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Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with these top-shelf tequila selections.
One of my favorite holidays, Cinco de Mayo, is right around the corner. In preparation, I think it’s time for a tequila lesson.
Made from a type of agave plant, tequila has gotten away from its “fire water” reputation and is now beautifully crafted into a much smoother and more delicious beverage. Keep in mind that Silver Tequila is the least expensive and not likely to be as smooth as Reposado and Anejo unless you’re buying the premium brands.
So, do you want a big headache or a little headache? Spend the extra peso for the higher-end tequilas in your drinks and savor the silkiness the products deliver.
This May 5, honor Mexico’s heritage and pride with the Mexican spirit to lift all spirits: tequila. Mi amigo — don’t forget the salt.
Sips around town
T-Town loves to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and there’s no better way than with a sip, splash or slug of tequila — margaritas, tequila sunrises, straight-up tequila or splashed on the rocks.
Mexicali Border Café
Assistant Manager Lorie Harms’ faves include the Patron Margarita made with your choice of Silver, Reposado or Anejo Patron Tequila, blended with Triple Sec Citrange and sweet and sour. It sells for $8.99 for 18 ounces of sheer deliciousness.
Also try the Sauza Hornitos marg ($11.99) for 18 ounces made with Sauza Hornitos Plata Tequila, Triple Sec and sweet and sour.
14 W. Brady St., 582-3383
El Guapo’s Cantina
Manager Heather Alexander goes loco for El Guapo’s light and smooth “Purely Patron” margarita. It’s $8.95 for 16 ounces and made with Patron Silver, Citrange and lime juice.
Or order up the bolder and richer “Lucky Day” margarita ($7.50) for 16 ounces made with Milagro Tequila Reposado, Gran Marnier and lime juice. El Guapo’s rooftop dining will be open in mid-April, so you can view downtown through both eyes in the early evening or one eye after a few Purely Patrons.
332 E. First St., 382-7482
Sips at home
Senor tequila
El Mayor Blanco Tequila — $27.49, 750 ml
El Mayor means “the greatest” in Spanish and the distiller has set its standards very high. This is 100 percent agave and un-aged, therefore expressing light body and a delicate crispness with citrus, smoke, a hint of black pepper and forward earthiness. It’s more masculine in style.
Madame tequila
El Mayor Reposado — $31.29, 750 ml
This is a little smoother and rounder in the mouth. Aged in small white oak barrels for up to nine months, it is elegant and balanced on the palate with sweet fruit, vanilla, caramel and toasty, smoky flavors. Good as a mixer for cocktails or sips easily on its own.
Make-uh me loco
Patron Silver — $39.29, 750 ml
Ultra-premium describes this incredible line of tequila. Patron Silver is the entry point for this line, affordable yet light, smooth and clean tasting. Each bottle is handmade and individually numbered. If you like to drink tequila neat or on the rocks, step up to this high-end tequila and spoil yourself.
Perfect in-between
Patron Reposado — $41.99, 750 ml
Add oak aging for an average of six months and blend with Patron Silver and Patron Anejo. The oak flavor creeps out but is not overpowering. Basically class in a glass. Here is your opportunity to make a top-notch margarita. What are you waiting for?
The Patron of the party
Patron Anejo — $45.29, 750 ml
Uniquely aged tequilas are blended in this Anejo, which has been aged in small white oak barrels for a minimum of 12 months. On the palate, flavors of vanilla, caramel, oak and earth are gently intertwined to give you complexity without heaviness. Slightly warmed in a snifter, the caramel flavors are abundant. Sheer luxury in a glass.
The different categories of tequila:
Blanco or Silver — un-aged and bottled immediately after distillation, or aged less than two months in stainless-steel or neutral barrels.
Joven or Oro — a blend of Silver and Reposado and/or Anejo and/or Extra Anejo tequila.
Reposado — aged a minimum of two months to one year in oak barrels.
Anejo — aged a minimum of one year but less than three years in oak barrels.
Extra Anejo — aged a minimum of two years in oak barrels. This is a new category as of March 2006.
Want to know why tequila, by law, is 38 percent alcohol? Find out why here.
Wine columnist Randa Warren is a Certified Master Sommelier; Certified Wine Educator; has earned a Diploma of Wine and Spirits, granted through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in England; and is a Certified Specialist of Spirits.
