The ultimate Tequila guide
Everything you should know about Tequila in 10 minutes
What is tequila?
Tequila is a spirit that has its roots deeply planted in Mexico's rich culture and history. It is made from the juice of the blue agave plant, which thrives in the sunny, dry landscapes of the state of Jalisco. Many associate the spirit with partying and fun, but its complexity and rich flavor also make it a spirit that deserves to be enjoyed slowly and with respect.
Did you know?
“Tequila is a protected designation like champagne and can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico.
The Different types
Tequila comes in several varieties, each of which has its own unique character and flavor profile. The three most well-known types are:
Blanco
This type is independent of cask aging and is typically bottled directly after distillation or after only a short time in steel tanks. Blanco has a fresh, clean and often intense taste of agave, with notes of citrus, pepper and sometimes a hint of herbs. It is ideal for cocktails such as margaritas, where its sharp flavor profile can shine through.
Reposado
Reposado means "rested" in Spanish and refers to having matured in oak barrels for at least two months and up to one year. This process produces a rounder and softer taste, often with notes of vanilla, caramel and a light cask character. Reposado is often used in both cocktails and to be enjoyed neat.
Añejo
Aged for at least a year, giving it a deeper, more complex flavor profile with notes of dark chocolate, tobacco, caramel and wood. This type is ideal to be enjoyed neat, just as you would with a good whiskey or cognac.
Extra Añejo
For those seeking an even more refined experience, there is also Extra Añejo, which has been aged for at least three years. This type has a depth and complexity that often surpasses traditional luxury spirits, and its taste can offer rich notes of dried fruit, coffee and oak.
Tips
When choosing between Blanco, Reposado or Añejo, think about what you prefer – a pure taste of agave, or something more complex with notes of wood, vanilla or caramel?
How is tequila made?
Production begins with the blue agave plant, which is harvested after growing for at least seven years. After harvesting, the agave hearts (piñas) are boiled to release their sugar, which is then fermented and distilled. This process turns the sweet juice into the spirit we know as tequila."
Agave Harvest
Agave plants are harvested when they are about 7-10 years old. A farmer, called a jimador, uses a sharp knife called a "coa" to cut the leaves off the agave plant, leaving only the large agave heart, known as a piña.
Roasting
The piñas are roasted in large ovens, often stone ovens, for several days. This process breaks down the starch in the agave plant and turns it into sugar, allowing the juice to ferment.
Fermentation
After roasting, the piñas are pressed and the released juice, called mosto, is placed in large tanks for fermentation. During fermentation, natural yeast cultures convert the sugar in the juice into alcohol.
Copper Distillation
To obtain a pure tequila, mosto is distilled in copper stills. Tequila is usually distilled twice to remove impurities and give it its characteristic flavor and strength.
Storage
Tequila is stored in different types of wooden casks, typically oak casks. Blanc is not aged at all, while Reposado is aged between 2-12 months and Añejo is aged for at least a year, adding depth and complexity to the flavour.
Did you know?
"Tequila must be distilled twice to achieve its pure taste."
Tequila and cocktails
Tequila is a versatile spirit that can be enjoyed neat or used in many iconic cocktails such as the Margarita and Paloma. While the Margarita is fresh with lime and salt, the Paloma is a refreshing grapefruit drink. We have selected our 6 yinglings cocktails here:
Margarita
A classic cocktail with tequila, lime juice and triple sec, often served with salt on the rim of the glass. The perfect balance between sweetness, acidity and strength.
Paloma
A refreshing Mexican cocktail made with tequila, fresh lime juice and grapefruit soda. It is light and bubbly with a good citrus taste.
Tommy's Margarita:
A modern variation of the classic margarita, where triple sec is replaced with agave syrup, which gives a softer and more natural sweetness.
Strawberry Margarita
A fruity and delicious variation of the margarita, where fresh strawberries are mixed with tequila, lime juice and triple sec. Perfect for summer and festive occasions.
Tequila Sour
A fresh and tangy cocktail with tequila, lemon juice, sugar syrup and often egg white for a frothy texture. An elegant balance between acidity and sweetness.
Tequila Sunrise
A beautiful and colorful cocktail with tequila, orange juice and grenadine, which gives a sunset effect in the glass. It is sweet and easy to drink.
Fun tequila traditions
Tequila has long been part of Mexico's culture and traditions. Anytime there's a party or celebration, there's a good chance tequila plays a role! But it's not just in Mexico that tequila is loved – around the world people have created their own ways to enjoy this unique spirit.
Tequila shots with lime and salt
When people think of tequila, they often imagine shots with lime and salt. This is actually a more recent tradition that has become popular outside of Mexico. In Mexico itself, it is often enjoyed without salt and lime, so that you can taste the fine nuances. The best way to enjoy tequila is slowly – sip it like a fine whiskey and let the flavor unfold!
The Mexican 'Caballito'
In Mexico, tequila is traditionally served in a small glass called a 'Caballito'. This glass is perfect for tasting the spirit slowly and is often used to enjoy both Blanco and Reposado.
Festivals
In many Mexican cities, annual festivals are held where producers gather to display their best products. Tequila enthusiasts from all over the world flock to these festivals to taste different varieties and learn about the culture and history of tequila.
Did you know?
“There is a special ceremony called 'El Grito' in Mexico where tequila is often enjoyed as part of national celebrations, especially during Mexico's Independence Day on September 16.”
How to choose a good tequila?
Choosing the right one is about knowing the difference between quality brands and the more mass-produced variants. Some things to look for are 100 % agave: Look for bottles that say '100 % agave' as these contain pure blue agave with no added sugar cane or other sweeteners.
Well-known and small brands
Major brands: “Brands such as Patrón, Don Julio and Jose Cuervo are known all over the world and have set the standard for many years. These brands offer both commercial and premium variants that can suit different price ranges.”
Small batch producers: “For those seeking unique flavors, small batch producers like Fortaleza, El Tesoro and G4 are worth investigating. These brands focus on traditional production and can provide a completely different depth and complexity.”
How is tequila best served?
When you think of tequila, many imagine a shot glass with lime and salt. While this is a popular way to drink cheaper tequilas, there are far more refined ways to serve this spirit, especially when talking about quality tequila. For a premium tequila made from 100 % agave and perhaps aged for years, it is recommended to enjoy it slowly, as you would a fine whiskey or cognac."
Serving temperature and glass choice
Choosing the right glass and serving temperature is crucial to getting the best experience out of a good tequila. If you serve the tequila too cold, you risk hiding the finer nuances of taste. Generally, room temperature is best for premium tequilas.
Glass selection:
- Caballito: The traditional small tequila glass of Mexico, perfect for sipping enjoyment.
- Tumbler: A classic whiskey glass can also be used for lagers such as Reposado and Añejo.
- Glencairn glass: To highlight the aroma, you can use a Glencairn glass, which is usually used for whisky.”
How to enjoy the best?
For an optimal taste experience, feed your tequila slowly. Start by smelling it in the glass, so you catch all the aromas – from the herbal flavor of the agave to the subtle notes of caramel and wood in an Añejo. Take small sips and let the taste develop on your tongue.”
Did you know?
"In Mexico, it is common to serve tequila with a sangrita – a fruit drink made from tomato, orange and spices, which is drunk alongside the tequila to enhance the flavor."
Tequila in modern culture
Today, tequila is no longer just something you take as shots at parties. With the emergence of premium and luxury tequilas such as Patrón and Clase Azul, tequila has cemented itself as an exclusive spirit, on a par with fine whiskey and cognac. Celebrities such as George Clooney, Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson and Kendall Jenner have launched their own brands, contributing to increased global popularity.
Did you know?
George Clooney sold his tequila brand Casamigos for around $1 billion in 2017, making it one of the most successful spirits deals of all time.
Tequila in movies and music
Tequila has been celebrated in both film and music as a symbol of celebration and joie de vivre. Songs like 'Tequila' by The Champs and Dan + Shay have made the spirit a cultural icon. In films such as 'Once Upon a Time in Mexico' and Quentin Tarantino's 'Desperado', the spirit plays a central role as a symbol of Mexico's authentic soul.
Trends in bars and restaurants
Modern cocktail bars have made tequila a central part of their menus. From innovative cocktails like smoked Mezcal Margarita to classics such as Paloma, tequila is presented in new and exciting forms. Many bars now offer tastings where guests can taste different flavors and learn about the unique flavor profiles.
The future of tequila
Innovative flavors and limited editions
In addition to classic types such as Blanco and Añejo, we see an increasing interest in experimental and limited editions. This includes tequilas that are aged in different types of casks, such as whiskey or cognac casks, which give them unique flavor profiles.
Tequila cocktails with a twist
Modern mixologists are experimenting with tequila in ways we haven't seen before. From infusions with exotic spices to cocktails that combine tequila with unconventional ingredients such as matcha, seaweed or truffle, there are no limits to how taste trends can be adapted.
Global expansion
Although tequila has traditionally been strongest in Mexico and the United States, we are now seeing more markets in Europe and Asia open their eyes to this spirit. Premium is starting to gain traction in high-end bars and restaurants in big cities like London, Paris and Tokyo.
Sustainable tequila production
With increasing focus on the environment and sustainability, several manufacturers have started to implement environmentally friendly production methods. This includes everything from organically grown agave to the use of solar energy in the distilleries and the recycling of waste products from the agave plant.
Did you know?
A typical agave plant can take 7-10 years to grow, and each plant can only be used once to produce. This means that responsible cultivation and harvesting are crucial for the future.
