July 24 is World Tequila Day, so what better way to celebrate than with some classic tequila cocktails. Here is a look at the history of the magical Mexican spirit, the different varieties available, and the ingredients of some favourite tequila based drinks that are essential knowledge for mixology degree students.
The history of tequila
Tequila can be traced back to ancient times, when the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of South and Central America discovered that the sap of the blue agave plant could produce pleasantly mellowing or mind altering states. The earliest traces of tequila are thought to be in the form of a beverage called pulque, which was consumed at religious ceremonies.
In the early 16th century, Spanish invaders brought the distillation techniques they had learned from the Moors to Mexico, and applied them to the native pulque beverage to produce a much stronger drink called mezcal. Over time, this evolved into the spirit we know today, which is called tequila because of its association with the town of the same name.
By the mid 16th century, official licences were granted by King Ferdinand VI of Spain to produce and distribute tequila, and the spirit gradually gained recognition and popularity in the United States throughout the 19th and 20th century.
In 1949, the Mexican government introduced regulations to standardise tequila production, including the requirement that it must be made from at least 51 per cent blue agave. Some premium tequilas contain as much as 100 per cent agave.
Types of tequila
Today, tequila is a hugely popular drink around the world. There are various varieties with distinct flavour profiles, with the major ones being: blanco (silver/white), joven (young/gold), reposado (aged), añejo (extra aged), and extra añejo (ultra aged).
White tequilas have lighter and more citrussy or peppery flavours, while oaked-aged tequilas have richer and sweeter or spicier flavours. It’s a highly versatile drink that mixes well with other ingredients, making it an ideal cocktail base spirit.
Classic tequila cocktails
Margarita
Margarita is one the world’s most popular cocktails. It’s usually made from blanco or reposado tequila, combined with lime juice and triple sec. The lime wedge garnishes are dipped in salt and rubbed along the edge of the glass to enhance the flavour.
Paloma
Paloma is made with white tequila, agave syrup, lime juice, pink grapefruit juice, and soda water, and served in a salt-rimmed glass. Paloma is the Spanish word for ‘dove’ and the recipe is thought to date back to the 1950s.
Tequila diablo rojo
This refreshing drink is made from white tequila, lime juice, sugar syrup, ginger beer, and a teaspoon of crème de cassis. Half fill a tall tumbler with ice and add all the ingredients except the ginger beer and crème de cassis, and stir gently. Top up with ginger beer and stir again, before adding the crème de cassis and garnish with a few pomegranate seeds.
