A Guide to Different Types of Tequila: All You Need to Know About the Mexican Drink
Tequila: it's a drink that's synonymous with Mexican culture, parties, and celebration. But what is tequila? How is it made? What are the different types? This guide is here to answer all of your tequila-related questions. Whether you’re trying to find the perfect tequila cocktail recipe, wanting to learn more about the different types of tequila, or just curious about this Mexican drink, you’ve come to the right place.
Here, I’ll break down all the basics of tequila, from how it’s made to the different types available. So grab a glass, and let’s dive into the world of tequila.
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is a type of distilled drink that’s made from the blue agave plant, grown in Mexico. It has a unique and unmistakable flavor, with fruity and herbal notes. The drink has different varieties, ranging from blanco (or white) tequila to reposado (aged). Today, it’s one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Mexican culture.
You may think all tequila tastes the same, but there are many different types that all have their own subtle flavor nuances. As you explore the different choices, it's important to educate yourself on the various types of tequila and what makes each one unique.
Different Types of Tequila
Blanco: Also called silver or white tequila, this option is usually clear and un-aged. It's normally bottled soon after production and has a strong agave flavor with a bit of spice. It's perfect for use in cocktails like margaritas or palomas.
Reposado: Aged in oak barrels for two months to one year, reposado has a slightly golden color and a smoother taste than blanco. The oak aging process adds notes of butterscotch, vanilla, or honey to the liquor.
Añejo: Tasting more like whiskey than tequila, añejo is aged for one to three years in oak barrels — making it dark brown or copper in color. You can expect lots of sweetness along with some smokiness and hints of oak, cinnamon and other spices.
Extra Añejo: An ultra-premium variety aged for three years or more, extra añejo has an even more intense flavor than its shorter-aged counterparts — think heavy caramel sweetness with hints of vanilla and cinnamon. This type is best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of water or ice cubes to open up its flavors.
How Are Different Types of Tequilas Made?
It might surprise you to learn that there are many different types of tequila, each with its own distinct flavor. But how exactly is tequila made? It's a process involving several steps and lots of patience.
Patron Silver happens to be my favorite for classic margaritas. I swear it has a magic ingredient that makes me levitate
Harvesting
Tequila is made from only one type of plant—blue agave— a succulent plant native to the Mexican state of Jalisco and the surrounding areas. The agave takes up to 12 years to reach maturity, so it takes lots of careful tending before it can be harvested. When it's ready, piñas (the hearts of the agave plants) are harvested by hand.
Cooking
Once harvested, the piñas are cooked in order to break down their complex starches into simpler sugars. The piñas can be cooked in either brick ovens or stainless steel autoclaves and pressure steam cookers. This process releases the juices from the leaves and prepares them for fermentation and distillation.
The way that tequila is made determines which type of tequila it will become:
Blanco (silver) Tequilas — these are produced from unaged raw juices which were fermented with no additional aging time added
Reposado Tequilas — these are aged for 2 months minimum in oak barrels
Añejo Tequilas — aged between 1-3 years in oak barrels
Extra Añejos — aged a minimum of 3 years in oak barrels or more
Making a Margarita With Different Types of Tequila
When it comes to making a margarita, you don't have to stick to just one type of tequila. Each type of tequila has its own distinct flavor, perfect for adding a unique twist to your favorite cocktail.
Blanco
Blanco, or "white" tequila, is the lightest and clearest in color. It has a peppery and slightly sweet taste with a very subtle smokiness. It's perfect for mixing into fruity drinks because it lets the tartness from citrus fruits punch through.
Reposado
Reposado, or "rested" tequila, is aged for up to 12 months and has an oak color that ranges from light gold to rich amber. Its taste is more mellow than blanco, with a combination of sweet and salted caramel flavors that balances out the acidity of citrus in a margarita.
Añejo
Añejo tequila is aged for 18 months to three years and has an almost whiskey-like feel with notes of vanilla and cinnamon. Its rich flavor pairs well with cranberry juice or tea-infused cocktails to add complexity without overpowering the drink's other flavors.
Other Ways to Enjoy Different Types of Tequilas
Now you know more about the different types of tequilas, you can start exploring. Blanco is best sipped neat, while reposado is great served cold or on the rocks with a lime wedge. Añejo and extra añejo are best taken as shots, with a touch of chilled water to release the sweetness and bring out more nuanced flavors.
But that's not the only way to enjoy tequila! Here are some other ideas:
Add a dash of tequila to your next Margarita.
Create a Tequila Sunrise or Paloma cocktail.
Replace rum in your favorite recipes - try making Mexican-style brownies with chocolate and tequila!
Experiment with food pairings - aged tequilas pair nicely with meat dishes, while blanco and reposado work well with spicy dishes such as salsa or guacamole.
Make sangrita - mix equal parts freshly squeezed orange, grapefruit or cranberry juice, non-alcoholic tomato juice, and chili powder for a delicious accompaniment to your favorite tequila!
All in all, tequila is a versatile and smooth drink with so many different varieties to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. From the strong, smoky flavor of mezcal to the lighter and more subtle flavors of blanco, each type of tequila has its own unique characteristics and is a great addition to any cocktail. So, don’t be afraid to explore the world of tequila – you’re sure to find something you love!
Let me know in the comments about your favorite way to use tequila!