Is Tequila the New Vodka?

If you’ve been of the mindset that tequila is a liquor best reserved for bachelorette parties and mouth-puckering margaritas, you may be surprised to learn she’s looking to start a new chapter. According to the Distilled Spirits Council of the U.S., tequila is swiftly becoming America’s most popular liquor of choice, second only to premixed cocktails. 

In this post, we’ll dive deep into what exactly tequila is, why it’s becoming so popular, and our favorite tips for how to enjoy tequila like a true professional 

What is Tequila (and Mezcal)? 

Simply put, tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant. It can only be made in five states in Mexico and must adhere to specific regulations regarding aging and additives. 

Mezcal is similarly made from the agave plant, though it’s less restricted in where it can be made. Mezcal is also different in flavor from tequila, as the agave plant is first baked in earthen pits before being distilled. This adds a noticeable smoky flavor. 

Fun fact: All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. 

Here’s a quick breakdown of the different types of tequila: 

Blanco: White or silver tequila in its purest form. It’s only aged in stainless steel, so there’s no oak flavor imparted. Blanco tequila is best enjoyed as a mixer, similar to how you’d use vodka. 

Reposado: “Rested” tequila aged in oak casks for 2-9 months. The tequila will be subtle in oak flavor and have a light color. Reposado tequila is best enjoyed neat or in upscale cocktails. 

Añejo: “Old” tequila aged in oak barrels for 1-3 years, imparting a ton of oak flavor. Añejo tequilas will have a butterscotch or caramel flavor and are best enjoyed neat or in upscale cocktails, similar to how you’d use whiskey. 

Why is Tequila so Popular? 

Americans know how to drink, and since the pandemic, the number of us who have adopted the role of the work-from-home-mixologist has skyrocketed. 

Along with increased spirits consumption has come an increase in tequila sales. But why is that? We have a few ideas. 

Increased marketing- This one may seem obvious, but the markets of Mexico’s tequila and mezcal industries have increased their advertising on social media as more Americans began drinking at home.  

Growing artisanal market- Along with local craft beers and small-batch roasted coffee, has come a desire for craftsmanship in liquor choices. More tequila makers (known as jimadores) are refining and producing higher-quality tequilas for export. 

More options- Vodka lacks the diversity of tequila as it’s distilled to the point of minimal flavor. Tequila, on the other hand, has a flavor deeply rooted in its place of origin. 

Shockingly versatile- Tequila can be smooth, sweet, spicy, and possess a toasted flavor that lends itself well to all sorts of cocktails.  

Tips for Drinking Tequila  

• Look for 100% agave tequila. If the label says “100% de agave,” it means no other ingredients were added. “Mixto tequila,” on the other hand, is permitted to have up to 49% of non-agave sugars. 
• Try it neat and at room temperature before mixing. Broaden your palate and give the tequila a quick sip before pouring it into your next paloma. 
• Skip the shot glasses. For reposado and añejo tequilas, try them neat in a whiskey tumbler instead of a shot glass. The wider glass allows you to experience the aroma better.

Written by Olivia Abramson