Tequila Types Every Cocktail Enthusiast Must Know
Do you love tequila? Do you know what makes this versatile spirit so special? Whether you are a cocktail enthusiast who enjoys tequila cocktails or are curious about why this spirit has taken the world by storm, we have got something for you. Tequila is more than just shots and cocktails. From history, types and distillation process there is so much to tequila, making it one of the most loved liquors, worldwide. We have compiled an article with all the information you will need to understand why tequila is a versatile spirit and the available various types. With info, you will definitely level up your knowledge and if you are a home bartender, you will find your perfect flavour match! Without much further ado, let’s get started.
Tequila Types Everyone Should Know
Back in the day, tequila used to be a staple across many bars and restaurants as a shot drink. Served in a salt-rimmed shot glass, with a wedge of lime on the side. In no time, tequila became a crowd-favourite. Classic tequila cocktails started to remerge and steal the spotlight, one drink at a time. Now, tequila is a beloved spirit that’s savoured in many forms - as shots or as cocktails. It’s a versatile spirit that opens up a world of possibilities to craft delightful and thrilling concoctions. Whether it’s a cocktail party, a night out or a night in, you can’t get enough of this drink!
How tequila spirit is made?
Hailing from Mexican heritage, tequila is a distilled spirit made from blue agave plants. The shape of this plant may find its similarities with aloe vera. Native to Mexico, blue agave are large succulent plants that have long and spiky leaves. The tequila production begins by harvesting agave plants and then the piña bulb of the plant is baked and juiced. It is later fermented with yeast in barrels. The final process involves distillation and removing the impurities. The resulting spirit is what we all know and love as tequila!
What are the three types of tequila spirit?
1. Blanco Tequila or Silver Tequila
It is known to be the purest form of tequila spirit. It’s an unaged spirit that is fresh and crisp. It highlights the nuanced flavours of agave with notes of citrus and herbs. Blanco is widely used in many tequila cocktail recipes such as Margarita, Paloma or Tequila Sunrise. Don Julio Blanco would be a perfect top-shelf brand for your home bartending endeavours. The tequila is made using the handpicked finest blue agave plants and it goes through a time-honoured distillation process to create the spirit that’s been loved by many.
2. Reposado Tequila
Also known as “rested” in Spanish. This tequila type is aged for about two to one year in oak barrels. It’s light-golden in colour and has a more complex flavour profile than Blanco tequila. Vanilla, caramel and oak are prominent notes of this spirit. Perfect for cocktails like tequila old-fashioned. Opt for high-quality brands like Don Julio Reposado Tequila for a well-balanced spirit. It is rich and aromatic and has mellowed flavours with an elegantly smooth finish.
3. Añejo Tequila
In Spanish, Añejo means aged. This tequila type is aged between 1 to 3 years in oak barrels. It’s a dark-coloured spirit that boasts a complex flavour profile. Añejo Tequila has notes of vanilla, and caramel heightened with a subtle woody flavour contributed by the oak barrels. Perfect for cocktails like tequila sour Don Julio Añejo Tequila would be our recommendation if you want a premium quality spirit. Don Julio Añejo Tequila has rich, unique and nuanced character and flavour that strikes the perfect balance between agave, wood and hints of vanilla.
Now that you all know all about the tequila types available, here is a simple and easy cocktail recipe you can make at home.
Margarita Cocktail Recipe
This is a classic tequila cocktail that is easy to mix and thrilling to taste! The thrilling fusion of tequila, orange-flavoured liqueur, fresh lime and agave syrup is a must-try. Here’s a cocktail recipe featuring Don Julio Blanco:
Ingredients
- Don Julio Blanco Tequila - 60ml
- Triple Sec - 15ml
- Lime Juice - 30ml
- Agave Syrup - 15ml
- Lime Wheel - 1
- Salt
- Ice
Method
- Rub a lime wedge over the rim of a margarita glass and then dip it into salt to coat.
- Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice.
- Measure and pour Don Julio Blanco tequila, triple sec, freshly squeezed lime juice and agave syrup into the shaker.
- Shake vigorously to combine the ingredients.
- Using a cocktail strainer, strain the mixture of the prepared margarita glass over the fresh ice.
- Garnish the drink with a lime wheel and serve.
