By Casey Deyton
Oh, tequila, what memories we have. Some good, a few bad, but mostly gone, blank, a blackout night at some college party. If your first memories of tequila are similar to those of mine, sitting in a car with your best friend chugging Cuervo trying to get up the nerve to talk to, your crush. I have news for you; there is so much more to this fabulous world of tequila.
Tequila Basics
Tequila, by law, comes from only five regions of Mexico. It’s made by first cooking, shredding, and then pressing the hearts of the agave plant (Not a Cactus, btw). The juice is fermented, distilled, then aged. The aging process is what gives distinction to silver, reposado and añejo tequila. To find a quality tequila, look at the label for 100% Agave or 100% Blue Agave. Not all tequila will be 100% Agave; some have other additives like molasses. These tequilas are known as mixto tequila and will simply state “Tequila” on the bottle. Think of our old favorite friend, Cuervo Gold.
Silver or Blanco – aged for no more than two months, purest form of tequila, shot or cocktail
Reposado – aged for 2 to 12 months in oak, golden hue, shot or cocktail
Añejo – aged 1-3 years in small oak barrels, darker than reposados, sipping tequila
Extra Añejo – aged over three years, the most expensive, definitely one to sip
Tequila Recommendations
Blanco: Corzo, Codigo 1530
Reposado: Asombrosa La Rosa, KAH Reposado
Añejo: Casamigos Anejo, Dulce Vida Añejo
Unique: Maestro Dobel Diamante
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Why you should be into Tequila
It’s Amazing
There are so many different varieties and unique taste profiles to discover. One of my favorites is a pink reposado with strong notes of chocolate (Asombroso La Rosa).
An Upper Not a Debbie Downer
It’s said that tequila, unlike other spirits, is an upper, not a depressant. This, however, is not scientifically proven. Tequila is still alcohol (ethanol) which is technically a depressant. However, it will most certainly lift your mood.
Hangovers Be Gone
Drinking a quality tequila, without a mess of mixers, will definitely alleviate the next day nightmare.
It’s Good For You
Tequila typically has fewer calories, simple sugars break down easier in your bloodstream, stimulates appetite, and has cholesterol-lowering attributes.
Makes an Excellent Gift
A great quality tequila makes the perfect gift. Most likely they won’t have one, and the bottles are beautiful and true works of art.
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Alternative Margaritas (Alterna-Ritas)
Frozen Pineapple Margarita
A Handful Ice Cubes
A Handful of Fresh/Frozen Pineapple
Juice of 1-2 Limes
2 ½ oz of Ginger Syrup (Recipe from a previous article)
3 oz Tequila
Add all ingredients to blender, blending until smooth. Enjoy in a salted glass.
Skinny Margarita
1 ½ oz Tequila
1 ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
½ oz Fresh OJ
½ oz Water
2 Teaspoons Agave Nectar
Add ingredients to shaker, with ice, shake well and pour over ice.
Option: Add fresh fruit puree (omit water from above recipe)
French Margarita
1 ½ oz Tequila
¾ oz Grand Marnier
½ oz each: Lime Juice, Orange Juice, Sweet and Sour
¾ oz of Chambord
Add tequila, Grand Marnier, lime juice, orange juice, sweet & sour mixer and ice. Shake well then pour over ice in a margarita glass. Top with Chambord. Garnish with blackberries and raspberries.
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Please Remember, Take life with a grain of salt . . and a slice of lemon, and a shot of tequila. Please drink responsibly.