Tequila

Tequila is produced in Mexico and is made from the Blue Weber Agave plant. The Agave is often mistakenly believed to be a cactus but it isn’t. It’s a plant that is much more similar to Lilies. Agaves come from the highlands and lowlands. Agaves from the highlands produce sweet, fruity tequilas while Agaves from the low lands produce more herbaceous ones.

What Are the Different Types of Tequila?

There are different types of tequilas. The two main categories are 100% Blue Agave & tequila mixtado (mixed).  There are different types of mixed tequilas. The main difference is in the aging. The longer it rests the more expensive it is. Also the tastes of the different types of tequilas vary.

The different types of tequila include White, Silver, Gold, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo.

• Tequila Blanco (blanco means white), also known as white or silver, is a young, clear tequila. It’s usually bottled right after distillation. This is the traditional tequila. It has an amber color and a woody flavor.
• Tequila Gold, also known as Tequilla Joven, is a young tequila even though it looks like it’s aged. It has added colorings and flavors such as caramel. This type is typically used in mixed drinks.
• Tequila Reposado (reposado means rested) tequilas must be aged in wood barrels for at least 2 months but no more than one year. It has a golden hue and has a taste that is a balance of a wood and agave flavor.
• Tequila Anejo (anejo means vintage) tequilas must be aged in oak barrels less than 600 liters for at least one full year. It is dark in color, mostly amber and is rich and smooth.

• Tequila Extra Anejo tequila is the ultra-aged anejo. It has a very dark color-mahogany and is extremely smooth and complex.

Cocktails With Tequila

There are many cocktails that are made from tequila. Even though they all include tequila, they each are unique.

One of the most popular is the Margarita. The Margarita has many variations.

The Tequila Sunrise is another popular tequila drink. It is created with tequila mixed with orange juice and a splash of grenadine. It has a sweet fruity flavor.

The Paloma is made with tequila, grapefruit juice and lemon-lime soda.

Juan Collins is made with tequila, lemon, sugar, and club soda.

The Brave Bull is a mix of tequila and coffee. It’s tequila and Kahlua on the rocks-it is considered as the Mexican version of the Black Russian.

Envy is made with tequila, pineapple, and blue curacao. It’s shaken and put into a cocktail glass.