Tequila Deserves Another Shot… or Sip.

August 5, 2008 Posted in Liquor

(Click Thumbnail for Recipe)

We’ve all been there…sworn off drinking tequila ever again after a hard night out and a few too many peer-pressure-induced shots of Cuervo Gold. But the truth is, it’s not tequila’s fault. It’s Jose’s.

For years Cuervo has been literally shoving Gold Mixto down our throats and calling it tequila. A true tequila is made from 100% agave and often aged. A gold mixto tequila is usually made with less than 50% agave, blended with sugar water, non-aged and colored with caramel. It is the mixto that will make your throat squelch and mouth water with only a wiff.

Today there are a more than a handful of 100% agave tequilas on the market that aim to remove the stigma that has followed tequila around like an annoying little step-brother. Brands like Patron, Casa Noble and Don Julio (yes, Cuervo does too) offer incredibly smooth and flavorful Blanco, Anejo and Reposado- 100% agave tequilas.

Whether you sip it, shoot it, or mix it… it’s time to give tequila another chance. Here are 8 cool ways you have most certainly never had tequila before. (Click on a drink above to see how it’s made)

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Comments

131824 Responses2008-08-05+16%3A30%3A03COED+Staff to “Tequila Deserves Another Shot… or Sip.”

Texas Tequila Guy says:

August 11, 2008 at 9:00 am

While I would take most 100% agave tequilas over a mixto anyday, I would like to clarify a few items for you. To be called tequila it must be at least 51% agave. The other 49% is either going to be cane or grain spirits and coloring. Tiquilito Gold by Don Valente is a really good mixto that sells in Texas and other select states. In my opinion, if you are going to make a margarita I would use only a real good mixto or a blanco tequila. Good 100% agave tequilas should only be sipped and not mixed.
Master Mixologist says:

August 19, 2008 at 9:36 am

I must admit that I wasn't a big fan of tequila, until I attended a "third of July" party at Spice Bar in Columbus (near Ohio State) They made these unbelievable cocktails with a new tequila called Voodoo Tiki. Prickly Pear Margarita, Martiki and I even shot their Platinum straight. It was unbelievable. I am trading in the goose for the tiki!
I'm not from te says:

August 22, 2008 at 3:06 pm

…but I at least know that Tequila must be made from at least 51% *BLUE* agave. The balance can be regular (non-blue) agave or lesser spirits. Coloring is found in shitty tequilas only, and isn't really relevant to this article. Last, most people who drink margarita's couldn't tell the difference between Cuervo and Patron, so why bother with even a mixto?
Tequila Expert says:

February 19, 2009 at 8:51 am

Correction! In order for Tequila to be called "tequila it MUST be made with 100% Blue Agave and be bottled in MEXICO… sorry guys you're both wrong ha ha