07/24/2025
Oh look! One of my favorite days of the year! It's NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY!
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, primarily in Jalisco, Mexico, and other designated regions. It's a type of mezcal, which is a broader category of spirits distilled from the agave plant.
Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about tequila:
How is tequila made?
Harvesting: Blue agave plants are cultivated for 7-10 years until mature. Skilled farmers, called "jimadores," then harvest the piña (the core of the plant).
Cooking: The piñas are baked in brick ovens or autoclaves to convert starches into fermentable sugars.
Extraction: The cooked piñas are crushed to extract the sweet juice, called "mosto," using traditional tahona wheels or modern shredders.
Fermentation: The mosto is fermented with yeast and water in large tanks, converting the sugars into alcohol.
Distillation: The fermented liquid is distilled, usually twice, to purify and concentrate the alcohol.
Aging (optional): Tequila can be bottled immediately (Blanco), or aged in oak barrels for varying periods to create different types:
Reposado (aged 2 months to 1 year), Añejo (aged 1 to 3 years), and Extra Añejo (aged 3+ years).
Types of tequila:
Blanco (Silver): Unaged or briefly rested, with a pure agave flavor. Perfect for cocktails like Margaritas or Palomas.
Joven (Gold): Often a blend of Blanco and aged tequilas, sometimes with added coloring or flavorings. Often used in cocktails.
Reposado (Rested): Aged for at least two months in oak barrels, resulting in a smoother flavor with notes of vanilla and caramel.
Añejo (Aged): Aged for one to three years, developing a richer, more complex flavor with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. Best for sipping or in spirit-forward cocktails.
Extra Añejo (Ultra-Aged): Aged for three years or more, offering the most refined and complex flavor profile. Best enjoyed neat or on the rocks.
Tequila and mezcal
While both are agave-based spirits from Mexico, tequila is made exclusively from blue agave and typically steamed in ovens, while mezcal can be made from over 30 types of agave and often roasted underground, giving it a smoky flavor. Tapatío Tequila Blanco is a popular choice for sipping and mixing.
Popular tequila cocktails:
Tequila is enjoyed in various cocktails, including:
Margarita: The classic cocktail made with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, according to Liquor.com
Paloma: A refreshing mix of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice.
Tequila Sunrise: A colorful cocktail with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine.
Tequila Old Fashioned: Replacing whiskey with tequila and adding agave nectar and bitters.
Remember, the best tequila for you depends on your personal preferences and how you plan to enjoy it. Explore different types and brands to discover your favorites.
And of course, I can send you to the birthplace of tequila, Mexico! Be it the Caribbean or Pacific sides, there is a perfect landing spot for everyone! Get in touch to START WANDERING!
845-558-1225 [email protected]
