So you want to learn how to drink Tequila?
This is the first of the new Drinks After Dark feature series, so you want to learn how to drink…. and we’re tackling tequila.
image source: Alicia on Flickr
When I was turning 21, I was stupid. I can admit it. I was an idiot. My friends and I decided that we needed to celebrate my birthday, and went to the liquor store, armed with about $25 between us. We were going to get vodka, but then someone had the brilliant idea that we could get more bang for our buck with silver tequila.
You can tell this ends badly, can’t you?
The silver tequila experience turned me off that particular spirit for a while, and then, one night, I was partying with the boys and decided that sure! Tequila shots for all! GREAT idea! Only, again, not so much. I was standing at the back bar, and like a true bar star, did my shot, leaned forward and neatly threw it right back up onto the bar floor. Classy.
After that, I couldn’t even smell tequila without my stomach rolling, until last year.
I was with a client at a gifting suite for the Emmys in Beverly Hills, and Patron was a sponsor. I was offered a drink and all of a sudden, my entire perception of tequila was turned on it’s head. I had no idea it could be so good. 
In order to be certified by the DGN (a Mexican government agency, sort of like the FDA) that the liquor must contain at least 51% Agave distillate; the rest is usually corn liquor, which is cheaper. Better tequilas are labelled “100% Agave” or “100% Blue Agave”, meaning no additional liquor is used. (Agave image source: Michael Alderete)
There are several legal distinctions that classify tequilas. One of the main distinctions is aging. Liquor that has been barrel aged for at least 6 months can be called “reposado” (rested); liquor that has been aged for at least two years can carry the designation “Añejo” (old). Watch our for gold tequilas not labelled as “reposado”. Sometimes they’ve been barrel aged, but most often, they’ve just had some colour added.
One of the things I recommend when people tell me they can’t drink tequila is to start with a more expensive brand – your Don Julio, your Patron, your Herradura – because they’re generally more pure. The higher the quality, the less of a hangover you’ll have in the morning and the better it will taste. Also, a more pure tequila will not require the salt and lime routine that the standard bar tequilas do.
One way to see whether or not you’re dealing with a pure 100% Agave tequila is to swirl your glass, much like you do wine. You’re looking to see how far apart the legs are (the drips). The further apart the legs, the more pure the tequila.
Tequila is meant to be either shot or put into a blended drink. Although the really really high end ones are much like a good single malt scotch and can be highly sippable.
The way that I got back to being able to drink Tequila is by drinking it in a good mixed drink first, and then from there, I went to straight up margaritas (not frozen ones). All of a sudden, I’m back to enjoying tequila. (Image source, Tris Hussey)
Much like any other liquor, you’re just going to have to try it and trust your palate. You’ll have to explore a little. Find a good Mexican restaurant, tequila bar, or even go TO Mexico and do some sampling. It’s a rough life, I know.
Tags: Don Julio, features, Herradurra, How to Patron, TequilaPOSTED IN: Feature, So You Want to Learn how to Drink..., Tequila
2 opinions for So you want to learn how to drink Tequila?
Raul
Jul 14, 2008 at 12:31 pm
We *have* to go Tequila-drinking one time. I can tell you one thing - I can hold my Tequila very well.
Two things that could be useful to your blog readers:
1). Agave liquors can only be named Tequila IF AND ONLY IF they come from agave grown in the city in Jalisco called Tequila. However, recently, some regions in neighbouring states have been granted “tequila-producing” status. One of the best “new tequilas” comes from the small town of Penjamo, Guanajuato (the neighbour state of Jalisco).
2). As you appropriately say, the DGN (Direccion General de Normas) certifies tequila, since it’s the nation-wide standard-setting agency). Interestingly enough, I have found that most certification schemes are focused on the QUALITY of tequila, not on any health concerns that may arise from it (e.g. we take for granted that drinking tequila is ok for your health). Which, I have to admit, is true :-)
Great post, Colleen.
Anthony
Jul 22, 2008 at 12:26 pm
A-ha! I knew enough to always order Herradura Añejo but never knew the reason why. Thanks for clearing that up.
So what’s the deal with Black Tequila? How is that different?
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