Pali, November 12, 2026: Tequila in India is moving beyond shots to premium sipping. The Hindu reported the development in a detailed account.

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Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers THEdge At the cutting edge of education and careers Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features. Tequila takes centre stage at a Day of the Dead celebration | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement Tequila fine tuned to classical music?. Sounds incredulous but that’s exactly what Cirilo Oropeza, the founder of Espolòn ( meaning ‘spur’ in Spanish) Tequila set out to do when he created his spirit in 1996.

After the piña (core of the agave plant) was harvested, steamed and rolled, the yeast was given a unique catalyst during fermentation - these micro-organisms that turn starch into alcohol, were found to react positively to the strains of classical music so maestro Cirilo would play classical European and Mexican music for them, believing sonorous vibration helps activate the yeast. Espolòn, launched by the Campari Group in India in 2026, brings this uniquely Mexican spirit to Indian shores to experimental drinkers who like a flavour- forward spirit with a good origin story. Tequila was once the party circuit’s rebellious spirit: good for shots, but not for refined drinking.

But the spirit, made from Agave tequilana Weber (blue agave) in Mexico has seen quite the turnaround in India , thanks to premiumisation, sophisticated cocktail culture and storytelling around its provenance. Espolòn tequila is the latest entrant | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement In India, as per the latest International Wine and Spirits Record (a global leader in data, analytics, and market intelligence for the beverage alcohol industry), tequila volumes soared by 34% in 2025, while value increased by almost double at 66%. Those numbers are forecast to hit an increase of 13% in volume and 15% in value from 2025 to 2030.

A report by Grand View Research, says premiumisation is particularly popular among younger consumers, aged 18-34 years, with consumer education and awareness becoming crucial factors in the growth of the tequila market. Tequila, specifically associated with designated regions in the Mexican state of Jalisco and select municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas, is the talk of the town in cocktail circles as well.

The report is filed here under Lifestyle. The Hindu is the account this copy follows, and the article above keeps the detail that report gave. Nothing beyond those reported details is added.