Can You Make A Margarita With Aejo Tequila
Absolutely, but is it going to be as agave-forward as the margarita youre used to? Definitely not. Añejos aging brings out flavors like vanilla and spice that can detract from the fresh, citrusy flavor of a traditionalmargarita. Some añejo-specific margarita recipes bring out the vanilla flavor by adding pineapple juice and other tropical fruit flavors.
What Is The Best Tequila
Our editors have reviewed dozens of tequila brands over the last year, to come up with some of our favorite bottles, based on taste profile, uniqueness and value. And while there are a number of tequila brands that have launched in recent months , this list runs the gamut from tried-and-true brands, to limited-edition releases that youll be smart to pick up if you see them available online.
Whether you want to sip on something smooth or just want to upgrade your margarita, here are 15 tequilas you can buy online and get delivered to your door in time for your next happy hour, dinner or party.
What Is Silver Tequila
Silver tequila, also known as blanco, white, or platinum tequila, is the first spirit producers make with the distilled agave juices. Its often bottled directly from the distilling process, but some producers age it for a few weeks , often in stainless-steel containers, which maintains the wild agave flavor you expect from a silver tequila.
Silver tequila is typically the most budget-friendly option because it requires the least amount of effort on the distillers part. Its considered the best type for mixed drinks, such as a Tequila Sunrise, for its price tag and for its flavor. The bright essence of agave shines through sweet or tangy mixes and doesnt dampen other flavors. The more complex the tequila gets , the less well it partners with other cocktail ingredients.
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Don Julio Blanco Tequila $49
Most decent bars stock Don Julio Blanco, which makes this silver tequila a great go-to shot order almost anywhere. A citrusy burst of lemon, lime and grapefruit hits the nose before you experience a sweet, light flavor with a grassy finish on the palate. This tequila is always a surefire crowd-pleaser.
Fall Tequila Cocktail Recipes
Tequila is a fast-growing spirit in the U.S. and beyond, with increased premiumization and celebrity involvement in part to thank. But in recent years, tequila has gained a reputation as the spirit of summertime likely due to its starring role in Americas favorite warm weather cocktail, the .
But theres more to tequila than the Margarita. The agave spirit is more versatile than meets the eye, meaning it can and should be used in cocktails all year round. From the rich and comforting, to the boozy and warming, these fall tequila cocktails are perfect for cool-weather sipping. Read on for the best tequila recipes to mix up all autumn long.
drop!
The Sweater Weather was made for cold lazy days and, with just four ingredients, its as easy to make as it is to sip. Just combine reposado tequila with Frangelico a hazelnut liqueur pear syrup, and Angostura bitters. The result pairs perfectly with all of autumns favorite flavors.
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What Is Tequila Made From
Tequila is made from the extracted juices of the agave plant. By law, tequila must include at least 51 percent Weber blue agave, and the majority of tequilas exclusively use that variety. The agave juice is fermented and distilled, and the tequila is diluted to bottling strength. Tequila destined to be reposado or añejo is aged in wood barrels for two months to a few years. Silver tequila is unaged, but can rest in stainless steel for up to two months. Gold tequila is the only style that can include coloring and flavoring additives.
Qui Platinum Extra Aejo
Liquor.com / Tim Nusog
Qui differs from other cristalino tequilas in that its aged for a longer period of timethree-and-a-half yearsin Tennessee whiskey and French Bordeaux barrels. It then undergoes what the brand calls proprietary filtration to remove the color from the liquid. Qui encourages drinkers to experiment with using the tequila in a variety of cocktails, but sipping it neat is preferred.
We set out to democratize the once-inaccessible extra-añejo category, says owner Medhat Ibrahim. Therefore, we dont make a blanco, reposado or añejo, just the platinum extra-añejo, as our goal was to create one of the highest-end sipping tequilasbut accessibly priced.
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What About Golden Tequila
As tequila ages in the barrel, the colour of the liquid changes, creating the difference between white tequila and gold tequila . However, dont be fooled unless the tequila is añejo , then any golden colour has been added artificially to give the illusion that youre drinking a premium product. Some joven tequila may get its gold colour from being blended with añejo tequila read the label.
If youre looking for a drink that can be sipped instead of taken as a shot, but without spending a huge amount of money then look for tequila that is reposado. In Spanish that translates as rested meaning the tequila has sat in the barrel a little while allowing the sharpness to dissipate, the flavour to develop and the drinkability to enhance.
If you can, try añejo or extra añejo for a smoother taste.
Want to try it at home?
Percent Blue Weber Agave
When shopping for tequila, look for these words on the bottle. It is easier than ever to find them because almost every tequila brand has realized that this is what drinkers really want.
Blue Weber is known as the most elegant expression of tequila. While tequila falls under the mezcal category, several distillers around the town of Tequila began distilling a superior form of mezcal. They used the whole heart of blue agave, which is indigenous to the region, describes Brian Olson, the founder and owner of Café Intermezzo.
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Best Extra Aejo: Gran Patrn Burdeos
Courtesy of Reserve Bar
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Cocoa powder, Dates, Caramel
Añejos and extra añejos should embody the flavor of the wood with the soul of the original spirit, says Hurley, so that the cooked agave flavor shines, complemented by notes of toasted oak, caramel, vanilla and cocoa powder.
This bottle from Patrón exemplifies the style. It is far too tasty, says Chasse. In part, thats due to the barrel program. A combination of used American and new French oak casks gives it a deep amber color that looks great in a snifter. Plus, a velvety mouthfeel and a drying and nearly tannic finale compels you to take another sip. But the pièce de résistance is the old Bordeaux barrels the spirit is finished in they lend a touch of the raisinated flavor youd expect from a wine.
It also does pair nicely with food, says Chasse, and if youre having a fancy day, with a fine cigar.
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 46% | Tasting Notes: Olives, Earth, Orange
If you want to know what tequila tasted like 100 years ago, Fortaleza is your go-to, says Hurley. At his estate in the town of Tequila, master distiller Guillermo Sauza makes the spirit the way his great-great-grandfather made it, using an old stone tahona and brick ovens. Bottled straight from the copper pot still without dilution, this blanco has an alluring earthy, olivey quality, says Chasse, with plenty of bright citrus, too.
El Espolon Blanco Tequila
This Blanco tequila is made exclusively from blue agave harvested in the Highlands region of Mexico. The agaves are harvested by experts who hand-pick and use only the best ones after theyve been left to mature for almost ten years.
The clear, fruity tequila offers a sweet aromatic experience with notes of agave, owers, lemon zest, white pepper, and tropical fruits. The palate offers a soft, oily mouthfeel with agave, vanilla, and pineapple flavoring with a hint of spice. The tequila won a double gold medal at the World Spirits Competition and earned 94 points from the Beverage Tasting Institute.
Between the unique texture and simple, fruit flavors, youll enjoy many yummy shots from this high-quality, affordable Blanco tequila.
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How To Drink Aejo Tequila
Just like bourbon, you can drink añejo tequila any way you like, but we prefer it neat.
Know what youre drinking:
- Puro tequilas are 100% agave tequilas
- Mixto tequilas are 51% agave with 49% sugar
Were going to talk about puro tequilas because they are best for sipping and savoring. No lime or salt is necessary as you dont want to mask the flavor. Ideally, you want to use a copita glass which focuses the aromas up to the nose.
We recommend the following method for drinking finer tequilas:
Thats the Mexican method for drinking tequila.
And that brings us to our next section
Best Gift: Casa Dragones Aejo Barrel Blend
Courtesy of Casa Dragones
Region: Jalisco | ABV: 40% | Tasting Notes: Pepper, Nuts, Oak
Our job as bar pros is to be skeptical, but when I took the first sip, I was like, Oh, this is divine, says Chasse. A lot of bottles that people think about for gifting are on the sweeter side, but this one is not super sweet. Instead, the aging program, in both new French and new American oak, lends it complexity and balance.
Chasse finds plenty of peppery spice, nuttiness and a hint of cacao but with a lush mouthfeel that makes Casa Dragones’ tequila feel luxurious. Its sleek, charcoal-colored bottle and turquoise box present the kind of packaging that makes it giftable without wrapping paper.
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How To Make These Double Trouble Tropical Tequila Shots
Start by rimming your shot glasses with Turbinado Sugar to give them a slightly sweet flavor as you sip. Turbinado sugar is similar to brown sugar in flavor, but the texture is much coarser.
Next add tequila, vodka, pineapple juice and piña colada mix to a shaker with ice. Shake well and then strain into the rimmed shot glasses. You can also make a large pitcher of these tequila shots for serving at parties. Rim the shot glasses ahead of time and then keep the pitcher chilled in the refrigerator until youre ready to serve.
These Double Trouble Tropical Pineapple Tequila Shots are going to make everyone a tequila fan! Serve them up for your cocktail hour tonight!
El Tesoro Aejo Tequila
Reserve Bar
If you want to discover an authentic Mexican tequila with a bold yet traditional flavor, then order a bottle of El Tesoro. El Tesoro may be owned by Beam Suntory, the Japanese company responsible for Suntory Whisky, but this tequila is still made from traditional methods and local agave. In fact, the grandson of founder Don Felipe Camarena oversees production today. The Añejo variety is aged in American oak bourbon barrels for up to three years, which results in a nice blend of warm agave and oak flavors. If you try this tequila neat, youll notice notes of maple, vanilla and caramel, balanced with pepper and floral tones.
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The Best Tequila Shots
- Pin
Tequila is known for being a great part drink whether youre doing a bunch of shots in a row or enjoying some fun and interesting cocktails, theres a tequila for everything. While shooting straight tequila is fun for some, with a little extra effort and a few new ingredients, you can open up a whole new world of shots. Not only do these offer new and complex flavors but some of them look amazing. A tray of brightly colored shots can do a lot to liven up the party.
The best tequila shots strike a good balance between effort and ease. You dont want a single shot to take you forever to make, but a little extra time can be well worth it. A handful of ingredients, a couple of steps, and a few minutes of your time is a reasonable expectation.
The shots outlined here are a great place to start. Youll find plenty of fun colors and flavors, and they can all be adjusted to your taste. While certain ratios are recommended for the best outcome, youre always free to add more or less of something to change the taste or strength to better suit you!
How Strong Is A Shot Of Tequila
Tequila is typically 35 to 50 percent ABV, or 76 to 100 proof. A standard tequila shot is 1.5 ounces and, since the only ingredient is tequila, your drink will be 75 to 100 proof. While shots are small and fun and easy to drink, be careful. They can quickly lead to extreme drunkenness or alcohol poisoning if you’re not careful. It’s wise to stick with one of these shots a night and enjoy a lighter drink before and after.
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What Is Gold Tequila
Despite its color, gold tequila is rarely aged. In fact, you might call gold tequila an impostor, a marketing gimmick even. In many cases, gold tequila is the result of caramel coloring added to agave juices before fermentation to give the spirit a more refined look. Aged tequilas, which are deepers shades of amber and brown, are often costly because of the amount of time they require the metallic hue of gold tequila could imply to the lay purchaser this product is a better option. But if the bottle does not say 100% agave, check the ingredients. Youll likely see caramel coloring and sugar.
That being said, you can buy 100% agave gold tequila. Two different techniques can render a solidly gold spirit: The first, producers can mix cheaper blanco or silver tequila with a more aged tequila, such as reposado, to get the golden hue. Second, they can age the tequila in barrels to let the liquor absorb some color before bottling.
Gold tequila is often used for shots. The smoother, slightly sweet taste is less harsh than fresh tequila. Because of the hint of sweetness, many bartenders will use gold tequila in margaritas to complement the mixed drinks fruity flavors.
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Best Mezcal Glasses: Cocktail Kingdom Veladora Mezcal Glass
Courtesy of Cocktail Kingdom
While tequila drinkers in North America opt for shot glasses, agave spirits are traditionally sipped out of copitas, small bowls made of clay or coconut shellbut veladoras offer another respectable option. While copitas are seeing some hype as the popularity of tequila and mezcal increases , I find these traditional shot glasses to be easier to store and care for, says Daniel Villa, a bartender at MILA Miami.
Based on the small glasses used in Catholic churches to contain prayer candles, these vessels are the best of both worlds: they are designed specifically to highlight the complex flavors of mezcal, but can double as shot glasses in a pinch. “If you were to travel throughout Mexico, you would find that bars and even many distilleries use these in much wider abundance than clay copitas, says Villa. They’d be right at home alongside some orange slices sprinkled with sal de gusano. Each veladora measures just under three inches high and can hold 2.7 ounces of agave spirit.
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Teremana Small Batch Tequila
Wine.com
The Rocks premium tequila brand has been flying off store shelves ever since its launch last March. Now, fans of Dwayne Johnson and tequila alike can purchase Teremana online and get it delivered to their door.
The ultra-premium highlands tequila uses all the beverage buzz words, like small batch production, and distilled in handmade copper pot stills. But beyond the hype, its a smooth, easy to drink option naturally sweetened with the rich aroma of mature agave plants, with a clean finish.
The name, Johnson explains, was inspired by his Polynesian background. TERA means of the Earth and MANA is our powerful Polynesian spirit that guides us. Spirit of the Earth, he says.
Best Tequila For Reposado Margaritas
Reposado tequila is tequila that has been rested from two months up to a year. As it rests in the barrels, the flavour rounds out and loses some of the tang that you might get from a blanco tequila. However, the tequila does gain a lot of complexity as it rests and this can take your margaritas to a completely different space taste-wise. We recommend trying it!
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Best Tequila Glasses: Riedel Ouverture Tequila Glasses
Courtesy of Liquor.com
The perfect gift for every tequila lover and spirits connoisseur this holiday season is a set of the Riedel Ouverture Tequila Glasses, says Roberto Rosa of Gran Centenario Tequila. Most people have never tasted tequila in a proper tasting glassusually enjoyed neat, on the rocks or in a cocktailbut these flutes take the experience of tequila to another level. Designed specifically with tequila in mind, these glasses really open up the liquid, allowing the alcohol to evaporate ever so slightly so that all the aromas can shine through for the ultimate sip and experience.
Jose Valdez, the Maestro Tequilero of Tequila Partida, agrees. “Good tequila should be sipped, so I highly recommend investing in your glassware. While I’m tasting, either while working or simply enjoying with friends, I love these. The flute glass helps to appreciate the organoleptic properties of the tequila, including the color tone, brilliance, body and cleanliness. The narrow diameter of the glass encourages the concentration of aromas, enhancing the different layers.