Embodiments of the invention provide processes for catalytically converting oxygenates to hydrocarbon products having an increased C6-C8 aromatics content therein. Particular processes include (a) providing a first mixture comprising ≧10.0 wt. % of at least one oxygenate, based on the weight of the first mixture; (b) contacting the first mixture with a catalyst to convert the first mixture to a product stream including water, one or more hydrocarbons, hydrogen, and one or more oxygenates, wherein the catalyst comprises at least one molecular sieve and at least one element selected from Groups 2-14 of the Periodic Table and the hydrocarbons comprise ≧30.0 wt. % of aromatics, based on the weight of the hydrocarbons in the product stream; and (c) separating from the product stream at least one water-rich stream, at least one aromatic-rich hydrocarbon stream, and at least one aromatic-depleted hydrocarbon stream.