Tequila is a distilled beverage produced mostly in the area
surrounding Tequila, 65 kilometres northwest of Guadalajara, and in the
Jaliscan Highlands of the central western Mexican state of Jalisco. Although
all tequila is derived from the piñas of the blue agave plant, not all tequila
tastes the same. Learn the distinctions between blanco, extra aejo, and
everything in between.
The Different Types of Tequila
Tequila is classified into three types: blanco, reposado,
and aejo, with two additional variants.
1. Tequila Blanco.
Blanco tequila, often known as silver tequila, is an unaged
tequila made from the blue Weber agave and produced in one of Mexico's five
western states. Look for bottles that say "100% blue agave" on the
label. Margaritas are best made using blanco tequilas.
2. Tequila Joven.
A little proportion of aged tequila is usually combined with
unaged tequila in blanco bottles branded "joven."
3. Tequila Reposado.
Tequila reposado is tequila that has been matured for at
least two months and up to a year in American or European oak barrels. Reposado
tequilas provide more vibrant, delicious Margaritas.
4. Tequila Añejo.
Tequila añejo is tequila that has been matured for at least
a year in American or European oak barrels. (Some manufacturers may include
other barrels in the ageing and blending process.) Aejo tequilas are best
enjoyed neat or as a substitute base spirit in recipes that call for brown
spirits like as whiskey.
5. Extra Añejo.
Extra añejo expressions are aged for a minimum of three
years.
Although the colour of a tequila might indicate its age,
avoid gold tequila, which is generally tequila added caramel colouring and
artificial flavouring.
What Is the Difference Between Highland and Lowland Tequila?
Agave spirits, like wine, get a lot of their flavour from
the terroir, or environmental circumstances, of the location where they're
made. Highland tequilas have a gentle sweetness and a flowery scent, whilst
lowland tequilas have a stronger herbaceous flavour and a distinct earthy
minerality.
4 Classic Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Tequila complements a wide range of beverages and appears in
a number of legendary drinks.
Tequila Sunrise: This drink is simple to create and is built
straight in the glass—all you need is tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
Paloma: A famous Mexican drink made with grapefruit-flavored
soda and tequila. Fresh grapefruit juice may also be used to make a Paloma.
Margarita: Margarita translates to "daisy," a
historic word for a sour that is sweetened with a liquor. Here's how to make
the perfect Margarita.
Long Island Iced Tea: Long Island Iced Tea is known for its
high alcohol content, which includes vodka, tequila, gin, rum, and triple sec.
