The Best Tequila Drinks

Tequila is one of the most popular spirits of the world, which is produced by distilling and fermenting blue agave plant. It got its name from a region in Mexico, where it is produced. And, there are strict rules and regulations, laid down by the government of Mexico, which needs to be followed while producing tequila drinks.

Types of Tequila

There are 2 basic types of tequila - 100% blue agave tequila and mixto. The 100% blue agave tequila: This type of tequila is distilled entirely from the fermented juice of the blue agave. 100% blue agave tequila must be distilled and bottled in mexico. If your tequila bottle is not marked as 100 percent blue agave tequila, then it means that your bottle of tequila is mixed tequila which may have been distilled from 60% of blue agave juice plus other sugars.

Tequila is aged in oak barrels in order to give it a smooth, woody taste and it is because of this aging process that tequila gets its golden color. Aging may cover the flavor of agave and few types of tequila are even aged for as long as 4 years.

Categories of Tequila:

There are 5 basic categories of tequila, which are as follows:

Blanco: Blance is also known as silver tequila. It's 100% agave tequila, that is not aged or matured, nor are any additives and mixtures added to it. This is the traditional tequila that is clear and transparent and fresh from the still. It is bottled right after the distillation process. And as it is of clear color, it is referred to as silver tequila. This type of tequila has scent and flavor of the blue agave. People normally enjoy this type of tequila in shot glasses.

Oro: Oro tequila is also referred to as golden tequila. It is called golden tequila as it gets its color by maturing it in oak barrels. It is also 100% agave tequila. It is also mellowed by putting colors and flavorings such as caramel. This tequila is used for making one of the most popular drinks of the world i.e. margarita.

Reposado: Reposado tequila is also called rested tequila. As you might have guessed from its name, this tequila is aged or matured in oak barrels before selling it in the market. This type of tequila can be aged from 2 months to 1 year. The aging process gives it a smooth taste, and a pale color. The demand of Reposado tequila has increased over a period of time, resulting in increase in its prices. This tequila also holds the flavor of blue agave plant, from which it is produced.

Añejo: Anjeo tequila is also called aged tequila. This tequila has to be stored or aged in oak barrels for at least 1 year. And because of this aging process, it gets its unique color and flavor. This is also made up of 100% agave juice.

Reserva: Reserva tequila is not considered as a category by a lot of liquor experts. But I consider it as a separate category of tequila. Certain bottles of anejo tequila are aged for up to 8 years in oak barrels. And because of this extra long aging process, it gets its smooth and complex taste. And as you can easily image, reserve tequila are usually very expensive, as it is one of the most sought after tequila in the market.