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Spirits

Tequila

A distilled spirit made from blue Weber agave, primarily produced in Mexico. Tequila ranges from bright and vegetal to rich and oaked depending on production and ageing.

Tequila

Quick Facts

ABVTypically 38–40%
OriginMexico (Denomination of Origin)
Flavour Strengthmedium bold
SeasonYear-round

Flavour Profile

Primary Flavours

AgaveHerbalCitrusPepper

Tasting Notes

Bright cooked agave character with herbal and citrus notes, light peppery spice, and a clean, warming finish. Oak-aged styles add vanilla and soft spice.

Recommended Brands

Budget Choice

Olmeca Altos Plata

30

Premium Choice

Fortaleza Blanco

79

Storage & Handling

Store upright in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Reseal tightly after use to preserve aroma.

Shelf Life

Indefinite when stored sealed and upright

Pro Tip

If the label doesn’t say “100% agave”, it’s not worth mixing with.

Usage

Used as a base spirit in a wide range of cocktails, from fresh citrus-forward sours to spirit-forward and savoury drinks. Commonly served neat, on the rocks, or mixed.

Top Tips

  • Choose 100% agave tequila for cocktails — mixtos lack clarity and depth.
  • Match style to drink: blanco for freshness, reposado for warmth.
  • Avoid over-chilling when serving neat to preserve aroma.

Possible Substitutions

  • Mezcal (smokier, more rustic)
  • Cachaça (different base and profile)

Production Method

Produced by harvesting mature blue Weber agave, cooking the piñas, extracting sugars, fermenting, and distilling. Some styles are aged in oak barrels (reposado, añejo).

History & Context

Tequila has been produced in Mexico for centuries and became globally recognised in the 20th century. Modern tequila culture emphasises quality, terroir, and 100% agave production.

Often Used With