Tequila

Tequila is Mexico's most famous spirit, crafted exclusively from blue agave plants grown in designated regions. This distinctive spirit offers earthy, vegetal, and sometimes peppery flavors that create a unique cocktail experience. Premium tequila labeled "100% de Agave" provides the best flavor and smoothest drinking experience, avoiding harsh additives found in mixto tequilas.

Blanco or silver tequila captures the pure essence of agave, offering bright, clean flavors perfect for fresh cocktails like margaritas and palomas. The unaged character provides vegetal notes with citrus and pepper undertones that pair beautifully with lime juice and triple sec. Quality blanco tequila can also be enjoyed neat to appreciate the agave's natural complexity.

Reposado tequila ages in oak barrels for 2-12 months, developing golden color and smooth, vanilla-touched flavors. This style works excellently in cocktails where you want agave character with added complexity. Añejo tequila ages even longer, creating sipping-quality spirits with rich, complex flavors best enjoyed neat or in premium cocktails.

The classic margarita showcases tequila's compatibility with citrus and orange liqueur, while the paloma demonstrates how tequila pairs with grapefruit and soda. Modern bartenders create innovative agave cocktails using tequila's unique flavor profile with fresh ingredients like cucumber, jalapeño, and tropical fruits.

Store tequila at room temperature and look for 100% agave expressions for best cocktail results. Consider having both blanco for mixing and reposado for sipping to fully explore tequila's range.