| Most of us, simply have tequila shots. Well this is a | | | | however is the sipping of a sangrita by the side. It |
| very "tourist" approach to tequila. Lets dive in the | | | | is often sipped alternatively with sangrita, which is |
| intricacies of Tequila drinking and explore the | | | | a blend of tomato and orange juice, with salt and |
| different kinds of tequilas and how they are | | | | spiced with chillies. |
| drunk. | | | | In certain European countries such as Germany, |
| Often when you order for tequila shots, you will | | | | Tequila is drunk with cinnamon (replacing salt) and |
| either be served a blanca or plata. This means | | | | orange slices (replacing lime). This makes an |
| that the tequila is unaged and clear. This is the | | | | interesting combination and if you are the |
| most popular tequila and is ideal for shots. | | | | adventurous sort, do try it next time. |
| Reposado (aged minimum 2 months but less than | | | | Some of the other fine or premium tequilas such |
| a year) is also a popular variety. | | | | as añejo (aged minimum 1 year) or extra |
| The most popular way to drink a tequila shot, is | | | | añejo (aged minimum 3 years) are not |
| as follows: You first moisten the area between | | | | drunk as shots. These are drunk mostly in |
| the index finger and the thumb while keeping your | | | | snifters, as one would drink neat cognac. This |
| palm facing down and your thumb sticking | | | | way the aroma and bouquet of these tequilas are |
| outwards. The native's moisten it by licking it. You | | | | truly appreciated. The Austrian glass maker, |
| now pour some salt on this area. Also, keep a | | | | Riedel, has designed a special 6 ¾ oz |
| lime slice ready by your side. Now lick the salt of | | | | tequila glass, which they believe enhances the |
| your hand and shoot the tequila. This should | | | | flavour of fine tequilas. |
| immediately be followed by squeezing the lime in | | | | Even though tequilas are mostly served iced cold, |
| your mouth. | | | | natively it is drunk at room temperature. Tequila |
| The salt is known as the seasoning. It seasons | | | | also mixes well in cocktails and the Margarita is |
| your tongue and throat to "cut" the harshness of | | | | the most popular of them all. |
| tequila. The lime is known as the chaser. It helps | | | | If you are interested to know more about tequila |
| balance and enhance the taste of tequila. | | | | such as its history and how it is made, keep a |
| In native Mexico, they do it slightly differently. | | | | watch out my next article "All About Tequila" |
| Tequila is rarely had in shots here. Firstly, they | | | | Lastly, as I always say, there is no "right" way to |
| pour the tequila in a caballito. This is very similar to | | | | have a drink. Tequila is no different. Drink it, the |
| our shot glasses, only slighter slimmer and taller (It | | | | way you enjoy and forget the rest (after a |
| is the standard 2 oz though). The main difference | | | | couple of shots you will anyway!). |