Cocktails with Tequila blanco
Tequila blanco is unaged tequila — the clear spirit bottled straight off the still, or after just a few weeks’ rest. Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from blue agave (Agave tequilana, the "Weber Azul" variety), and blanco is the style that shows that agave at its most direct, before any barrel gets involved.
ABV35–55%Is the legal range, but most blanco is at 40%. A blanco bottled a little higher, 43–46%, holds up better against the ice and the acidity of the lime in a Margarita.
Substitutes for Tequila blanco
Any other blanco will do. Otherwise reach for reposado, one for one: the drink comes out softer, with a little vanilla, and turns pale gold. Mezcal also works one for one but makes the drink smoky. A gold tequila may be just blanco colored with caramel, and not always 100% agave, so look for "100% agave" on the label.
Rested in oak for at least two months.
An agave spirit that may be made from any agave species. The hearts are traditionally cooked in pit ovens, which is where the smoke comes from.
On the label
- "100% de agave" vs plain "tequila"
- The most important line. "100% de agave" is pure blue agave. Plain "tequila" is a mixto — at least 51% agave, the rest other sugars — and it drinks rougher. Always look for the "100%".
