Tequila In Indian Markets: Understanding The Spirit’s Presence In Desi Blends
Made from blue agave whose juice is extracted and then fermented to create a smoky spirit, tequila is known for its subtle fruity tastes, tart notes and versatile flavour profile. Over time, the spirit, with origins along Mexican coasts, has travelled across the oceans to reach the tropical shores of Indian regions where it is incorporated in the making of many cocktails.
Today, the spirit has carved a niche yet prominent place for itself in Indian markets, not only because it is widely used in contemporary mixology but also because it has a luxurious feel that blends well with a lot of exquisite Indian regional cocktail ingredients.
A Note On The Exclusivity Of Tequila
High quality, well-made tequilas are also offering a premium and sophisticated tasting experience to more discernible consumers. One of the reasons for this exclusivity has been the emphasis on artisanal tequila production methods that build a stand-out flavour profile which has led to tequila becoming a sought after luxury spirit for Indian connoisseurs.
As well, Indian cocktail trends are also influenced by global markets, influencer recommendations and modern mixology – arenas in which luxury variants and premium grade agave spirits are witnessing a growing popularity. This has trickled to Indian consumers too, who are now looking for small batch, limited edition luxury tequilas like a good quality reposado or blanco produced as more exclusive offerings.
Interestingly, tequila, which is produced and comes only from Mexico, is now a spirit which is being recognised as one of the fastest growing spirit categories across the globe. Tequila reposado, the slightly aged variation of the spirit, is preferred greatly by consumers who are beginning to explore this sophisticated spirit.
Understanding tequila’s presence in Indian markets is then all about recognising the different characteristics of the spirit that tend to go well with the mixology trends at work in this region and the spirit’s dynamic flavours which blend well with these myriad elements at play.
Tequila Pairs Well With Robust Flavours
Indian cuisine is known for its masala infused tastes and the incorporation of different spices like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, star anise, peppers, cloves, nutmegs, cumin and more in different recipes. Tequila is a spirit with a smoky and slightly caramelised flavour profile which acts as a stellar combination with these spicy, deep and earthy flavours.
When cocktails like a tamarind margarita are put together using 30 ml Don Julio Blanco or any other premium tequila of choice, the spicy and zingy flavours of the drink are highlighted as a result of the presence of tequila’s tart and crisp flavours.
Thus, one of the reasons tequila works well in the Indian markets is because it blends well with the robust flavours of these masalas and spices that are so often integrated into desi cocktails in modern mixology cultures.
Tequila And Lime Juice
As well, lime juice – incorporated in many sherbets, lemonades, spritzers and fizzy drinks in Indian mixology – is also an intelligent pairing with tequila because the acidity in the citrus fruit undercuts some of the smoky effect of the spirit. Tequila and lime juice then become an interesting coupling in the making of different desi blends like a mint and lime infused margarita or a tequila-infused chaat masala sour complete with the addition of freshly squeezed lime juice.
Furthermore, adding black salt or kala namak to recipes containing lime is a hack often used while blending drinks. When this combination is added to recipes infused with the agave spirit, it also makes the notes of the liquor more pronounced to lend the blend a very sophisticated and layered finish.
It is no wonder then that when cocktails are made in Indian bartending and mixology spaces, tequila becomes the go-to spirit alternative because it tends to compliment some of the major core ingredients used in regional mixes.
Premium And Light Cocktail Alternative
Many times, contemporary mixologists tend to go for a lighter alternative such as tequila in lieu of the spicier and potent flavours of spirits like whisky to prepare drinks with a crisper finish. This is one of the reasons that cocktails containing Indian masalas or the depth of Indian spices tend to be concocted using 30 ml tequila reposado as their base liquor since it lends drinks an adequately deep and earthy touch without becoming too overpowering.
As global trends point to a continued popularity of tequila-based cocktails like margaritas and palomas, so too, Indian mixologists and bartenders seem to be witnessing a shift in cocktail choices which were hitherto focused on more classic alternatives.
Now, cocktail enthusiasts are looking for small-batch cocktails, complete with an artisanal and regional touch. This is where tequila comes in.
Fresh, readily available cocktail ingredients are blending well with limited edition variations of the agave spirit, making for recipes favoured by consumers tapping into the global cocktail scene.
Simultaneously, as a liquor itself, tequila continues to retain its spot as a premium and niche spirit carved out of botanicals and herbs which themselves are complete with rather rich and versatile flavours. Such a premium 750 ml bottle of Don Julio Blanco Tequila is priced in the range of Rs. 4500 to Rs. 6000 across several Indian regions including Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad.
As a result, tequila is emerging as one of the spirits which works well in Indian markets, both for its dynamic tasting notes and for its premium touch that is a result of its exquisite and elegant feel.
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