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Tequila

Agave spiritsMXEditorial draft

Tequila is a spirit distilled from blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), protected by a denomination of origin since 1974. Young, it is fresh and herbal; after time in oak it turns rounder and spicier.

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How to describe it to a guest

This is a 100% agave tequila: a fresh blanco with cooked-agave and pepper notes, great on its own or in a margarita.

Origin

The denomination of origin covers all of Jalisco plus specific municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. It takes its name from the town of Tequila, Jalisco, whose agave landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Production

Mature agave hearts (piñas) are harvested by jimadores, cooked in masonry ovens or autoclaves to turn their carbohydrates into fermentable sugars, milled to extract the juice, fermented and distilled at least twice. It is then bottled or rested in oak.

Flavor

Cooked agave, white pepper, citrus and herbal notes in blanco; vanilla, caramel, nuts and baking spice in aged expressions.

Styles

Blanco
Unaged or only briefly rested. The most direct expression of agave: bright, herbal and peppery.
Reposado
Rested at least two months in oak. Gains softness and a touch of vanilla while keeping its agave character.
Añejo
Aged at least one year in oak barrels of up to 600 liters. Fuller body with caramel and spice notes.
Extra Añejo
Aged at least three years in oak. Deep and complex, meant for slow sipping.
Cristalino
Aged tequila filtered to remove its color. It is not an official category under the standard; the label keeps its legal class (reposado, añejo, etc.).

How to serve it

  • GlasswareRocks glass
  • TemperatureRoom temperature for sipping; blancos also work slightly chilled.
  • For sipping, a small glass that concentrates aroma works best. Offer water on the side and, if the guest wants it, sangrita.

Pairings

  • Tacos al pastor
  • Ceviche and aguachile
  • Beef birria
  • Dark chocolate with an añejo

Reading the label

100% de agave
All fermented sugars come from blue agave. It must be bottled within the origin territory.
Tequila
Without the "100% de agave" statement, the standard requires at least 51% of sugars from blue agave; the rest may come from other sources.
NOM
Number identifying the distillery that produced the tequila. Useful for knowing who actually made it.
DOT / Denominación de Origen
Legal protection reserving the name "tequila" for product made within the territory and under the official standard.
Joven / Oro
Blanco blended with aged tequila, or "abocado" (softened with permitted additives such as caramel color).

Cocktails

Sources

Updated October 20, 2026