Top Ten States for Tequila Sales

*This article was originally published in November 2021 and last updated in September 2025

Tequila continues its remarkable growth trajectory as agave-based spirits cement their position as one of America’s fastest-growing spirits categories. The latest data from Beverage Information Group reveals that the U.S. consumed an impressive 31.3 million nine-liter cases of tequila in 2024, representing substantial growth in this dynamic category.

The consumption data shows familiar leaders dominating total volume, with California and Texas maintaining their commanding positions. However, the per capita rankings reveal intriguing regional preferences, with western states demonstrating particularly strong individual consumption patterns that reflect cultural affinity for agave spirits.

1. California: 6.6 Million Cases

The Golden State continues its reign as America’s tequila consumption champion, consuming over 6.6 million cases in 2024. California not only leads in total volume but also ranks second nationally in per capita consumption with 225 cases per 1,000 residents. This dual dominance reflects both the state’s massive population and its deep cultural connection to Mexican cuisine and agave spirits.

2. Texas: 3.8 Million Cases

The Lone Star State maintains its strong second-place position with nearly 3.8 million cases consumed in 2024. Texas also demonstrates solid per capita consumption, ranking fifth nationally with 172 cases per 1,000 residents, indicating genuine regional preference beyond just population size.

3. Florida: 1.8 Million Cases

The Sunshine State claimed the bronze medal with 1.8 million cases in 2024. Florida’s warm climate and vibrant nightlife scene contribute to steady tequila consumption, though the state doesn’t crack the top ten in per capita rankings.

4. North Carolina: 1.2 Million Cases

The Tar Heel State came in fourth place with over 1.2 million cases, showing impressive growth in the Southeast region. North Carolina also ranks ninth in per capita consumption with 142 cases per 1,000 residents.

5. Illinois: 1.2 Million Cases

Illinois rounds out the top five with nearly 1.2 million cases consumed in 2024, likely concentrated heavily in the Chicago metropolitan area and surrounding regions.

6. Arizona: 1.1 Million Cases

The Grand Canyon State demonstrates strong tequila preference with over 1.1 million cases consumed and impressive per capita consumption, ranking fourth nationally with 199 cases per 1,000 residents. Arizona’s southwestern location and cultural ties contribute to this strong showing.

7. Ohio: 1.1 Million Cases

Ohio consumed just over 1.1 million cases in 2024, maintaining its position as a significant control state market for tequila consumption.

8. Michigan: 1.1 Million Cases

Michigan’s consumption of over 1 million cases places it in the top ten, with the state also ranking tenth in per capita consumption at 140 cases per 1,000 residents.

9. New York: 1.1 Million Cases

The Empire State consumed just over 1 million cases in 2024. Despite its large population and significant total volume, New York notably doesn’t appear in the top ten for per capita consumption, suggesting that population density rather than individual preference drives these figures.

10. Colorado: 917k Cases

Colorado rounds out the top ten with over 917,000 cases and earns distinction as the third-highest per capita consumer nationally with 205 cases per 1,000 residents, reflecting a strong regional preference for agave spirits in the Mountain West.

Per Capita Champions

While large states dominate total volume, the per capita rankings reveal distinct regional consumption patterns that tell a different story about tequila preference across America:

1. Nevada: 286 cases per 1,000 residents
2. California: 225 cases per 1,000 residents
3. Colorado: 205 cases per 1,000 residents
4. Arizona: 199 cases per 1,000 residents
5. Texas: 172 cases per 1,000 residents
6. New Mexico: 160 cases per 1,000 residents
7. New Hampshire: 156 cases per 1,000 residents
8. District of Columbia: 150 cases per 1,000 residents
9. North Carolina: 142 cases per 1,000 residents
10. Michigan: 140 cases per 1,000 residents

The per capita data reveal a clear Western preference for tequila, with six of the top ten states located west of the Mississippi River. This pattern suggests that cultural proximity to Mexico, climate preferences, and regional drinking cultures play significant roles in tequila consumption beyond simple population metrics.

These consumption patterns provide valuable insights for tequila brands considering market expansion strategies. While high-volume states offer scale opportunities, the per capita leaders may represent markets with stronger brand loyalty and growth potential.