Category - Food & Drink
How to Drink Tequila: Experts Share Their Best Tips
Tequila—once stereotyped as a party shot slammed back at the bar—is finally getting its flowers in the U.S. and beyond. That less-than-savory image came from marketing of more cost-effective brands in the mid-20th century, and was only amplified by the influx of low-quality mixto tequilas, which mix agave with other sugars.
Fortunately, the craft movement catapulted the best tequilas into the limelight over the past decade, placing an emphasis on its artisanal nature and cultural importance in Jalisco, Mexico, where its produced.
The shift was propelled by premium and luxury brands like Casa Dragones, Patrón, and Clase Azul, which prioritized small-batch production, innovative aging techniques, and sustainability. Consumers in the U.S. also learned that there are different types of tequila—like blanco, reposado, and añejo—each meant to be savored in their own way.
Today, it's not just about the burn—drinking tequila is about savoring every note and nuance, especially in cocktails like the classic margarita. Whether you're a tequila novice or a seasoned aficionado, this guide, with insights from Bertha González Nieves, founder of Casa Dragones, will help you explore the world of tequila with intention and style.
For more guides on tasting the best spirits, check out how to drink bourbon or how to drink limoncello, too.
Related: We Tasted Hundreds of Tequilas. These Are the Best for Sipping Neat
How to Drink Tequila Neat
There's no best way to drink tequila. But when it comes to tequila shots, forget the lime and salt clichés. True aficionados know that quality tequila should be sipped and savored.
“Tequila is an incredibly complex spirit with over 600 distinct profiles and nuances, and it’s these intricacies that inspired us to create our sipping tequilas,” González Nieves says. “Tequila should be sipped and savored. It's a tradition deeply rooted in Mexico’s social and cultural fabric.”
While the occasional shot might have its place, sipping tequila straight allows you to fully appreciate its artistry. Start neat in a proper tequila glass, like a Riedel Ouverture or a copita, and take your time.
“When sipping tequila, I recommend focusing on four key elements: color, aroma, taste, and finish. Start by holding your glass to the light and observing the bright hues and the body of the spirit," González Nieves says. "Then, bring the glass to your nose and take in the various aromas. When you taste, notice how the profile develops on the palate, from the initial sip to the lingering finish. Sipping tequila is truly a way to engage all of your senses."
Types of Tequila and How to Drink Them
Blanco Tequila

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Blanco, or silver tequila, is the purest expression of the blue Weber agave plant. Typically unaged, it delivers bright, vegetal, and citrusy flavors. It's the closest you can get to tasting the agave in its most authentic form.
How to Drink Blanco
Serve blanco tequila at room temperature or ever so slightly chilled. The temperature keeps its freshness intact while allowing the aromas to bloom. Avoid serving it too cold, as this can mute its bright flavors. Using a small glass like a copita or Glencairn, swirl the tequila to release its aromas, then take small sips, letting it linger on your palate to appreciate its vegetal, peppery, and citrusy notes.
Reposado Tequila

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Reposado, which means “rested,” is tequila that's aged in barrels from two months up to a year. The aging process grants the spirit mellow oak and vanilla notes and a golden to amber hue without sapping its agave-forward essence. Reposado strikes a balance between the brightness of blanco and the complexity of añejo, making it incredibly versatile.
How to Drink Reposado
Reposado is versatile—enjoy it neat, over a large ice cube, or in cocktails like a tequila old fashioned. González Nieves recommends serving it in a rocks glass or flute with a smaller ice cube. Before you take your first sip, take a moment to swirl the liquid slowly around the glass, tilting it to see the color level in the light as well as the “legs,” which indicate the viscosity of your reposado.
Añejo Tequila

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Añejo tequila spends one to three years aging in barrels, developing deep caramel, chocolate, and spice notes as well as a darker amber hue. It’s tequila at its most luxurious and complex, and can be a great swap for other barrel aged spirits in your favorite cocktails.
“Añejo is for savoring. It’s meant to be treated like a fine whiskey or cognac,” says González Nieves.
How to Drink Añejo
Treat añejo like you would a fine bourbon, taking your time to sip slowly. Enjoy it in a tulip-shaped glass to fully appreciate its aroma and flavor.
“[Añejo] shines when served neat in a snifter, pairing beautifully with rich chocolate desserts or bold dishes that complement its depth and warmth,” says González Nieves.
How to Mix Tequila

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Sipping quality tequila neat allows you to explore its nuance and truly understand the liquid, while mixing tequila into cocktails opens a whole new world of creativity. The vibrant notes of blanco, balanced profile of reposado, and richness of añejo each lend themselves to unique cocktails.
- Blanco: The go-to choice for margaritas, palomas, and ranch water, blanco tequila shines in light, refreshing cocktails.
- Reposado: Much like reposado itself, the cocktails it tastes best in strike a balance between freshness and bold flavor. Reposado is fantastic in cocktails that utilize herb or fruit elements, like a cantarito with grapefruit soda and mixed fruit, or a variety of a smash with mint and peach. Or try substituting reposado in bold cocktails for a hint of that barrel aged flavor, like an espresso Martini or a sour.
- Añejo: Its complex, oakier profile makes añejo a great candidate for tequila spins on spirit-forward, classic whiskey cocktails like the old fashioned or Manhattan. These still allow the nuance of the añejo to shine.
How to Pair Tequila With Food
González Nieves believes that tequila and food pairings elevate the drinking experience: "We’ve worked with world-renowned chefs to explore this—Elena Reygadas loves pairing Casa Dragones Joven with oysters, while Eric Ripert pairs it with dark chocolate. Pairing tequila with food is a way to truly discover its versatility and complexity.”

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Pairing any kind of distilled spirit can seem intimidating, even for aficionados. Fortunately, tequila’s versatility makes it surprisingly approachable when it comes to creating harmonious pairings. While tasting your tequilas, write down the notes and aromas you experience. Once those notes are boiled down onto paper, it's just about finding flavors that work well together to elevate the positive qualities of the other.
- Blanco: The bright, crisp, vegetal notes of blanco tequila pair beautifully with briny seafood, like raw bar selections or caviar, as well as ceviche and sushi. Its purity also balances Mexican classics like fish tacos and grilled shrimp, as well as fresh dishes like salads and salsas.
- Reposado: Reposado’s smooth, slightly oaky character makes it a natural companion for richer dishes. Think roasted meats like pork tenderloin or grilled chicken or hearty dishes such as mole or enchiladas. Its rounded flavor also makes it ideal for pairing with creamy dishes, such as risotto or chiles en nogada.
- Añejo: The spicy, deep flavor of añejo makes it perfect for pairing with dark chocolate desserts, like a rich torte or molten cake. It’s also a delicious addition alongside aged cheeses or slow-cooked meats, such as braised short ribs or birria.
Related: 23 Best Tequila Cocktails You Can Make at Home