Tequila, the blue agave liquor, is all parties, fun, and colorful cocktails. From its centuries-old history in Mexico to being part of the popular world drinks, tequila has risen to the pinnacle of bars and lounges.
This comprehensive guide will walk through the background, taste profile, price range, and varieties of tequila and how it has multifaceted applications in cocktails.
Whether you are a tequila enthusiast or merely an occasional consumer, here is everything you might need to know regarding the price of the tequila drink and its different prices worldwide.
Table of Contents
Tequila Drink History
Tequila has been made for hundreds of years near the town of Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico. History of the signature drink dates back to the Aztecs, who fermented agave plant juice to create an early alcoholic beverage called pulque.
However, tequila in its form as we know it now was first distilled by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, who developed the art of distillation and created the first tequila.
By the 18th century, tequila production had gained momentum, and in 1974, it was legally recognized as a regionally protected spirit, which helped maintain authenticity and traditional craftsmanship.
Tequila Drink Tasting Notes
Tequila is produced in various types, and each possesses unique flavors:
Blanco
- Owing to its bright, fresh agave flavor, Blanco tequila tends to be colorless and not aged.
- It is crisp and clean with citrus, pepper, and grassy notes.
Reposado
- Two to one year old, Reposado tequila has a refined, silky flavor with hints of vanilla and wood.
- a touch of caramel from aging in oak barrels.
Añejo
- More than one year old, Añejo tequila has full, rich flavors of chocolate, caramel, and spices, with a silky finish.
- It is often consumed neat or served in more refined cocktails.
Extra Añejo
- Older than three years, these are complex in taste and have woody, nutty, and even smoky profiles.
- This tequila is typically saved for celebrations because of the high cost.
Various Tequila Drink Options
Tequila comes in various forms, either straight, rocks, or cocktails. The following are some of the most well-known varieties of tequila that you can buy:
Blanco (Silver)
- Not aged and bottled shortly after distillation, best suited for cocktails or shots.
Reposado
- Oak-aged, best for sipping or use as a flavor ingredient in cocktails such as margaritas.
Añejo
- Longer aged, with a richer flavor for those who like smooth sipping tequila.
- An elitist edition, best suited for someone who likes strong, complex flavor with overtones of spice and wood.
Tequila Cristalino
- Filtered Reposado or Añejo that strips it of color, providing a smooth, refined taste with the aged tequila’s complexity.
Tequila Drink Prices in USA
Below are some common tequila prices in the USA, an indicator of the price range for the various types and brands:
| Tequila Type | Prices Range (USD) | Example Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Blanco (Silver) | $20 – $60 | Don Julio Blanco, Patron Silver |
| Reposado | $30 – $80 | Casamigos Reposado, Herradura |
| Añejo | $40 – $150+ | Don Julio Añejo, Clase Azul |
| Extra Añejo | $100 – $500+ | Gran Patrón Burdeos, El Tesoro |
Tequila Drink Prices by Country
Prices of tequila vary widely from country to country based on import tax, domestic tax, and availability. The following is an estimated price comparison of tequila prices in various countries:
| Country | Blanco Prices (USD) | Reposado Prices (USD) | Añejo Prices (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA | $20 – $60 | $30 – $80 | $40 – $150+ |
| Mexico | $10 – $40 | $20 – $60 | $40 – $120 |
| UK | £20 – £55 | £30 – £80 | £40 – £150+ |
| Canada | $25 – $60 | $35 – $85 | $50 – $160 |
| Australia | AUD 25 – AUD 70 | AUD 35 – AUD 85 | AUD 60 – AUD 200 |
Ways to Use Tequila Drink in Cocktails
Tequila’s potential is self-evident in the abundance of cocktail recipes that exist. A few of the most popular tequila-based cocktails are
Margarita
- The traditional tequila cocktail, consisting of lime juice, orange liqueur, and tequila.
- Serve on ice or frozen with a salt rim.
Tequila Sunrise
- A stunning, multicolored drink consisting of tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, which produces a gradient effect.
Paloma
- A nice cocktail consisting of tequila, grapefruit soda (or fresh juice) and lime.
- Great for a summer drink.
Tequila Mojito
- A variation of the Mojito with tequila replacing rum and combining mint, lime, and soda to create a tart taste.
Tequila Sour
- A tequila take on the whiskey sour, mixing tequila with lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to form a creamy, foamy drink.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best tequila for a newcomer?
A: Blanco or Reposado tequilas are the best to begin with since they are smooth and mellow flavored. Don Julio Blanco and Casamigos Reposado are a good selection.
Q2. What is the difference between silver and gold tequila?A: Silver
A: Blanco tequila is not aged and typically has a clean, sharp agave flavor, while gold tequila is a combination of Blanco and older tequilas, so it is smoother and richer in taste.
Q3. Can tequila be consumed straight?
A: Yes, fine tequilas like Añejo or Extra Añejo are best savored slowly and enjoyed neat, rather like good brandy or whiskey.