for a bar that only opened in mid-2023).
"We wanted to build a space that showcases agave’s diversity," Jesse explains. "It’s a natural spirit, all about the terroir, and many are additive-free. Factor in mezcal and other agaves, and you’re talking about one of the most vast and ranging spirit categories in the world."
And if you’re worried about the dreaded tequila hangover? Jesse has some good news: "If you sip beautifully crafted agave spirits all night and don’t deter, I can attest you’ll have a hangover-free drinking experience." We’ll drink to that!
Beyond Shots: How To Drink Tequila Now
So, how should you be drinking tequila in 2025? Both experts agree: slowly and with appreciation.
- Sip It: Treat premium tequila like a fine whisky. Use a tulip-shaped glass to savour the aroma and complexity.
- Cocktails: You can’t go wrong with classics. "My favourite is the Paloma," says Brian. "It’s bright, balanced, and perfect for Singapore’s hot climate."
- Pair It With Food: Forget just wine pairings, tequila pairing dinners are on the rise. Think crisp blancos with ceviche, reposados with roasted meats, and añejos with rich desserts.
Image credit: Cat Bite Club | Supplied
The Future Is Bright (And Agave-Fuelled)
Despite high alcohol duties and the challenge of educating consumers, Werner is confident about the category’s growth. "Agave is one of the few spirit categories showing consistent multi-market growth in Asia-Pacific. Markets like Japan, China, and Australia are already among the world’s top importers, and Singapore is well-positioned to follow."
For Jesse, the secret sauce is simple: "Our lovely team, the intimacy of the space, our tasty drinks, and our amazing spirits selection” is what keeps people coming back for more.
With the combination of passionate distributors, pioneering bars, and adventurous drinkers, tequila is finally claiming its place in Asia’s premium drinking culture. So next time you’re out, skip the salt and lime and raise a glass to tequila’s new era—smooth, stylish, and here to stay.
What Exactly Are We Drinking?
Our current go to is Don Ramón Tequila. It strikes that sweet spot between polished and playful—smooth enough to sip slowly, but lively enough to bring a little sparkle to the night. Expect roasted agave depth with bright citrus notes and a touch of peppery warmth that keeps things interesting. It’s the kind of tequila that feels just as at home in a perfectly stirred cocktail as it does poured neat into a crystal glass.
Image credit: Don Ramón Tequila | Facebook
So, you’ve read about tequila’s glow-up and now you’re thirsty. Lucky for you, Singapore has gone full agave-mode, and we’ve done the very hard work of testing out the city’s best tequila-fuelled spots (you’re welcome).
Main image credit: Cat Bite Club | Supplied