Drinks Made With Tequila

One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor! Tequila is among the most popularly consumed spirits in North America--along with gin, vodka, and rum it is a staple found in nearly every bar. The star among tequila drinks is the margarita, though there are others that include a blend of other liquors, liqueurs, juices, sodas and additives. Tequila was the first distilled spirit in North America, and it continues to be a favorite in Mexico and the United States.

History

Tequila first appeared in the bartender's (or rather drinker's) repertoire in the early 16th century outside the Mexican city of Tequila. Tequila is made from fermented agave plant, a derivation of the similar spirit fermented by the Aztecs, known now as pulque. When the Spanish arrived, they began to distill the fermented agave liquor. Mass distillation did not occur until the 1800s.

Types

Types of tequila are based on age and the container of fermentation. The age of a tequila is reflected in the price; the longer the aging process, the more expensive the bottle. Blanco (white or silver) is the youngest of the tequilas as it is bottled directly following distillation. Reposado (rested) tequila ages in oak barrels between two months and one year. Añejo (aged) tequila must rest in the barrels between one to three years. Extra Añejo (extra aged) rests a minimum of three years. Joven (young), also called Oro (gold), is a mix of Blanco and Resposado or Añejo.

Tequila Cruda

Outside of Mexico, tequila shots taken "straight up" are called tequila cruda. The shot starts with a "licking" of salt, is followed by the shot of tequila and is then chased by sucking on a wedge of lime. This popular bar group activity is often referred to as "lick-shoot-suck."

Margarita

In the United States the most popular tequila cocktail is the margarita, a blend of tequila, triple sec and lime juice served in a glass with a salted rim (though most are often made with an additional sweetener). There are three ways you can demand it from the bartender: on the rocks, shaken with ice or blended with ice (known as frozen or blended margarita). Though there are many ratios depending on personal taste, the official ratio, according to the International Bartenders Association, is 7:4:3: 50 percent tequila, 29 percent Triple Sec and 21 percent fresh lime juice.

Nontraditional margaritas may use a fusion of tropical fruits such as mango, strawberry, peach or raspberry.

Aztec Gold

For a regal treat, the Aztec gold cocktail, made of amaretto, creme de bananes, Galliano and tequila, is a a popular mix. To prepare, fill a cocktail shaker with ice and pour in the ingredients. Shake madly for 12 to15 seconds. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime.

Acapulco Clam Digger

The Acapulco clam digger is a favorite among seafood lovers. The ingredients are clam juice, horseradish, lemon juice, Tabasco sauce, tequila, tomato juice and Worcestershire sauce. To prepare, pour directly over ice cubes in an low-ball glass and garnish with a slice of lemon.

Tequila Sunrise

Also known as an Arizona sunrise, this drink is popular for its layering effect that mirrors the colors of a sunrise on the horizon. The ingredients are grenadine, orange juice, lime juice and tequila. To prepare, fill a tall-stemmed cocktail glass with ice, and pour the grenadine so that it fills and covers the bottom of the glass. Mix the tequila, orange juice and lime juice in a shaker with ice. Pour over the grenadine and garnish with a cherry.

References

• History of Tequila
• International Bartenders Association

Resources

• Happy Hour: Tequila Drinks