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Tequila is always sure to get the party started. In fact, for most people, this famous Mexican distilled liquor conjures up memories of crazy parties with good friends, good music and shots lined up at the bar. But tequila is so much more than just a party drink. The tequila-making process is complex, and there are specific regulations that distillers must follow. There are different types of tequila, each with its own characteristics. In this article, we will see what they are and how to best enjoy them.
What is tequila?
Tequila is enjoyed globally and is most often consumed in Mexico and the U.S. This Mexican distilled liquor is made from the Agave tequilana plant, commonly called blue agave or tequila agave, and can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico – the state of Jalisco and selected municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. Tequila is a mezcal, but all mezcals are not tequila.
Different types of tequila
There are three main types of 100% agave tequila — Blanco, Reposado and Añejo — with two additional variations: extra Añejo and Joven.
Several factors influence the flavour of each of these five tequila types, including the method of distillation and the length of ageing in oak barrels. Each flavour is uniquely suited for a different type of drinking, from mixing and making cocktails, to savouring and enjoying on their own. To revel in the full flavour and enjoyment of each tequila, we have put together a list of the differences between blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo and joven tequila.
Tequila blanco
Blanco is tequila in its purest form. Sometimes called the essence of tequila by distillers, blanco – also known as silver tequila – is the un-aged expression of tequila distilled from the Blue Weber agaves. Blanco is clear in colour and is usually bottled directly following the last distillation. If you are planning to make tequila cocktails, the classic choice has to be the tequila sunrise. Made with tequila blanco, orange juice and grenadine for that iconic sunrise effect, this fun fruity concoction was the cocktail of choice through the seventies and will add a touch of retro cool to the evening.
Tequila reposado
Reposado sees a little bit of ageing in American or European oak barrels, generally from a few months to a year, giving it a beautiful subtle golden colour. This slight ageing process tempers agave's strong flavour without masking it. On top of the agave flavour, you'll notice subtle fruit, floral, and spice notes. With hints of vanilla, jasmine and citrus, this spirit is ideal for heavier or more complex tequila mixed drinks such as a tequila old-fashioned Mexican mule and smokier margaritas.
Tequila añejo
Añejo is tequila aged in oak barrels for at least a year – añejo means 'old' in Spanish. Añejo tequilas are best for sipping neat or as an alternative base spirit in recipes that call for brown spirits like whiskey or cognac. Drink añejo tequila with one ice cube or a splash of water, or mixed into an old fashioned-style cocktail.
Tequila extra añejo
Rare extra añejo expressions are aged for at least three years. Most distilleries use American and French oak barrels to age extra añejo tequila, but other woods can also be used. Even though an amber colour indicates the age of tequila, it is best to avoid gold tequila, which usually contains tequila combined with caramel colouring and artificial flavouring.
Tequila joven
Joven means ‘young’, but it is simply a blend. Tequila bottles labelled 'joven' typically contain a small amount of aged tequila blended with unaged tequila – blanco tequila is mixed with an aged tequila (reposado, añejo, or extra añejo).
Tequila cocktail recipes
Sweeter than gin and more flavourful than vodka, this under-appreciated Mexican spirit is the perfect base for summer cocktails. While it is an essential ingredient in margaritas and a variety of tequila shots, there are many other tequila cocktail recipes to explore.
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