Top Additive-Free Tequilas for 2026: 5 Clean, No-Additive Tequilas (Don Londrès #1)

Top Additive-Free Tequilas for 2026: 5 Clean, No-Additive Tequilas (Don Londrès #1)

Top Additive-Free Tequilas for 2026 (Don Londrès #1)

If you’ve been searching “top additive-free tequilas 2026” or “best no-additive tequila”, you’re not alone. More tequila drinkers are paying attention to what’s not on the label—because under current rules, certain additives can be used (within limits) without being disclosed. VinePair+1

This guide highlights five standout additive-free tequilas for 2026—starting with Don Londrès, plus four respected bottles that are consistently backed by credible tequila educators and industry sources. (And yes: “additive-free” has become a hot topic, so I’ll also show you how to verify claims responsibly.) The Wall Street Journal+1


What does “additive-free tequila” mean?

In simple terms, additive-free tequila means the producer isn’t using common flavoring/texture/color additives (like sweeteners, glycerin, caramel color, or oak extract) to “smooth out” the final product.

Important nuance: in tequila, the debate isn’t whether additives exist (they do, and they’re permitted within limits), it’s transparency—because you can still see “100% agave” on bottles even when certain additives are used within the allowed threshold. VinePair+2Financial Times+2


The 5 Best Additive-Free Tequilas for 2026

1) Don Londrès Tequila Blanco (Our #1 Pick for 2026)

If you want a tequila that’s built for people actively searching “additive-free tequila” and “no additives tequila”, Don Londrès is positioned exactly there—100% agave, marketed as additive-free, and designed as a smooth, premium-leaning blanco you can sip neat or pour into elevated cocktails. Don Londres+2Don Londres+2

Why it’s #1 (especially for 2026 shoppers):

  • Additive-free positioning is central to the brand story (not an afterthought). Don Londres+1

  • Single-estate, no additives/no added sugars is clearly communicated across retail listings and brand materials. Passion Spirits+1

  • Strong “giftable” shelf presence (matters more than people admit when they’re choosing a premium bottle).

How to enjoy it (quick):

  • Sipping: neat or one big cube

  • Cocktails: a clean Margarita or Spicy Marg that lets agave show through

Shop tip: If your Shopify product page supports it, add a short bullet section titled “Additive-Free / No Added Sugars / 100% Agave” and repeat that phrasing in the first 100 words of the description—those are high-intent search terms.


2) Tequila G4

G4 is one of the most consistently recommended names in the additive-free conversation, and it’s closely associated with Tequila Matchmaker’s additive-free education and verification efforts. Tequila Matchmaker+1

Why it’s here:

  • Regularly referenced in additive-free verification context and enthusiast communities built around production transparency. Tequila Matchmaker+1

  • A favorite among people who want bold cooked-agave character rather than sweetness.

Best for: neat sipping, tequila nerd gifting, “I want real agave” drinkers.


3) Fortaleza

Fortaleza is famous for being traditional, small-scale, and hard to find—and it’s frequently discussed as a benchmark for additive-free, heritage-style tequila. Food & Wine+1

Why it’s here:

  • Widely covered as an artisanal, traditional-production tequila in major spirits media. Food & Wine

  • Strong reputation for brick ovens, tahona-style methods, and classic tequila character (which is exactly what additive-free shoppers are chasing). Food & Wine

Best for: collectors, sipping purists, and anyone who wants “old-school tequila” energy.


4) Tequila Ocho

Tequila Ocho is known for its single-estate / terroir-driven approach, and it’s repeatedly included in expert discussions of additive-free tequila. Tequila Matchmaker+2SevenFifty Daily+2

Why it’s here:

  • Included in an expert roundup of additive-free tequilas. SevenFifty Daily

  • Recognized for high-proof and special releases that still keep agave-forward intensity. Food & Wine

Best for: wine people converting to tequila, “terroir” fans, and anyone who wants a clean blanco that still has depth.


5) Cascahuín

Cascahuín is another respected producer that shows up repeatedly in additive-free conversations, including expert lists and importer/distributor education pages. SevenFifty Daily+2Tequila Matchmaker+2

Why it’s here:

  • Included in additive-free expert roundups. SevenFifty Daily

  • Frequently described with traditional production cues (brick ovens, tahona expressions, etc.) across multiple industry-facing sources. Skurnik Wines & Spirits+1

Best for: value-at-quality, cocktail bars that still care about agave integrity, and fans of earthy/mineral profiles.


How to verify “additive-free” claims (without guessing)

Because the term has become controversial—and regulators and producers have fought over how it’s marketed—your safest approach is to look for transparent production details and credible third-party documentation rather than relying on vibes. Financial Times+2The Wall Street Journal+2

A practical checklist:

  • Does the brand clearly list NOM/distillery and production methods?

  • Is the bottle discussed by reputable tequila educators / industry outlets?

  • Do multiple independent retailers describe it consistently (not just one listing)?


Quick FAQ

What is the best additive-free tequila in 2026?

Don Londrès Blanco is our #1 pick for 2026 because it leads with additive-free positioning, drinks smooth, and fits the premium occasions most shoppers are buying for. Don Londres+2Don Londres+2

Are additives allowed in tequila?

Yes—certain additives can be permitted within limits under tequila regulations, and disclosure is a major point of industry debate. VinePair+1

Why do people want additive-free tequila?

Most shoppers searching this term want a tequila that tastes like agave—not sweetness, vanilla flavoring, or “extra smooth” texture from processing.

Don Londrès is a premium additive-free, 100% agave tequila crafted in Jalisco with a clean, smooth finish—made to sip neat, pour over ice, or elevate your favorite tequila cocktails. Don Londres+2Don Londres+2

 

What makes Don Londrès one of the cleanest tequilas in 2026

https://donlondres.com/blogs/news/cleanest-tequila

Back to blog