There are nearly 1,700 tequila brands on the market today, and the vast majority of them include additives.
Authentic tequila-making is a long and arduous process. It can take seven years or more for an agave plant to mature before it’s ready for harvesting. And if you’re making an extra-anejo, it takes another three years (minimum) to properly age it in barrels.
Additives shortcut the production process and alter the flavor, look, texture, and mouthfeel of the spirit. If you want to experience and enjoy tequila in the most authentic way, additive-free tequila is the way to go. This article from Cierto explores what additive-free tequila is all about and why it’s the preferred choice of tequila lovers around the world.
With a great additive-free tequila, you can make a delicious cocktail at home, and you don’t have to be a master mixologist to do so. Here are five incredible cocktails you can make with just a few essential ingredients.
Classic Margarita
The Margarita is one of the most popular cocktails in the world, and you don’t need those sugary neon green mixes to make one. You can make a delicious, authentic Margarita with:
- 2 ounces blanco tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ½ ounce agave nectar
- 3 drops of saline
While many people like the Margarita rimmed with salt, adding saline to the drink itself is a great way to inject that salty flavor. This article explains how to make a saline solution like a professional mixologist.
Paloma
Fizzy, sweet, tangy, and refreshing, the Paloma is one of the most preferred tequila cocktails of all time. While many drinks call for a specific tequila expression, you can make a delicious Paloma with either additive-free blanco or reposado.
Traditional Paloma recipes call for grapefruit soda, but you can make a healthier version by using these ingredients instead:
- 2 ounces blanco or reposado tequila
- 1 ounce freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
- ½ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
- ¼ ounce Mayan honey syrup
- 1 ounce sparkling water
To make a great Paloma, shake all ingredients (except the sparkling water) in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain into a highball glass with ice and top with sparkling water.
Aire Libre
If you love bubbly as much as you love tequila, mix up an Aire Libre. This sophisticated cocktail includes tequila and champagne — need we say more?
To make an Aire Libre you’ll need:
- 1 ½ ounces reposado tequila
- ½ ounce fresh lime juice
- ½ ounce Mayan honey syrup
- 1 ounce champagne
Shake the tequila, lime juice, and honey syrup with ice in a cocktail shaker. Strain into a flute glass and top with champagne. It’s perfection in a glass.
Cafecito
The Cafecito is the tequila-forward version of the espresso martini, made with reposado tequila rather than vodka, gin, or rum. For those that enjoy a boozy pick-me-up in the morning or love an after-dinner coffee drink, the Cafecito is a delicious choice.
Grab a cocktail shaker and shake, over ice:
- 1 ½ ounces of reposado tequila
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- 1 ounce espresso
- ¼ ounce blue agave nectar
Once shaken and chilled, strain into a coupe glass. For an added kick and a bit of texture, garnish with espresso beans.
Anejo Old Fashioned
The classic Old Fashioned is typically made with bourbon or rye, but replacing those spirits with anejo tequila makes for an even more interesting, earthy drink. With these ingredients, you can make this cocktail is just two-three minutes:
- 2 ounces anejo tequila
- ¼ ounce blue agave nectar
- ¼ ounce orange curacao
- 2 dashes of aromatic bitters
The Anejo Old Fashioned is an easy cocktail to make. Just add all ingredients into a mixing glass, stir with ice until chilled, and strain into a rocks glass over ice. Garnish with an orange peel and enjoy!
In Conclusion
It’s common practice for distillers to include additives like glycerin, sugar-based syrups, oak extract, and caramel coloring. These change the look and flavor of the tequila, sometimes making it seem as if it’s been aged longer than it has been.
Tequila connoisseurs around the world agree that if you want the most authentic tequila, opt for additive-free.
Whether you love a classic margarita, enjoy a Cafecito with coffee, or like the crisp and refreshing taste of a Paloma, there are dozens of delicious cocktails you can make with tequila — and they’re all better when made with tequila that’s additive-free.