Tequila is an extraordinary spirit, around which many myths have grown regarding its creation, storage, serving, and drinking. If you're planning a fiesta with friends or a date with a touch of spice, this Mexican alcohol will be the best choice! What is tequila made from, in which glasses should it be served, and how should it be drunk to experience the depth of its exotic flavor?
The origin of tequila
Tequila is undoubtedly a symbol of Mexico. For hundreds of years, Mexicans, and before them the Aztecs, produced alcohol from fermented agave juice, which evolved from pulque, used during bloody rituals, to the tequila we can buy today in almost every supermarket.
This Mexican spirit is made from the stem of blue agave, which grows for about 12 years before being cut. It is distilled in a similar way to other alcohols, and then aged in oak barrels or steel tanks. For a spirit to be called tequila, it must consist of at least 51% juice from this agave variety, although the highest quality ones are 100%. The alcohol content is about 35-45%.
The triumph of marketing
Many myths surround tequila. One of them is the way of drinking it with salt and lime, which native Mexicans find a bit amusing. The ritual was invented by American marketers who were looking for a way to increase the sales of the spirit in the USA. This fun method was quickly adopted by pop culture – when we see a noisy party and shots chased with lemon on screen, we can be sure that the characters are drinking tequila. So how should it be done?
Types of tequila
The cheaper tequila that we find in stores is Tequila Mixto. It contains 51% agave juice and sugar. We can find it in the form of:
- Mixto Blanco – white or silver;
- Mixto Joven - golden, with added colorants.
Tequila consisting of 100% agave juice is more expensive, but also of significantly higher quality. We distinguish Tequila:
- Blanco - white with a distinct flavor;
- Plata – silver, with a more delicate flavor;
- Reposado – golden, with a woody but mild aftertaste;
- Añejo – aged for a year in wooden barrels and with an amber color;
- Extra Añejo – mahogany, aged for a minimum of 3 years.
Many people, when thinking of tequila, recall the notorious “vodka with a worm.” In fact, this is mezcal: the grandfather of tequila, which is also made from the stem of the agave – but only green agave. It tastes completely different, and a red, white, or golden gusano butterfly larva – a pest that feeds on agave leaves – is placed in the bottle with it.
Serving tequila
Tequila Mixto is served according to the popular ritual, for which we can use lime and salt (Mixto Bianco) or orange and cinnamon (Mixto Joven). It is served in shot glasses. The index finger is moistened with juice, then in salt or cinnamon. You lick it off, drink the shot, and bite into a quarter of citrus.
This tequila can also be used to make cocktails in fancy-shaped glasses from KROSNO. This spirit is the base for creating Margarita, Tequila Sunrise, Sangrita, and Wellness Smoothie.
Avant-Garde Margarita glasses KROSNO
Shot glasses will also be ideal for drinking 100% tequila of the Blanco, Plata, and Reposado varieties. This type of tequila is sipped like a liqueur, savoring its flavor.
For drinking Añejo or Extra Añejo, cognac or whisky glasses will be perfect. It looks quite similar, but its exotic taste will be surprising. Regardless of which alcohol we choose, the shape of the vessel is extremely important and will allow you to experience all the flavors and aromas that the spirit has to offer.