Tequila: the spirit we all took way too many shots of in college and pour liberally in our margs on Mondays. But there’s so much more to Tequila, and plenty of better Tequilas, than anything we were introduced to in our early 20s. A lively spirit from Mexico, we’re doing a deep dive in all things Tequila just in time for National Tequila Day on July 24th.

An earlier version of Tequila existed thousands of years ago, called pulque, which was created by the Aztecs. They made it by extracting the sap from the agave plant and fermenting it, producing a cloudy, slightly sour alcoholic beverage typically consumed at sacred rituals. It wasn’t until the 16th century, during the Spanish invasion, that Spaniards used their knowledge of distillation to transform pulque into a spirit. 

Made exclusively from blue agave, Tequila is technically a Mezcal (but not all mezcals are tequilas). It’s mainly produced in Jalisco, but can also come from parts of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. While it can be bottled between 35 and 55 percent ABV, to be sold in the US, Tequila has to be at least 40% ABV. 

Types Of Tequila

There are five common types of Tequila, determined by the length of time the spirit is aged in wooden barrels. Much like wine, the longer Tequila stays in barrels the more flavor and complexity is added to the spirit.

Blanco/Plata Tequila

Unaged Tequila that is bottled after distillation or rested in stainless steel for two months to allow oxidation.

Altos Planos Collective Mijenta Tequila Blanco
Hornitos Plata Tequila
Rejon Tequila Blanco

Rosa Tequila

A relatively new trend, with no official definition from the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (the organization that regulates and protects Tequila production), Rosa Tequila is Blanco Tequila that's aged for a few months in old red wine barrels, giving the Tequila a pink hue with signature characteristics from the wine. 

Código 1530 Rosa Tequila

Joven/Oro Tequila

Unaged Tequilas that are blended with aged Tequila, to add more depth, or gold coloring, to create a rounder mouthfeel.

Libelula Tequila Joven

Reposado Tequila

Tequila aged in wooden barrels, most commonly old oak Bourbon barrels, for up to a year.

Hiatus Reposado Tequila
Mijenta Tequila Reposado

Añejo Tequila

Tequila aged in wooden barrels for one to three years.

Altos Planos Collective Mijenta Tequila Añejo Gran Reserva

Extra Añejo Tequila

Tequila aged for a minimum of three years in wooden barrels. 

Cocktails

While there’s no hard rule on how Tequila must be enjoyed, you can sip it neat without the lime and salt like a local, or in a craft cocktail with these delightful recipes.

Spicy Margarita

From Mijenta

2 oz Altos Planos Collective Mijenta Tequila Blanco
2 Jalapeño Slices
½ oz Marie Brizard Triple Sec
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Madhava Agave Syrup
Garnish: Lime Wedge

In a shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices, add the rest of the ingredients with ice and shake until chilled. Strain into an ice filled glass and garnish with a lime wedge. 

Rosa Spritz

From Código 1530

1 part Código 1530 Rosa Tequila
1 part Natalie’s Grapefruit Juice
2 parts Topo Chico Club Soda
Garnish: Grapefruit Wheel

Add the Tequila and grapefruit juice to a glass filled with ice. Top with soda water and stir. Garnish with a grapefruit wheel.

Hiatus Diablo

From Hiatus

1½ oz Hiatus Tequila Reposado
½ oz Lejay Creme de Cassis
½ oz Lime Juice
Topo Chico Ginger Beer
Garnish: Lime Wheel

Add the Tequila, Creme de Cassis, and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake for 10-15 seconds until chilled. Strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel.