Cocktails with Tequila
Tequila is a distinctive agave spirit from Mexico, made exclusively from blue Weber agave. It ranges from unaged blanco to complex aged expressions.
No Tequila? What to use instead
- Type
- Spirit
- Strength
- 38–40% ABV
- Aroma
- Cooked agave, Citrus, Pepper, Earthy, Vegetal
- Taste
- Sweet agave, Citrus, White pepper, Herbal
- Finish
- Clean, Peppery warmth, Medium length
30 drinks with Tequila
- AgavoniCampari, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Bitters
- AMF (Adios Motherf*cker)Vodka, White Rum, Gin
- BatangaLime Juice, Cola, Salt
- Bloody MariaTomato Juice, Lemon Juice, Worcestershire Sauce
- Death FlipJägermeister, Yellow Chartreuse, Vanilla Syrup
- Devil's MargaritaLime Juice, Rich Simple Syrup, Red Wine
- El DiabloCrème de Cassis, Lime Juice, Ginger Beer
- Frozen MargaritaTriple Sec, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Grand MargaritaGrand Marnier, Lime Juice
- Italian MargaritaTriple Sec, Sour Mix, Orange Juice
- Long Island Iced TeaVodka, White Rum, Gin
- Long Island Iced Tea SlushVodka, White Rum, Gin
- Mango Margarita SlushTriple Sec, Mango Nectar, Lime Juice
- MargaritaTriple Sec, Lime Juice
- Margarita SlushTriple Sec, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Mexican CandyWatermelon Schnapps, Tabasco
- Mexican Firing SquadLime Juice, Grenadine, Angostura Bitters
- Mexican FlagGrenadine, Green Crème de Menthe
- PalomaGrapefruit Soda, Lime Juice, Salt
- Paloma SlushGrapefruit Juice, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Passion Fruit MargaritaTriple Sec, Lime Juice, Passion Fruit Purée
- Picante de la CasaLime Juice, Agave Syrup, Red Chili
- Ranch WaterLime Juice, Soda Water
- SiestaLime Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Simple Syrup
- Spicy MargaritaTriple Sec, Lime Juice, Simple Syrup
- Tequila SlammerLemon-Lime Soda
- Tequila SunriseOrange Juice, Grenadine
- Tequila Sunrise SlushOrange Juice, Grenadine
- Tommy's MargaritaLime Juice, Agave Syrup
- Watermelon Margarita SlushTriple Sec, Lime Juice, Watermelon Juice
History
Tequila has been produced in the region around the town of Tequila, Jalisco, since the 16th century. Indigenous peoples had long fermented agave into pulque; Spanish colonizers distilled it into mezcal, with tequila emerging as a specific regional variety. It gained protected designation of origin in 1974.
How it’s made
Blue agave plants are harvested after 7-10 years. The piñas (hearts) are roasted, crushed, and fermented, then double-distilled. Blanco tequila is bottled unaged, while reposado ages 2-12 months and añejo ages 1-3 years in oak barrels. Only 100% agave tequilas may be labeled as such.
Bottles to try
Olmeca Altos PlataBudget
Highland tequila with citrus-forward character and traditional tahona-crushed agave richness.
Espolòn BlancoBudget
Modern blanco with bright agave flavors, tropical fruit notes, and excellent cocktail versatility.
Patrón SilverPremium
Smooth, premium 100% agave blanco with citrus and light pepper, known worldwide for quality.
Espolòn BlancoBudget
100% blue agave, bright citrus notes, exceptional value.
Olmeca Altos PlataMid-range
Tahona-crushed agave, smooth and vegetal, bartender approved.
Casamigos BlancoPremium
Ultra-smooth, hints of vanilla and citrus, celebrity-founded premium.
Got Tequila at home?
Add it to your bar in Proof and see every drink you can make with the bottles you already have.