Buzz
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, a specialty of Mexico. There are three main types of Tequila (along with a few subcategories within these): Blanco, meaning 'white' and unaged; reposado, which translates to 'rested' and is aged for 2 to 12 months in oak barrels; and añejo, meaning 'aged' and matured for 1 to 3 years in small oak barrels. While Tequila has often been seen as a party drink, there are many ways to enjoy it without feeling like you've just played a round of piñata the next morning. Here are some suggestions.
Steps
Sip slowly and savor the flavor
Choose 100% agave Tequila. Not all Tequilas are created equal. If you want to enjoy Tequila like a true Mexican, opt for 100% pure agave Tequila.
- Many Tequilas are labeled as 'mixto,' meaning they are made from at least 51% agave and mixed with other sugars. Avoid these—they don't taste like real Tequila.
- Most bartenders and Tequila experts recommend selecting Tequila produced by small, family-owned distilleries rather than large corporations. (Yes, we're looking at you, Cuervo.) If you find a family-produced Tequila, it's likely 100% agave and will have a superior flavor.
Opt for Añejo Tequila. Añejo Tequila is aged for at least one year, giving it a richer and more refined flavor compared to younger or flavored Tequilas that lack depth. These aged varieties are often likened to well-matured cognac.
- Añejos are typically pricier than reposado or blanco, but they don't have to break the bank. You can find premium añejo options for under 1 million VND.
- Enjoy añejos at room temperature. Adding ice dilutes the flavor and may mask the intricate notes of the Tequila.
- For the best experience, use a Tequila glass to savor añejo. Alternatively, many prefer narrow-mouthed glasses for drinking Tequila.
Pair Tequila with a bit of sangrita. The word "sangrita" translates to "a little blood" in Spanish, referencing its vibrant color. Sangrita is a non-alcoholic beverage. Serve it alongside Tequila in small glasses, alternating sips of each. To make sangrita, mix the following ingredients and chill:
- 1 cup fresh orange juice
- 1 cup tomato juice (not V-8)
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon pomegranate syrup
- 12 drops of hot sauce, such as Cholula
Follow the Tequila tasting ritual. (Optional.) If you want to enjoy Tequila the traditional way, consider these tips from Tequila connoisseurs.
- Pour 30 ml of Tequila into a Tequila glass or a narrow-mouthed cup. Hold the base (not the body) of the glass, lift it to eye level, and observe its color.
- Swirl the glass. Notice how the Tequila clings to the sides, creating a "pearl necklace" effect.
- Take a small sip, hold it in your mouth for about 10 seconds, allowing the Tequila to coat every part of your tongue.
- Swallow and repeat the process! Isn't it fascinating?
Drink Tequila, shoot it fast
Choose blanco, oro, or reposado Tequila. Oro, meaning 'gold,' has a flavor profile similar to blanco and is similarly priced. Always select Tequila made from 100% agave. Mixto varieties are cheaper but may leave you with a headache the next morning.
Drink it quickly and avoid chilling. You don't need to use salt and lime unless you want to. (Most Mexicans don't drink Tequila this way.) Pour room-temperature Tequila into a small, shallow glass and shoot it quickly.
Enjoy it with salt and lime. The salt-and-lime method for drinking Tequila has been around for a long time, though it's not the traditional Mexican way. One report suggests the oldest salt-and-lime technique dates back to 1924, following this sequence: lime first, then Tequila, and finally salt. Despite its popularity among casual drinkers, connoisseurs often avoid this method. Here's how to do it:
- Lick the skin between your thumb and index finger. Sprinkle a bit of salt on the moistened area.
- Hold your Tequila shot and a lime wedge, lick the salt, and down the Tequila in one go.
- Suck on the lime wedge afterward to mellow the Tequila's bite. The lime's acidity helps balance the strong flavor.
Mix Tequila in Cocktails
Savor Tequila in a classic margarita. Margaritas can be served frozen or on the rocks. If you want to truly taste the Tequila, opt for the classic version, as frozen margaritas often contain added sugar and water. To make a delicious margarita, follow this recipe:
- Add the following ingredients to a shaker filled halfway with ice:
- 60 ml of blanco, oro, or reposado Tequila
- 15 ml of orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier or Triple-Sec
- 30 ml of fresh lime juice
- 15 ml of agave syrup
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds and pour into a salt-rimmed cocktail glass.
Enjoy Tequila in a "tequini" or Tequila martini. The tequini combines the sophistication of a martini with a touch of fun. However, be cautious—this drink can be deceptively strong! Sweeten the tequini by using reposado Tequila and sweet vermouth.
- Add the following ingredients to a shaker with ice:
- 75 ml of blanco Tequila
- 15 ml of dry vermouth
- A dash of Angostura bitters
- Shake well for 15-20 seconds and strain into a martini glass.
- Garnish with an olive, a twist of lime, or a jalapeño slice.
Enjoy Tequila in a Tequila Sunrise. The name comes from the drink's vibrant red and orange layers, showcasing the perfect blend of Tequila and orange juice.
- Fill a tall glass with ice and add:
- 60 ml of blanco, oro, or reposado Tequila
- Enough orange juice to fill the glass.
- Stir the ingredients gently, then add a few drops of grenadine syrup by tilting the glass and pouring it along the side. The syrup will sink and slowly rise, creating a sunrise effect.
- Garnish with a stir stick, straw, and a cherry with an orange slice.
Try a Mexican twist on the Bloody Mary, known as the Vampira. Sometimes called "Bloody Maria," this cocktail is a Mexican-inspired take on the classic Bloody Mary. It's lighter and more robust, yet retains the essence of the original drink.
- Fill a 300 ml glass with ice. Add the following ingredients:
- A pinch of salt
- 45 ml of blanco Tequila
- 1 teaspoon of Mexican hot sauce, such as Cholula
- 30 ml of Clamato
- 30 ml of fresh lime juice
- Top with Mexican Squirt or grapefruit soda, and garnish with a lime slice.
Warnings
- Always drink responsibly. Never drink and drive, or drive under the influence.
