Want to Sample the Very Best Tequila That Mexico Has to Offer? First You Need to Know Where to Go
Tequila isn't just a key ingredient in margaritas-for some, it's practically a religion and the emblem of Mexico. Like any country's famous drink or dish, there's a lot of debate about what is "the best" and where to find it. We've taken some of the guesswork out of where to go. We talked to some of the top beverage and bar buffs in Mexico to understand where, why, what, and how to imbibe this national treasure.
Gina Lozada, co-owner of Ignacia Guest House a boutique five suite property in Mexico City, says aside from her property's happy hour where they serve a grapefruit tequila cocktail, she likes the The Liquor Store in Colonia Roma Norte. "They have a wide variety of brands to choose from and excellent knowledge of mixology. They carry great quality tequila there," she says. Another favorite of Lozada's is the tequila and mezcal menu at the Tenampa Bar, a festive cantina on the north side of Plaza Garibaldi. "Don’t miss the opportunity to visit La Opera, one of the oldest cantinas in Mexico City’s downtown where you can enjoy a delicious meal while you great tequila. It has a lot of history," she says.
Eduardo Quiroga, Sommelier at the Grand Velas Riviera Maya, says for the authentic tequila experience go to the liquor's namesake: the foot of Tequila Volcano, which is surrounded by blue agave plants called Tequilana Weber. Quiroga's favorite in the area is Casa Herradura. "The tequila is real, clean and not overpriced by deceptive marketing. You can taste an exquisite birria with white tequila, a "macho" taco with a reposado and an exquisite cigar with its supreme selection," he says.
And another tequila tip: don't always go straight for the obvious Margarita cocktail. Quirago suggests trying Las Cazuelitas cocktails from the tequila region, prepared with fruit juices, tamarind and spices and cantaritos which are made with carbonated soft drinks. "Exquisite molecular cocktails are now made by young mixologists and some others are already prepared, such as pomegranate and tequila liqueur "La Pinta" or "Tequila Cream 1921," he added.
And a newcomer to the Tequila scene is coming this fall. The Four Seasons in Los Cabos on the Baja Peninsula's exclusive East Cape opens in November and will be a tequila aficionado's dream, Jorge Castillo, the property's director of food and beverage, told Town & Country. At their five drinking and dining establishments, they will serve everything from agave spirit to spicy blanco from Siete Leguas, to pink tequilas from Codigo 1530, to Tequila Ocho to the refined Reserva de la Familia. What else is there to say, really, other than aclamaciones?
('You Might Also Like',)