Added: 09/13/2005 |
Heady World of Tequila CocktailsIn fact, tequila is a spirit unique to Mexico. It must be produced only in regions located principally in the province of Jalisco, known as the "mountain of fire", state around the town of Tequila. Solely if this is the case, a spirit you are holding is called tequila.
Margarita, the world's most popular cocktail, has a lot of "origin"-stories.
The price of a tequila bottle ranges from $8 to $100. But that is just another myth of tequila, that the best tequilas cost the most. Price isn't a good way to judge their value and quality. In Mexico excellent tequilas available at $20-$30 US, and a very good choice in the range from $30-$50 US. Most of tequilas under $20, are usually a mixto (not 100% agave).
Visit Ian Chadwicks huge detailed and well researched site devoted to Tequila. The site offers a comprehensive and competent look at tequila. There are thematic pages on tequila's production, history, culture, tequila cocktails (a lot of links!), a glossary, etc.
It is recommended to use good tequila, not a mixto preparing tequila cocktails. The most important identifier on the label is "100% agave" or "100% agave azul". Such tequila comes exclusively from the distilled juices of the blue agave. Use only 100% agave tequila for perfectly executed tequila cocktails.
Margarita is reputed as the world's most popular cocktail. It is a great cocktail, but you have to make it correctly. You should avoid using bottled lime-juice since it adds an overly sweet taste. Use fresh limes. There are a lot of Margarita variations. The basic Margarita contains lime, an orange liqueur like Cointreau, Triple Sec or Grand Marnier, and of course, tequila. Usually the mix is:
• 1 part lime and 1 part tequila
• 1/2 part orange liqueur.
Sometimes sugar or sweet syrup is added, sometimes more tequila. A good idea is to serve the cocktail in a glass with a salt rim, or garnished with fresh lime. The Margarita is traditionally served in a stemmed, large, wide-mouth, shallow cocktail glass. If you want a strong agave flavor use a Blanco tequila. For a milder taste use Reposado. If you are giving a party use Gold: it's cheaper.
You should use the right tequila for different tequila cocktails. There are different tequila categories for different purposes. Plata tequila means young and fresh, bottled soon after the distillation process; reposado means mellowed and rested in wood from 2 to 12 months; if aged for more than 12 months - it is called anejo (gold); super premium, meaning usually showing the effects of more than 3 years in wood. Each of these can be 100% blue agave or regular, meaning a 'mixto' containing a minimum of 51% blue agave and other sugars. Blanco and gold tequila have the most agressive profile, with a very earthy flavor. Aged tequilas are often described as mild and peppery.
Hundreds of tequila cocktails recipes are available online, some using a variety of fruit juices and techniques, others simple and easy. Plus, there are other drinks with tequila, such as the tequila sunrise and hundreds more to select from. Plus, you can try to invent dozens of new tequila cocktails yourself; tequila can substitute several other spirits in cocktails. Use it in place of vodka or gin to see what you get.
Here is Tequila Sunrise recipe (data were collected from the Net):
• 2 oz Tequila (ice-cold tequila is preferable)
• 4 oz Orange juice
• 2 dashes (3/4 oz) Grenadine (or less if you prefere).
Pour tequila and orange juice in a highball glass. Add ice and stir. Slowly tilt the glass to achieve a layered effect, and pour the Grenadine down the side. The Grenadine should fall to the bottom of the glass, and then rise up slowly. Garnish with an orange slice. This drink is sometimes stirred gently.
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