How to drink Tequila
Tequila is terrific and that's a fact because it was said right here on the internet. We've rounded up some expert tips on how to drink it so you can join in on all the fun.
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In this comprehensive guide we’ll go through a whole bunch of wonderful ways to drink Tequila. Whether you’re already a fan of this delicious Mexican spirit or you’re just starting to try it out, it’s safe to say Tequila is having a moment in the spotlight, with sales surging in recent years.
Tequila has bags of character, and certainly doesn’t shy away in the background when it comes to cocktails. There are a range of styles too, from bright and herbaceous blancos, to rich and silky añejos. With all of this in mind, a bit of guidance can be incredibly helpful, whether you’re just starting your Tequila journey or looking to expand your knowledge as a connoisseur.
In this guide, we’re helping you put your best foot forward. We’ve gathered insights from industry insiders with a passion for Tequila to help guide you, so you’re never left wondering how to make the most of your Tequila.
Agave takes years to grow, so make sure you're buying the good stuff.
Choose quality Tequila
Just like any spirit, there’s a wide range of quality when it comes to Tequila, and knowing how to discern good vs bad quality can be a bit of a maze. Bea Bradsell, director of The Drink Cabinet, says to “try and stick to 100% agave Tequilas. Though not every one is perfect, just like not every mixto is bad, it’s generally a good indicator of quality.”
It’s a good baseline rule but, as Bea suggests, there’s nuance there. Mixto Tequila, which can be made from as little as 51% agave, has historically been seen as lesser quality. In recent years this has been the subject of debate, with newer brands intent on changing mixto’s image to something that doesn’t compromise on flavour while also helping ease some of the pressure off agave supply chains.
“Make sure the Tequila you’re drinking is 100% agave and that they have a decent track record of how they operate and treat their workers,” advises Tatjana Sendzimir, co-founder of bartending collective Threeafter3. Tequila production is a time and labour-intensive process. Agave takes around eight years to mature, and harvesting agave is a physically demanding job. Doing a bit of research on whether the Tequila is made from mature agave, and whether the company is known for good working conditions can be a powerful tool in a landscape where consumer spending has sway.
This is your excuse to head to a Tequila bar.
Get to know your palate
Taste is subjective, and it’s worth getting to know your palate and what you find appealing when it comes to the characteristics and flavour notes of various Tequilas. Do you go for bright, citrusy blancos? Or prefer a more creamy, cooked agave tone? Maybe you really like the complexity of a well-aged añejo?
Happily, one of the best ways to figure out what you like is simply by trying lots of different Tequilas. But unless you have cash to splash, growing your bottle collection can get very expensive very quickly. This is where things like tasting sets come in. Tasting sets contain smaller bottles of various Tequilas, and let you try a wide range before committing to a full bottle.
If you’re ready to take your Tequila tasting out of the comfort of your own home, Sendzimir suggests you “go to a great agave-centred bar and get your bartender to steer you in the right direction,” with some London-based suggestions including “Hacha, Kol, El Camion, and if you’re very fancy the agave bar at Annabel’s.” If you’re elsewhere in England you can find some other great suggestions here.
Treat Tequila like whisky.
Try it neat
Carlos Andrés Ramírez Castañeda knows a thing or two about Tequila. The global advocacy manager of Pernod Ricard’s House of Tequila and all-round Tequila expert notes: “normally when I try a Tequila for the first team I like to try it neat, to understand and enjoy its profile.” While Tequila is often associated with cocktails, sipping it like you would a whisky is a fantastic way to appreciate its diverse flavour profile.
Personally, I think one of the things that makes something a good spirit for sipping is how it evolves over time. Tequila ticks all the boxes here. It’s far from unidimensional, and by taking your time you can savour all the nuances, from agave sweetness to a medley of herbs, spices, fruits, and all sorts of fun flavour notes to keep it dynamic and engaging.
Move over Margaritas, the Toreador's in town.
Tequila in cocktails
Tequila’s characterful nature makes it an excellent choice for cocktails. Classics like Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrises may come to mind. Tequila and citrus go hand in hand, and they’re fond bedfellows for very good reason. But Tequila’s diverse flavour profile means it can shine in plenty of other drinks.
Venturing away from the classics, Tequila cocktails don’t need to be complicated: “a nice blanco Tequila with Cocchi and a lemon twist” is a refreshing recommendation from Ramírez Castañeda, while Master of Malt Trade’s marketing manager Josh McCartney swaps the gin for “blanco Tequila and tonic with a slice of grapefruit”.
There are plenty of Tequila cocktails that aren’t in the limelight (no pun intended) as much as Margaritas, but definitely deserve to be. “A Toreador is a dream and it’s a great way to get into Tequila cocktails,” says Sendzimir. “Once you’ve had some time you can venture into amazing things like Tequila Martinis.” And a Siesta is one of Bradsell’s “all time favourite” cocktails, which is a bittersweet concoction combining blanco Tequila with grapefruit and Campari.
Reposado Tequilas tend to have a bit more vanilla and oaky spice to them, and work well in place of whisky or rum in cocktails. An Old Fashioned is a great example, and a reposado Tequila won’t get lost if you want to experiment and dial the spices up a notch, which McCartney does with “a dash Tabasco and a dash of chocolate bitters”.
Try ditching the salt and lime for some cinnamon-sprinkled orange.
Tequila shots
Now, shot culture when it comes to Tequila is a tricky one, especially in the UK. The whole salt-lime ritual has mainly focused on consumption for consumption’s sake, rather than appreciating Tequila. But let’s be honest, some of the stuff knocked back like that was not meant for savouring.
Tequila shots (in moderation) can be a wonderful way to enjoy it if you’re mindful of what you pair it with. “If you’re having good Tequila you don’t need lime and salt and you’re doing a disservice to a delicious liquid,” says Sendzimir, “but again it’s your money and your palate so do what makes you happy, though know that if you order a Fortaleza Reposado and have it with lime and salt I will think worse of you.”
If you are going to chase your Tequila shot, try it with something that’s well-crafted and accentuates the Tequila, like a Sangrita or Verdita – “a delicious wee green shot of blitzed up coriander, mint, pineapple juice, chillies, salt and pepper,” as McCartney puts it.
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