6th May 2024

A Tequila Guide: Answering All Your Questions About Tequila

  • clase azul
  • tequila
  • tequila questions
A Tequila Guide: Answering All Your Questions About Tequila

agave, blue agaves, agave tequilana

Do you have questions about tequila that need answering? We've got you covered.

We're covering all the bases: where it's made, which goes best in a margarita, and whether or not it'll freeze. Keep reading to find out!

Let's get our lime juice flowing and answer all the top questions about tequila. After all, what's tequila without some fresh lime to go with it?

Why can tequila only be made in Mexico?

In 1974, Mexico made it so that tequila could only be made in Mexico. If you want to call it tequila, it has to come from Mexico.

Mexico sees tequila as a symbol of "Mexican identity and national pride." Mexico strives to protect the image of tequila, so much so that the CRT was formed. The CRT (short for consejo regulador del tequila) is a "governing body formed to regulate and protect tequila production as it emerged as a national icon."

What is the tequila with the bell on top?

The coveted tequila with the bell on top!

Clase Azul is the favored tequila with the bell on top. The Clase Azul brand launched in 1997 and is known for making premium tequila. The famous brand has taken the tequila world by storm for the last decade.

What are the best canned tequila cocktails?

It's hard to say which are the best, but there are tons of tequila-can drinks to choose from. So, if you're looking for a tequila cocktail in can form, here are some brands you should look out for:

What is the best tequila for margaritas?

You want to use a blanco or reposado tequila when making a margarita. Añejo tequila is too aged and dark for a classic margarita recipe.

What is tequila made from?

Weber blue agave is the star that makes tequila what it is! In particular, the piña part of the plant is used to make tequila. The blue agave plant comes from Mexico.

What is the ideal tequila-to-margarita mix ratio?

Depending on the margarita mix, the ratio is 1 part tequila to 2 or 3 parts of margarita mix. Of course, if you want a stronger margarita, use more tequila.

To get the perfect ratio, go slowly. Add as you go. You can always add more. Things get tricky in the reverse.

What is the tequila with the worm in the bottle?

The short answer is none. No tequila bottles have a worm in the bottle; however, a couple of mezcal bottles do. The so-called worm that appears in mezcal bottles is a moth larvae. The moth larvae were added because they believed it changed the mezcal flavor.

Monte Alban Mezcal Tequila and Gusano Rojo Artesanal Mezcal are two mezcals with the worm in the bottle.

What are the best tequila mixers?

Making tequila-based mixed drinks can be easy if you have a suitable mixer. Here's a list of some of the best tequila mixers:

  • Lemon-lime soda
  • Grapefruit soda
  • Ginger beer
  • Club soda
  • Pineapple juice
  • Orange juice
  • Coconut water
  • Club Soda
  • Coca Cola

Is there a tequila without sugar?

If you're looking for a tequila that's low in sugar, look for a 100% agave tequila. Some tequila brands include added sugars, but it's rare to find a 100% agave tequila with added sugar.

What is the tequila to lime juice ratio in a margarita?

A classic margarita consists of 2 parts blanco tequila, 1 part orange liqueur, and 1 part lime juice. The lime juice can be adjusted to taste. Agave nectar adds a dash of sweetness. The perfect margarita depends on your taste buds, so lean into what you like.

What is the official tequila glass?

Many tequila lovers like to use the ouverture tequila glass when enjoying it. Copitas are also popular tequila-drinking vessels.

How long is blanco tequila aged?

Blanco tequilas are not aged the same way reposado or añejo tequilas are. If a blanco tequila is aged at all, it'll only be for a maximum of two months.

How is reposado tequila different than añejo tequila?

The main difference between reposado and añejo tequila is the time spent aging in the barrel. Reposado tequila typically ages for two months to a year. Añejo tequila normally ages for one to three years.

You'll find that reposado is used as a cocktail base more than añejo. Añejo tequila is best enjoyed neat, chilled, or on the rocks.

What is the best way to drink tequila?

margarita, iced margarita, cocktail

The best way to drink tequila is by leaning into what you like.

If you're fond of refreshing cocktails that are bursting with flavor, try a flavored Margarita or a Tequila Sunrise.

If you enjoy something with a citrus kick, try a Paloma or a classic Lime Margarita. Anything with any sort of lime juices will pair well!

If you want something with a little more of a refined taste, try a Mexican Mule or Tequila Collins.

Ultimately, the options are endless when it comes to enjoying your tequila.

Is there a tequila with no additives?

Are you looking for tequila with no additives?

Check out Taste Tequila's List of Additive Free Tequila Brands.

Does tequila freeze?

Your freezer's temperature would have to reach well into the negatives for your tequila to freeze. But don't worry—a typical freezer simply can't reach that low.

Tequila will freeze at roughly -10°F.

Is tequila gluten-free?

If the tequila you are drinking is 100% agave, then yes, it should be gluten-free.

If you have a gluten allergy, please visit a tequila brand's website to ensure that the tequila is gluten-free. Each tequila is different.

Does tequila have to be made in Mexico?

To be called tequila, it must be made in Mexico. This has become a legal requirement. The majority of tequilas come from Jalisco. The blue agave plant is native to Jalisco and thrives in the perfect climate and environment.

Are you looking to visit a tequila distillery on your trip to Mexico? You can do that. Many tequila distilleries allow for tours and tastings.

Does tequila expire?

If your tequila bottle is unopened, you don't need to worry about it expiring. However, many distillers might say it's best to enjoy your tequila within a few years when the flavors are optimal.

If your tequila bottle is open, it will last around a year. You may notice the flavor, aroma, and color change.

What tequilas are 100% agave?

If you're looking for tequilas that are made from 100% agave, here's a list of some brands that carry 100% agave options:

How is tequila meant to be served?

tequila, shots, liquor

You can enjoy your tequila chilled, neat, or over ice, depending on your preference. Or you can make a cocktail! We all know there's nothing like a margarita on a warm summer day!

Different tequilas can be enjoyed in several ways. You may want a blanco tequila on the rocks and an añejo tequila neat. Blanco tequila works well in shot form, and an añejo tequila is enjoyable when sipped slowly.

What are the most popular cocktails with a tequila base?

The margarita wins every single time, no question! But there are tons of tequila cocktails that are delicious and refreshing. From a Tequila Sunrise to a Bloody Maria, tequila cocktails are all delicious in their own way.

Spice up your tequila game with Liquorama's Guide to Tequila Cocktails.

What's the difference between tequila and mezcal?

"All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila."

To be classified as tequila, it must be made in or around Jalisco, Mexico, and from the blue agave plant. On the other hand, mezcal must be made in Mexico but can be made from any agave plant.

From a taste standpoint, tequila is typically sweeter than mezcal, which tends to be smokier.

Where can I buy tequila online?

Are you looking for the convenience of having your favorite tequilas and other spirits shipped right to your door? Liquorama has it covered.

Check out Liquorama's wide selection of tequila. But don't stop there. At Liquorama, we have tons of wine, beer, and spirits to choose from.

Have more questions? Contact us. We're here to help!