Blanco Tequila
Unaged tequila — pure, grassy agave character.
Blanco (also called 'plata' or 'silver') tequila is bottled within weeks of distillation, either unaged or briefly rested. The result is the purest expression of agave: grassy, citrusy, vegetal, with a peppery finish. 100% agave blancos from reputable producers — Tapatío, Cimarrón, Olmeca Altos, Fortaleza, ArteNOM — are the only tequila worth putting in a cocktail. 'Mixto' tequilas, which contain up to 49% non-agave sugars, produce the vicious morning-after headaches that give tequila its undeserved reputation. In a Margarita, Paloma, or Ranch Water, a quality blanco is the whole drink.
History
Tequila is produced in and around Tequila, Jalisco, from Weber blue agave. The Denominación de Origen established in 1974 legally restricts the spirit to a defined region of Mexico.
Common uses
Margarita, Paloma, Tommy's Margarita, Ranch Water.
Cocktails that use Blanco Tequila
- Margarita — The perfect balance of tequila, lime, and orange liqueur
- Paloma — Tequila and grapefruit soda with lime and salt — Mexico's most popular cocktail
- Tequila Sunrise — Tequila and orange juice with a grenadine sunrise — iconic and photogenic
- Ranch Water — Tequila, fresh lime, and Topo Chico — West Texas's simple, crushable highball
- Tommy's Margarita — Julio Bermejo's agave-forward riff: tequila, lime, and agave nectar only
- El Diablo — Tequila, crème de cassis, lime, and ginger beer — a devilishly good highball
Substitutes
- Mezcal — Smokier; changes the character significantly.