TEQUILA & MEZCAL - ESSENTIALS IN BARTENDING & COCKTAILS

Thought that all tequila was just either clear or not? There's so much to this spirit that you'd never know. Ages, Colors, Flavors... Here you'll learn more than you thought about this south of the border friend.

Types Mixtos and 100% agave are the two basic categories of tequila. Mixtos use at least 51% agave with other sugars, including glucose and fructose, for the rest of the fermentable sugars. In the case of 100% agave tequila, plata or blanco has a stronger taste with the bold flavors of distilled agave. Añejo and Reposado varieties tend to be smoother, subtler and more complex. As is the case with other cask-aged alcohols, tequila takes on the flavors of the wood used so some of the alcoholic harshness can be mitigated. The primary flavor distinction in the case of 100% agave tequila is that of the base ingredient, which tends to be more vegetal than grain spirits (whiskey, gin, or vodka for example) and has a more complex flavor. 
 
 

Have you ever heard about Cristalino Tequila? Well, whether you have or haven't, let's learn more about this tasty, relatively new type of tequila in the market.

Worm in my Tequila?! That's not quite right. You may think you knew what that Tequila was. It may have been Mezcal you were thinking of. 

Mezcal has many specifications. Here you'll learn about the 3 different types of Mezcal and what separates them from each other. Flavor profiles of different styles are also reviewed. 

Styles of Mezcal include:

• Aged in Glass

• Añejo

• Blend

• Con Gusano

• Crema

• Cristalino

• Ensamble

• Extra Añejo

• Joven

• Pechuga

• Reposado

• 
  

Here we’ll review each of the above styles of Mezcal, and a little information about a brand of each type.

Here's some of the most important agaves when it comes to Mezcal. Get to know them a little here.

There's so much to this spirit than just taking shots and trying to get it down. There's so many subtle flavors that will learn to discern here. Also, you'll learn the professional method of tasting Tequila. This method can be used for all spirits as well. 

Only by knowing flavors will you be able to mix properly balanced cocktails. 

Pairing any alcohol with food can be challenging; especially if you're not really familiar with Tequila. Here you'll get pairing techniques that work with any Tequila and food and can be used to help learn how to pair with other spirits and alcohol. 

The recipe guide is full of over 40 Tequila cocktail recipes that you never knew existed along with pairing recommendations. Be sure not to miss it. 

Ever wonder what's the difference between Highland and Lowland Tequila ? Maybe you didn't even know there were regions. There's typical flavors associated with each area. Here we'll learn a little about that. Also, some popular brands of Tequila and which region they're from.

Here's a list of  recommended Tequilas with some tasting notes at different price points to try.

All of the planting, care, and harvesting of agave requires physical manual effort. The cultivation process has not been changed by the use of modern farm technology. The men that harvest and cultivate agave traditionally are called jimadores. They have a deep familiarity with the best ways to cultivate the plants by using practices that have been passed down through the centuries. 

From growing agave to full production methods, here you'll learn how they do it. 

Here we'll learn about the little known fact that Tequila & Mezcal have additives in them, what they are, and how to detect them.

In this section, we'll learn anout Tequila's humble ancient beginnings to what we know and love today. Pulque, Mezcal, Tequila anyone...? 

From ancient beginnings, to more "recent times" here's a brief review of how we get from Aztec to supermarket. How did Tequila's most renown drink come together? You'll now know. 

Most people don't know that the taste of their favorite beverage can be affected the size and shape of the glass they are drinking out of. Quality wine glassware is thin with a tapered rim, instead of being rolled to a thick edge. Beer and spirits glassware tend to be thicker, but quality can be detected in the thickness and shape.

With so many types, ever wonder which one is the correct one for which beverage?! Well, now you’ll know. Here we’ll review some recommendations for the proper glassware for different types Beer, Wine & Spirits/Cocktails.

Class is in session. Drink Up!