Spirited Agave · Bottle guide
Yes, tequila can be kosher. Some unflavored, 100% agave tequilas are accepted without kosher certification; other bottles need a closer check. Choosing a tequila with reliable certification is the most straightforward option, especially for an aged or flavored release.1, 2
For Passover, choose a bottle specifically certified kosher for Passover. Find Passover-certified tequila in the directory.3
Find a kosher-certified tequila
Look up a brand or expression in the kosher tequila directory. Filter by certifier and use, then check the exact product, required mark and any bottle conditions.
Start with the kind of tequila
The words “100% agave” describe the sugars used to make tequila. A mixto uses at least 51% agave sugars, with other sugars making up the rest. Neither description is a kosher certification.4
| Bottle | What to check |
|---|---|
| Unflavored 100% agave blanco | Both agencies accept qualifying CRT-approved tequila without certification. Wine-cask aging or finishing falls outside this general acceptance; check the exact bottle’s certification. |
| Reposado, añejo and other aged tequila | STAR-K accepts qualifying unflavored, CRT-approved 100% agave aged tequila without certification, while preferring reliable certification. Its wine-cask exclusions still apply. cRc advises choosing reliably certified aged tequila because of possible non-kosher glycerin. |
| Cristalino | cRc requires reliable certification. STAR-K accepts qualifying unflavored, CRT-approved 100% agave cristalino without certification, while preferring it; its wine-cask exclusions still apply. |
| Mixto | Outside STAR-K’s general acceptance. Check the exact product with your kosher authority. |
| Flavored or rosa tequila | cRc requires reliable certification. STAR-K excludes flavored tequila from its general acceptance. |
Follow the agency or rabbi whose standards you normally use. If you are buying a gift or serving guests, ask which certification they accept before choosing the bottle.
For the flavor and aging differences, see our blanco versus reposado guide.
What does kosher certification cover?
A kosher agency can accept a category of tequila under stated conditions without certifying every product in it. That is the basis of STAR-K’s general tequila guidance. It does not mean every qualifying bottle carries the STAR-K symbol.1
Certification covers a particular product and its production: ingredients, processes and the manufacturing facility, with continuing monitoring. For an OK-certified product, look for its symbol or a valid certificate.5
The CRT is Mexico’s Tequila Regulatory Council. Its approval concerns tequila’s authenticity and compliance with the tequila standard. A CRT or NOM reference on the label serves a different purpose from a kosher certification mark.4
Wine casks can change the answer
Wine and grape products have additional kosher production requirements.5 Pink tequila, often called rosa tequila, can get its color from wine casks. Check the back label and the producer’s description for wine or brandy aging.8 STAR-K excludes bottles bearing terms including Burdeos, Sherry, Port, Cognac, Madeira, Oloroso, Sauterne, Shiraz, Dual Cask Finish and Double-Matured from its general acceptance.1
Gran Coramino describes Cabernet Sauvignon cask finishing for its Cristalino, and blending with Cognac-cask extra añejo for its Añejo. Its Reposado includes a blend with tequila matured in brandy and Moscatel barrels, according to the producer.6 Take those details to your kosher authority when checking the bottle.
Clear color is no shortcut: a cristalino can be aged tequila filtered through charcoal to remove color.
Kosher tequila can contain additives
Kosher certification concerns the suitability of ingredients and production. An additive can meet kosher requirements. Glycerin, for example, can come from vegetable, animal or synthetic sources; its origin and processing determine its kosher status.7
An additive free claim says the tequila was made without additives. For kosher bottle choice, use the relevant certification or acceptance guidance. Our guide to tequila additives explains their uses.
Check tequila separately for Passover
Even 100% agave tequila needs a separate Passover check. Fermentation yeast, flavors, additives and production equipment can affect its suitability, including barrels previously used for bourbon. Reliable kosher-for-Passover certification gives shoppers a way to check those details.3
Some communities avoid spirits during Passover even when certified. Follow your household’s practice or ask your rabbi. The directory also identifies KA’s separate, dated approvals for Passover 2026; use those only if your kosher authority accepts that approval.14
Find a kosher-certified tequila
Look up a brand or expression in the kosher tequila directory. Filter by certifier and use, then check the exact product, required mark and any bottle conditions.
Questions about kosher tequila
Does tequila need a kosher symbol?
No. For year-round use, qualifying unflavored, CRT-approved 100% agave blanco tequila can be accepted without a symbol under STAR-K and cRc guidance. Wine-cask aging or finishing falls outside that general acceptance. Passover needs its own check.1, 2
Is every 100% agave tequila kosher?
No. The agave percentage alone does not settle tequila’s kosher status. Ingredients, production and cask use also matter.1, 5
Can flavored tequila be kosher?
Yes. Flavored tequila can have kosher certification; check the exact flavor and required symbol.2
Does kosher tequila mean additive free tequila?
No. Kosher tequila can contain additives that meet the relevant kosher requirements.3, 7
Is kosher tequila suitable for Passover?
Only when the exact tequila has reliable kosher-for-Passover certification or a specific Passover approval accepted by your kosher authority. Ordinary year-round certification is not enough. The directory distinguishes certification from KA’s dated Passover 2026 approvals.3
Sources and notes
Product lists and directory conditions checked 13 October 2026. Recheck the relevant certifier’s list when buying, as certification can change.
- STAR-K: Tequila. General acceptance requires 100% agave and CRT approval; its exclusions apply.
- cRc: Tequila. General guidance and individual product listings; blanco acceptance excludes wine-cask aging or finishing disclosed on the label or producer’s website.
- OK Kosher: Tequila on Pesach, 3 April 2025. Passover production requirements and differing community practices.
- CRT: Nuestro Tequila. Tequila categories, production and authenticity controls.
- OK Kosher: Frequently Asked Questions, 2 November 2023. Certification and certificates.
- Gran Coramino: How Tequila Is Made. Producer descriptions of each release’s cask use.
- OK Kosher Spirit, Tishrei 5776, page 12 (2015): “Glycerin,” by Rabbi Sholom Ber Hendel. Ingredient background.
- Código 1530: Rosa. The producer describes Cabernet wine barrels giving its rosa tequila a pink color.
- STAR-K: El Tequileno certificate, issued 23 December 2025, valid through 31 December 2026. Both pages list the exact releases and the required STAR-K mark.
- STAR-K 2026 Pesach Directory, pages 6–7 (PDF pages 8–9). Grand Mayan Blanco requires STAR-K P.
- OU: Tequila product search. All 123 matches inspected on 13 October 2026; six carry special Passover certification, and food or prepared-drink matches are identified separately.
- OK Kosher: Tequila product search. Product, symbol, packaging and transport conditions; results also include ingredients and bulk tequila.
- KA: Certification finder. All 511 tequila-related records inspected; exact products, sizes, UKDs and required marks retained.
- KA: Signed Passover 2026 approval, 24 February 2026, and its product list, reproduced by Jewish Drinking. Exact approved tequila labels; Herradura Plata/Silver is excluded.