In 2026, romance looks less like champagne and more like organic tequila, with Pantalones leading the shift toward playful, design-led gifting.
Valentine’s Day gifting is undergoing a quiet reinvention. While flowers and champagne still hold their place, Australians are increasingly looking for gifts that feel personal, modern and designed for sharing at home. This year, tequila is emerging as an unlikely hero of the romantic occasion.
At the centre of this shift is Pantalones Organic Tequila, co-founded by Matthew McConaughey and Camila Alves. Known for its tongue-in-cheek branding and premium production, the label blends humour with craftsmanship, offering a bottle that feels as considered as it is unexpected.
Rather than leaning into traditional Valentine’s clichés, Pantalones taps into a new idea of romance. One that celebrates individuality, relaxed luxury and experiences over excess. It is a drink designed not just to be given, but to be opened together.
The range includes two expressions, each suited to a different kind of celebration.
Blanco is bright and citrus-driven, with sweet, cooked agave notes that lend themselves easily to cocktails or simple serves with lime and soda. It feels made for casual date nights, home entertaining and evenings that prioritise connection over ceremony.
Reposado, aged for nine months in American oak whiskey barrels, brings softer vanilla tones and gentle oak depth. It sits comfortably in the space between tequila and whisky, appealing to couples who enjoy slow sipping and considered gifting.
Together, the bottles reflect a broader change in how Australians approach Valentine’s Day. The focus is moving away from grand gestures and towards shared rituals. A carefully chosen drink becomes part of the evening’s story, whether that means mixing cocktails together in the kitchen or pouring a single glass after dinner.
Design also plays a growing role in modern gifting. Pantalones’ playful packaging and bold identity make it as visually appealing as it is functional. It is the kind of bottle that belongs on a dining table, not hidden in a cupboard.
Retailers are reporting strong interest in premium spirits as alternatives to wine and champagne, particularly among younger consumers who value story and aesthetic alongside flavour. Celebrity-founded brands are no longer novelties. They are increasingly shaping what people bring to dinner parties and give on special occasions.
Priced at $109.99 for Blanco and $199.99 for Reposado, Pantalones sits in the premium gifting category while remaining accessible through Dan Murphy’s nationally.
As Valentine’s Day evolves, so too does what Australians choose to drink. Romance in 2026 is less about formality and more about personality. Less about tradition and more about moments shared at home.
In that sense, tequila is not replacing champagne. It is simply offering a new way to celebrate.
