Tequila is a popular alcoholic drink that originated in Mexico. It is known for making your head feel like a piñata after the party, but there are other ways to drink tequila without having an extreme hangover. Check out some tequila drinking tips that will help you enjoy the party longer:
Choose a 100% authentic tequila
There is a wide variety of tequila and not all of them are created equal. If you want to have an authentic tequila experience just like what Mexicans do, choose a brand that is made from 100% agave.
Most tequilas are ‘mixtos’ which means they are made with only at least 51% agave and the rest is sugar. Avoid choosing this type of tequila since they don’t taste like one.
Choose Añejo
Añejo tequilas are aged for a minimum of one year so it tends to be more expensive than Blancos or reposados. When drinking añeho, try to drink it at room temperature since adding ice can dilute its flavour.
Pair your tequila with sangrita
Sangrita is a Spanish word meaning ‘little blood’. It is a non-alcoholic drink that you can make by yourself. Most sangrita consists of:
- Orange juice
- Tomato juice
- Lime juice
- Grenadine
- Hot sauce
You can pair a shot sangrita with a separate shot of tequila if you want to mask the strong flavour of tequila. Mexicans tend not to drink these two in one shot, they sip them instead.
Sip your tequila
Whether you shoot or sip your tequila is up to you but if you think you will enjoy sipping it, there are some tips on how experts sip their tequila. First, pour an ounce of tequila into a glass and hold the glass to eye level. Then swirl the tequila gently before taking a small sip. Lightly swish the drink around inside your mouth for 10 seconds before swallowing it.
Shoot your tequila
Most Mexicans drink tequila without ice so if you are planning to shoot your tequila, the drink should be at room temperature. Pour it into a shot glass and shoot it down your throat without letting it stay inside your mouth.
Use salt and lime
Although it is not a popular way in Mexico, using salt and lime when shooting tequila has been around for quite some time. To do this, lick the skin between your index finger and thumb then put a bit of salt on it. Hold the tequila shot and lime wedge then lick the salt on your hand before shooting the tequila.
Drink the tequila in one gulp then suck on the lime wedge after which will serve as a chaser. The acidity of the lime wedge will mask the sharp and strong taste of the tequila.