Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve
Welcome to Shake, Sip, Serve, your one stop shop for all things bartending.
I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades. Few spirits have undergone a transformation quite like tequila.
For years, many people associated tequila with cheap shots and wild nights out. Today, tequila has become one of the fastest growing premium spirit categories in the world, with many expressions rivaling fine whiskies and cognacs for complexity and craftsmanship.
If you’re learning about spirits as a bartender, tequila is a category you absolutely need to understand.
In this guide, we’ll explore what tequila is, how it’s made, the different types of tequila, popular brands and the classic cocktails every bartender should master.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue Weber agave plant.
Unlike vodka, gin or rum, tequila can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico and must meet strict regulations to legally carry the name tequila.
To qualify as tequila:
- It must be produced in approved regions of Mexico.
- It must be made primarily from blue Weber agave.
- It must comply with Mexican government production standards.
These regulations help maintain authenticity and quality.
Is Tequila Made From Cactus?
This is one of the biggest misconceptions about tequila.
Tequila is not made from cactus.
Instead, it is produced from the blue Weber agave plant.
Although agave may resemble a cactus, it actually belongs to the succulent family.
Agave plants typically take between six and ten years to mature before they can be harvested for tequila production.
The History of Tequila
Tequila’s origins date back centuries.
Long before European distillation techniques arrived in Mexico, indigenous communities fermented agave to create alcoholic beverages.
When Spanish settlers introduced distillation methods, producers began creating the spirit that would eventually become modern tequila.
Today, tequila is one of Mexico’s most famous exports and is recognised worldwide.
Where Is Tequila Made?
Authentic tequila can only be produced in approved Mexican regions.
Most tequila comes from:
- Jalisco
- Guanajuato
- Michoacán
- Nayarit
- Tamaulipas
The town of Tequila in Jalisco is particularly significant and gives the spirit its name.
How Is Tequila Made?
Tequila production is a fascinating process that combines agriculture, fermentation and distillation.
Step 1: Harvesting the Agave
The heart of the agave plant is called the piña because it resembles a giant pineapple.
These piñas can weigh:
- 20kg
- 50kg
- Sometimes more than 100kg
Experienced workers known as jimadores carefully harvest the plants.
Step 2: Cooking the Agave
The piñas are cooked to convert complex carbohydrates into fermentable sugars.
Methods include:
- Traditional brick ovens
- Modern autoclaves
Cooking develops many of tequila’s signature flavours.
Step 3: Crushing and Extraction
The cooked agave is crushed to extract its sweet juice.
This juice becomes the foundation for fermentation.
Step 4: Fermentation
Yeast converts the sugars into alcohol.
The fermentation process helps create many of tequila’s flavour characteristics.
Step 5: Distillation
The fermented liquid is distilled, usually twice.
This increases alcohol concentration and refines the spirit.
Step 6: Ageing (Optional)
Some tequilas are aged in oak barrels.
Others are bottled immediately.
The ageing process determines the tequila category.
100% Agave vs Mixto Tequila
Every bartender should understand this distinction.
100% Agave Tequila
Made entirely from blue Weber agave sugars.
Characteristics:
- Higher quality
- More authentic flavour
- Greater complexity
Premium tequila brands generally use 100% agave.
Mixto Tequila
Contains at least 51% agave sugars.
The remaining sugars may come from other sources.
Characteristics:
- Often less expensive
- Common in entry level products
For quality cocktails, most bartenders prefer 100% agave tequila.
Types of Tequila
Understanding tequila classifications is essential.
Blanco Tequila
Also known as:
- Silver tequila
- White tequila
Characteristics:
- Unaged or minimally aged
- Fresh agave flavour
- Bright citrus notes
- Peppery finish
Best for:
- Margaritas
- Palomas
- Tequila Sunrises
Many bartenders consider Blanco tequila the purest expression of agave.
Reposado Tequila
Aged between two months and one year.
Characteristics:
- Light oak influence
- Vanilla notes
- Caramel character
- Balanced flavour
Reposado offers a wonderful middle ground between freshness and complexity.
Añejo Tequila
Aged between one and three years.
Characteristics:
- Richer flavour
- Greater oak influence
- Smoother finish
Common notes:
- Vanilla
- Toffee
- Spice
Many people enjoy Añejo tequila neat.
Extra Añejo Tequila
Aged for more than three years.
Characteristics:
- Deep complexity
- Luxury positioning
- Premium pricing
These tequilas are often compared to fine whisky.
What Does Tequila Taste Like?
Flavour varies depending on style and production methods.
Common tasting notes include:
- Cooked agave
- Citrus
- Pepper
- Earthiness
- Herbal notes
- Vanilla
- Caramel
- Oak
Blanco tequilas emphasise agave character.
Aged tequilas display greater barrel influence.
Popular Tequila Brands
Every bartender should recognise major tequila brands.
Patrón
Known for:
- Premium positioning
- Smooth flavour
- Strong global recognition
Don Julio
Known for:
- High quality production
- Excellent aged expressions
Espolòn
Known for:
- Great value
- Cocktail versatility
Casamigos
Known for:
- Smooth flavour profile
- Celebrity ownership history
Herradura
Known for:
- Traditional production
- Excellent Reposado offerings
Jose Cuervo
One of the world’s most recognisable tequila brands.
Available across various quality levels.
Essential Tequila Cocktails Every Bartender Should Know
Tequila forms the foundation of many classic cocktails.
Margarita
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Triple Sec
- Lime juice
Arguably the world’s most famous tequila cocktail.
Paloma
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Grapefruit soda
- Lime
One of Mexico’s most popular drinks.
Tequila Sunrise
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Orange juice
- Grenadine
A colourful classic.
Tommy’s Margarita
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Lime juice
- Agave syrup
A modern bartender favourite.
El Diablo
Ingredients:
- Tequila
- Crème de Cassis
- Ginger beer
A delicious and underrated classic.
Why Tequila Is Important in Bartending
Tequila teaches bartenders about:
- Agave spirits
- Regional production
- Ageing classifications
- Spirit forward cocktails
- Flavour development
As tequila continues growing in popularity, understanding the category becomes increasingly valuable.
How to Serve Tequila
Tequila can be enjoyed in several ways.
Neat
Particularly premium Reposado and Añejo expressions.
Over Ice
Simple and approachable.
Cocktails
The most common application behind the bar.
Tequila Flights
A great way to compare different styles.
Common Tequila Myths
Tequila Is Only for Shots
Modern premium tequilas are designed for sipping and sophisticated cocktails.
Tequila Causes Worse Hangovers
Quality tequila consumed responsibly is no different from other spirits in this regard.
All Tequila Tastes Harsh
Premium tequilas can be remarkably smooth and complex.
Building a Home Tequila Bar
A great home tequila collection starts with:
- Blanco tequila
- Reposado tequila
These two styles allow you to make most classic tequila cocktails.
Before we start mixing, make sure you have your cocktail kit ready to go. A proper shaker, jigger and strainer will make the process smoother and help you create a better balanced drink.
Essential tools include:
- Boston shaker
- Jigger
- Hawthorne strainer
- Coupe glasses
- Margarita glasses
Many aspiring bartenders purchase their first bar tools as part of a complete cocktail set. If you’re considering this option, our Barillio Cocktail Kit Review explores what’s included, the quality of the tools, and whether it offers good value for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tequila made from?
Tequila is made from blue Weber agave grown in approved regions of Mexico.
What is the difference between Blanco and Reposado tequila?
Blanco is typically unaged, while Reposado is aged in oak barrels for between two months and one year.
Is tequila stronger than vodka?
Most tequila and vodka products have similar alcohol content.
What is the best tequila for Margaritas?
Many bartenders prefer quality Blanco tequila for classic Margaritas.
Can tequila be sipped neat?
Absolutely. Premium Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo tequilas are often enjoyed neat.
Final Thoughts
Tequila is far more than a party spirit.
It is one of the world’s most fascinating and carefully regulated spirit categories, offering incredible diversity, craftsmanship and flavour.
From fresh and vibrant Blancos to rich and complex Extra Añejos, tequila provides endless opportunities for exploration behind the bar.
Master tequila and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of agave spirits, cocktail construction and one of the most exciting categories in modern bartending.
Thanks for Joining Us Behind the Bar
The bartending community is a vibrant and supportive one, and I’m excited to build that community here on Shake, Sip, Serve. I’d love to hear your thoughts, questions, and experiences in the comments below. What are you shaking up these days? What topics would you like to see covered in future posts? Let’s connect and continue the conversation.
Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: Liquor & Gaming NSW.
If you’re looking to complete your RSA in any state or territory across Australia, you can find the full details here.