La Pulga Tequila, the Fort Worth-born spirit with deep Cowtown roots and zero additives, is making moves — fast. As of this summer, the brand’s lineup of premium tequilas is officially available in bars, restaurants, and retail stores across Florida and Colorado.
Through a new partnership with Green Light Distribution, a Florida-based company focused on growing small to mid-size craft brands, La Pulga is now on the shelf from the Panhandle to the Keys. The expansion follows its June launch in Colorado, distributed through Republic National Distributing Company, marking two key milestones in a national rollout that’s being driven not by marketing dollars, but by grassroots buzz.
“We’re enormously excited to now bring [La Pulga] to consumers and bartenders across the country, starting with important markets like Florida where people understand and appreciate high-quality, affordable spirits,” said Alan Thompson, CEO of La Pulga Spirits.
It’s a long way from the tequila’s origin story, which began not in Jalisco but on Fort Worth’s North Side — specifically at 960 N University Drive, home of the city’s longstanding open-air flea market. Known affectionately as “La Pulga,” the space has served as a weekend gathering spot for generations, where families can shop, eat, dance, and connect. When it faced demolition during the pandemic, local entrepreneurs Andrew De La Torre, Sarah Castillo (of Tinie’s and Taco Heads), and Stephen Slaughter saw an opportunity to protect something sacred — and build something new.
“La Pulga is a term of endearment,” said De La Torre. “This place has been part of Fort Worth’s cultural fabric for decades. When COVID hit and it was on the verge of being torn down, I couldn’t let that happen.”
Their answer was both a tribute and a pivot: a new tequila brand named after the market, built on values of authenticity, accessibility, and heritage. Trips to Mexico’s Los Altos region led to a partnership with a small-batch distillery in the Jalisco Highlands, where the volcanic soil produces some of the most flavorful Blue Weber Agave in the world. There, the trio worked closely with a master tequilero to create a clean, additive-free spirit with layered complexity — one that could stand tall on the backbar without losing its sense of place.
Each bottle of La Pulga — whether it’s Blanco, Reposado, or Añejo — is finished with a natural cork and adorned with a keepsake medallion, a nod to the craftsmanship and cultural pride behind the brand. The portfolio also includes La Pulga Mezcal and Sotol, both now available in Florida as part of the expanded rollout.
“This is exactly the type of innovative and forward-thinking brand we look for at Green Light,” said Chris Larue, president of Green Light Distribution Florida.