Tasting the Rainbow of Tequila: Exploring the Spectrum of Flavors
By Alec Tesa, Co-Founder-Eleven20 Tequila
At the beginning of summer, sitting in a vibrant Mexican cantina, surrounded by rhythmic beats of lively music and the intoxicating aroma of zesty cuisine, sounds like a dream. As you sway your body to entrancing music, there is an array of colorful glasses in front of you, each holding a liquid treasure that promises a journey through a spectrum of flavors.
While you may not be able to visit such a setting this summer, you can still explore the different, glorious colors of tequila and what they have to offer.
Tequila blanco: The pristine essence of tequila
Tequila blanco holds the purest unadulterated essence of the blue agave plant. It’s clear, unaged, and the versatile shining star of the tequila rainbow.
Tequila blanco is produced using traditional methods that have been passed down through generations, tequila blanco captures the vibrant spirit of Mexico’s tequila culture. From the moment it touches your lips, you’ll be transported to sun-drenched agave fields and the bustling distilleries in Jalisco where this beloved spirit comes to life.
Tequila blanco is known for its fresh, lively flavor profile that brings forth the unmistakable essence of the blue agave plant, offering a delightful symphony of herbal and citrus notes with a hint of pepper that makes it the perfect spirit for any tequila-based cocktail. While it’s a staple for classic Margaritas and Palomas because it pairs so well with the citrus foundation of these cocktails, it’s also a great drink for light cocktails like Ranch Water or The Matador. Tequila blanco is the most versatile of the tequila colors and pairs well with anything you put in the cocktail.
Tequila reposado: The mature flavor
Reposado, meaning “rested” in Spanish, refers to tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for a period of time — typically between three months to a year. This maturation process brings forth a transformation, allowing the tequila to mellow and acquire depth and character. Its smooth and complex flavor profile has a foundation of oak, with hints of vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch.
The aging process allows the spirit to become more rounded, allowing it to be a more nuanced and sophisticated spirit to add to cocktails. Its depth adds character to drinks that normally use whiskey or bourbon — such as the Old Fashioned or the Manhattan — but it also shines in more contemporary creations, where its nuanced flavors can be highlighted in creative mixology concoctions.
Tequila añejo: The aged elegance
Tequila añejo forces you to sit back and reflect on life where time and patience give rise to a spirit of unparalleled elegance and sophistication. Aged to perfection, añejo tequila embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship, offering a sensory experience that is rich, complex, and truly exceptional.
The color of tequila añejo is a deep, rich amber, an indication of the extended interaction between the tequila and the oak barrel. The captivating color hints at the burst of flavor that includes vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and toasted nuts.
Typically tequila añejo is to be sipped contemplatively, and some tequila enthusiasts would bristle at the mention of including it in a cocktail. However, it’s a great tequila to add in timeless cocktails like the Boulevardier or Sidecar — cocktails that only hold a hint of extras and allows the spirit to be the star of the show.
The mysterious mezcal
Mezcal is a spirit closely related to the original indigenous rendering of early tequila. Although mezcal isn’t tequila, since it’s not made from the blue agave plant, it is made of different agave plants and its production methods pay tribute to the centuries-old techniques. Mezcal is made from wild agave plants and slow-roasted hearts, also known as piñas, in earthen pits.
The signature characteristics of mezcal lie in its smoky, earthy flavors that tell a story of the agave plant’s journey from the fertile soil to the ancient methods of production, resulting in a spirit that is both bold and complex. Each mezcal pays tribute to the agave plant, or plants that it’s made from and no one mezcal is similar to the next.
Mezcal’s smoky yet citrusy-sweet flavors add depth and complexity to any cocktail. It’s a great spirit to provide a twist to classic tequila cocktails like the Margarita or Paloma, but is also great in an Old Fashioned and Martinez — a Mexican twist on the classic Martini.
Tequila is a global phenomenon, having evolved from a regional specialty to a spirit appreciated and enjoyed by people of diverse backgrounds for the versatility, craftsmanship, and unique flavors it offers. Tequila is a colorful masterpiece that has something for everyone, and these cocktail recipes are perfect for relaxing in the summertime sun.
Cocktail recipes:
Tequila Ranch Water
2 oz. Eleven20 Tequila Blanco
1.5 oz. Fresh lime juice
4 oz. Sparkling mineral water
Combine the tequila and lime juice in a shaker with ice, then shake well and then pour over fresh ice in a tumbler. Top with mineral water and garnish with a lime wedge and sprig of mint.
The Matador
2 oz. of Eleven20 Tequila Reposado
1 oz. Orange-flavored liquor
1 oz. Extra dry Vermouth
Combine all three ingredients in a shaker with ice, then shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy!
Añejo Old Fashioned
3 oz. of Eleven20 Tequila Añejo
1 oz. Agave syrup
1 dash of Angostura bitters
Garnish with orange peel
1 Maraschino cherry
Gently muddle the orange peel, bitters, and syrup in the shaker. Add the tequila, fill with ice, and shake well. Strain into an Old Fashioned glass, garnish with an orange peel or wedge, top it off with a maraschino cherry, then sit back and enjoy this specialty tequila cocktail.
Mezcal Martinez:
2 oz. Eleven20 Mezcal
0.5 oz. well-aged Sweet vermouth
0.5 Artichoke bitters
0.25 Cherry liquor
1 dash of Angostura bitters
Garnish with orange peel
Salt or spice for the rim
Combine the ingredients in a shaker with ice and shake well. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with an orange peel to best enjoy this smoky cocktail!
Alec Tesa is co-owner and founder of Eleven20 Tequila an award-winning tequila crafted with traditional distilling techniques and a passion for excellence. The brand uses only premium blue agave sourced from producers in the region. Through its commitment to quality, Eleven20 Tequila has become recognized as an innovator of flavor and aromas, with its signature blend being celebrated by mixologists and connoisseurs alike. With a culture rooted in respect for tradition, expertise, and craftsmanship, each bottle of Eleven20 Tequila is a testament to the highest standards of excellence.