All About Tequila + The Best Margarita Recipes

What is tequila? Arguably, it’s the spirit of choice for those seeking a taste of Mexico in a glass. Learn all about it with Uncork It! located at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611.

It all began with the agave plant, sacred to the Aztecs, who fermented its sap into a drink called pulque. In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors introduced distillation techniques to produce stronger spirits. Over time, this led to the creation of mezcal wine, which eventually evolved into tequila. 

Tequila production begins with the cultivation of the agave plant and culminates in the bottling of the finished spirit. While there are several species of agave, the most iconic and widely recognized variety for tequila is the Blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana Weber azul). Moreover, any product labeled “tequila” must use this type of agave, by law.

Prized for its high sugar content and unique flavor profile, the Blue Weber agave is known for its large size, robust leaves, and blue-green hue. Its cultivation is a labor-intensive process that requires patience and expertise. Farmers tend to the agave plants for several years to let them reach maturity before being harvested.

Once harvested, the piñas are transported to the distillery for processing. Traditional methods involve cooking the agave in large stone or brick ovens. The piñas are stacked in layers and slow-roasted for several days. This process caramelizes the sugars in the agave, imparting rich flavor to the final product. Some distilleries use more modern techniques that steam-cook the agave in a fraction of the time.

After cooking, the agave is crushed to extract its juices. Traditional methods use a tahona, a large stone wheel pulled by a horse or mule, to crush the cooked agave. In modern facilities, mechanical shredders or mills are often used to extract the juice.

The extracted agave juice is transferred to fermentation tanks. Yeast is added to the juice to initiate the fermentation process. As fermentation generates heat, some distilleries employ open-air tanks to allow wild yeast from the environment to contribute to the tequila's flavor profile.

After fermentation, the liquid is distilled to increase its alcohol content and purify its flavors. Tequila is typically distilled twice in copper pot stills, although some high-quality tequilas undergo a third distillation for extra refinement.

Depending on the desired style of tequila, the spirit may be aged in oak barrels. Once the aging process is complete, the tequila is filtered, blended (if necessary), and bottled. Each bottle of tequila is labeled with information about its production, including the type of tequila, the distillery, and the NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number, which certifies that the tequila meets regulatory standards.

Blanco (Silver): Also known as silver or white tequila, blanco tequila is clear and unaged, meaning it is bottled shortly after distillation. It showcases the purest expression of the agave plant, with crisp, vegetal flavors and a hint of sweetness. It is often used in cocktails like margaritas and palomas, where its fresh agave flavors shine through.

Reposado (Rested): Reposado tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but less than a year, imparting subtle oak flavors, along with notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The agave character remains present, albeit mellowed by the aging process. Enjoyed neat or on the rocks, reposado tequila is also a popular choice for cocktails where a hint of oak and complexity is desired.

Añejo (Aged): Añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of one year but less than three years. The extended aging results in a smoother, more complex spirit with pronounced oak, caramel, and spice notes. The agave flavors are further subdued, giving way to the barrel's influence. It is best enjoyed neat or in premium cocktails, where the depth of its flavor and sophistication can be appreciated.

Extra Añejo (Extra Aged): Extra añejo tequila is aged in oak barrels for a minimum of three years. This results in a deeply aged and refined spirit and rich, nuanced flavors reminiscent of fine whiskey or cognac, with prominent oak, dark chocolate, and dried fruit notes. Sipped slowly and savored neat, extra añejo tequila is a premium offering prized by connoisseurs for its complexity and depth.

Deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, tequila is a symbol of celebration, camaraderie, and tradition. It adds warmth and conviviality to special occasions like Dia de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo. During Dia de los Muertos, families offer shots of tequila at gravesites as a tribute to the departed. It's believed that the spirits of the deceased return to the earthly realm to join the living during Dia de los Muertos, and sharing tequila is a way to welcome and honor them. Tequila also flows freely during Cinco de Mayo celebrations, with revelers enjoying margaritas, tequila shots, and other tequila-based cocktails in lively gatherings.

First, use a tulip-shaped glass, such as a Glencairn glass or a copita, to concentrate the aromas and allow for easy swirling. Alternatively, a small wine glass or narrow-mouthed tumbler can also work well. Pour a small amount into your glass, filling it no more than halfway to allow for swirling without spilling. Hold the glass up to the light and observe the color and clarity of the tequila. Note any variations in hue, from clear (blanco) to golden (reposado) to amber (añejo and extra añejo).

Gently swirl the tequila in the glass to release its aromas. Bring the glass to your nose and take a series of short sniffs to capture the full range of scents. Notice the aromatic complexity of the tequila, which may include notes of agave, citrus, floral, herbal, spice, vanilla, caramel, oak, and pepper. Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate. Hold the tequila in your mouth for a few seconds to fully experience its flavors and textures. Then, move it around your mouth to different areas of the palate, paying attention to how the flavors evolve and interact with each other.

One of the best ways to introduce a total beginner to tequila is to try it in a cocktail like a margarita. Here are recipes that you can try that highlight the flavor of the tequila without overwhelming the senses:

Armed with all this information, are you ready to find your next favorite bottle? Head over to Uncork It! at 393 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60611, call them at (312) 321-9400, or visit https://uncorkitchicago.com/ for more product recommendations!