The Best 6 Tequilas: Discovering Exceptional Spirits
Tequila, the beloved Mexican spirit, is renowned for its rich flavors and unique production process. From sipping it neat to crafting refreshing cocktails, tequila offers a diverse range of drinking experiences. In this article, we will explore six exceptional tequilas, each with its distinct qualities and characteristics that set it apart from the rest. Let's delve into the world of these remarkable spirits and the delightful drinks they inspire.
1. Don Julio 1942
Price Range: $120 – $150
Don Julio 1942 is a luxurious and revered tequila named in honor of its founder, Don Julio González. Crafted from 100% blue agave, this añejo tequila is aged for a minimum of two and a half years, resulting in a velvety smoothness and rich caramel notes. It boasts an exceptional depth of flavor with hints of vanilla and roasted agave. Don Julio 1942 is a testament to the artistry and dedication that goes into creating a truly exceptional tequila.
Signature Drinks:
a) Margarita Especial:
– 2 oz Don Julio 1942
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– ¾ oz agave nectar
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
b) Añejo Old Fashioned:
– 2 oz Don Julio 1942
– ¼ oz agave syrup
– 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
c) Tequila Sunset:
– 2 oz Don Julio 1942
– 4 oz fresh orange juice
– ½ oz grenadine
– Orange slice and cherry, for garnish
Fill a glass with ice and add the tequila and orange juice. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon to create a sunset effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
2. Patrón Añejo
Price Range: $60 – $80
Patrón Añejo is a premium tequila known for its distinctive smoothness and complexity. Aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels, it develops rich flavors of vanilla, caramel, and honey, while still maintaining the essence of the agave. With a silky texture and a delicate balance of flavors, Patrón Añejo is a testament to the artistry and precision of tequila production.
Signature Drinks:
a) Spicy Paloma:
– 2 oz Patrón Añejo
– 4 oz grapefruit soda
– ½ oz lime juice
– Jalapeño slices, for garnish
Fill a glass with ice and add the tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with jalapeño slices.
b) Añejo Negroni:
– 1 oz Patrón Añejo
– 1 oz Campari
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– Orange twist, for garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
c) Mexican Mule:
– 2 oz Patrón Añejo
– ½ oz lime juice
– 4 oz ginger beer
– Lime wedge, for garnish
Fill a copper mug with ice and add the tequila and lime juice. Top with ginger beer and stir gently. Garnish with a lime wedge.
3. Casa Noble Reposado
Price Range: $50 – $70
Casa Noble Reposado is a tequila that exemplifies elegance and craftsmanship. Rested for 364 days in French white oak barrels, it acquires a perfect balance of flavors. This reposado tequila boasts notes of vanilla, caramel, and dried fruits, with a touch of spice. Casa Noble Reposado is a testament to the brand's commitment to using traditional methods and producing tequila of the highest quality.
Signature Drinks:
a) Noble Paloma:
– 2 oz Casa Noble Reposado
– 4 oz grapefruit soda
– ½ oz lime juice
– Salt, for rimming
Rim a glass with salt. Fill it with ice and add the tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Stir gently and enjoy.
b) Reposado Sunrise:
– 2 oz Casa Noble Reposado
– 4 oz fresh orange juice
– ½ oz grenadine
– Orange slice and cherry, for garnish
Fill a glass with ice and add the tequila and orange juice. Slowly pour the grenadine over the back of a spoon to create a sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice and a cherry.
c) Reposado Old Fashioned:
– 2 oz Casa Noble Reposado
– ¼ oz agave syrup
– 2 dashes of orange bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
4. Herradura Blanco
Price Range: $30 – $40
Herradura Blanco is a vibrant and expressive tequila that captures the true essence of the blue agave. Made using traditional production methods and matured for 45 days, it is characterized by its clean, crisp flavors and smooth finish. With notes of citrus, fresh herbs, and agave sweetness, Herradura Blanco stands out as a versatile and affordable choice for tequila enthusiasts.
Signature Drinks:
a) Classic Margarita:
– 2 oz Herradura Blanco
– 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
– ¾ oz triple sec
– Salt, for rimming
Rim a glass with salt. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into the glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
b) Paloma Fresca:
– 2 oz Herradura Blanco
– 4 oz grapefruit soda
– ½ oz lime juice
– Grapefruit wedge, for garnish
Fill a glass with ice and add the tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
c) Agave Sour:
– 2 oz Herradura Blanco
– ¾ oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– ½ oz agave syrup
– Lemon twist, for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lemon twist.
5. Casa Dragones Joven
Price Range: $100 – $150
Casa Dragones Joven is an extraordinary tequila known for its exceptional craftsmanship and distinctive character. It combines 100% blue agave silver tequila with a touch of extra añejo tequila to create a truly unique blend. The result is a tequila with a silky texture, complex flavors of roasted agave, vanilla, and spices, and a long, smooth finish.
Signature Drinks:
a) Dragon's Kiss:
– 2 oz Casa Dragones Joven
– ¾ oz lime juice
– ½ oz agave syrup
– 2 slices of jalapeño
– Cucumber slice, for garnish
Muddle jalapeño slices in a shaker. Add ice, tequila, lime juice, and agave syrup. Shake well and double strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a cucumber slice.
b) Smoky Dragon:
– 2 oz Casa Dragones Joven
– ¾ oz mezcal
– ½ oz agave nectar
– 2 dashes of orange bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
c) Joven Paloma:
– 2 oz Casa Dragones Joven
– 4 oz grapefruit soda
– ½ oz lime juice
– Grapefruit twist, for garnish
Fill a glass with ice and add the tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Stir gently and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
6. Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
Price Range: $130 – $160
Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo is an exceptional tequila crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Aged for a minimum of 44 months in oak barrels, it displays remarkable depth and complexity. With flavors of caramel, chocolate, toasted oak, and a hint of agave sweetness, this tequila offers a truly indulgent drinking experience. Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo showcases the epitome of tequila craftsmanship.
Signature Drinks:
a) Avión Espresso Martini:
– 1 ½ oz Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
– ¾ oz coffee liqueur
– ¾ oz espresso
– ½ oz simple syrup
– Coffee beans, for garnish
Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with coffee beans.
b) Añejo Old Fashioned:
– 2 oz Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
– ¼ oz agave syrup
– 2 dashes of Angostura bitters
– Orange twist, for garnish
Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange twist.
c) Mexican Hot Chocolate:
– 2 oz Avión Reserva 44 Extra Añejo
– 4 oz hot chocolate
– Whipped cream
– Grated cinnamon, for garnish
Prepare hot chocolate according to instructions. Add the tequila and stir well. Top with whipped cream and garnish with grated cinnamon.
Each of these tequilas showcases the artistry and dedication of their respective brands, offering a range of flavors and profiles to suit various palates. Whether enjoyed neat, in classic cocktails, or in innovative creations, these tequilas elevate the drinking experience to new heights. Embrace the world of tequila, explore these exceptional spirits, and savor the remarkable flavors they bring to your glass. Cheers!
