Angell'z Secretz: 06/01/2008

Well kiddies - it's officially summertime. And in my house, that means loading up the iPod or CD player with ALL Jimmy Buffet, and loading up the blender with Margaritas!!

Of course, for me, the main ingredient - tequila - is a mainstay all year round, but it's never more prevailant than in the hot summer sun.

So, when MSN decided to link to this wonderful article on today's homepage, I figured I would educate those NOT in the know about the many levels of tequila. So, pour yourself a cold one, lean back in the hammock, listen to the soothing steel drums on Jimmy's latest album, and learn about the wonders of this heavenly alcohol.

Taste Tequila

There's no time like the present to re-taste one of the year's most stylish spirits.

When it comes to tequila, most of us have some pretty fun (read crazy) memories. Unfortunately, the mere mention of the spirit usually sparks at least a few grimaces amongst friends. There are more tequila-induced Mexican-holiday-gone-wrong stories, never mind fraternity party mayhem, than most of us care to know about, or remember. But if any of the above resonates with you, keep reading, because if you haven't heard, tequila is making a serious comeback.

From Hollywood to Cannes, tequila is quickly becoming the spirit of the stars. To start off with, tequila comes in all styles and flavours; from the fresh and clean aromas, to the rich and complex tastes, tequila can be utterly delicious. So whether you're looking for a shooter or a sipper, get to know tequila once more, and start sipping in style.

Tequila History

Tequila was first produced in the 16th century and still finds its home in the Jalisco region of Mexico. The spirit is made from blue agave (pronounced ah-gav-eh), a cactus looking plant that is actually a member of the lily family. With soft blue hues and spidery arms, blue agave can take up to 12 years to mature. Once matured, the heart, or piña, is harvested, slow-cooked (to convert its starch to sugar), and then cut up and crushed to produce "agua miel", or honey water. Following fermentation, the alcohol is double distilled in a process similar to other fine spirits.

Tequila Styles

There are two types of tequila – 100% blue agave, and mixto. To display 100% blue agave on the label, regulations require that the tequila be distilled entirely from the fermented juice of the agave. Otherwise, for the mixto styles, the tequila contains as little as 51% agave juice, with a balance of other sugars and water.

Blanco or Plato (White/Silver)
This is an un-aged white tequila that has spent a minimum of 14 days in stainless steel tanks. As the name suggests, this tequila style is light and refreshing and often used for margaritas and mixed drinks
To try: Sauza Silver, Herradura El Jimador Silver

Oro (Gold)
Oro tequila is a combination of two ingredients: either blanco tequila blended with aged tequila, or blanco tequila with additional caramel so as to resemble the aged style. Smooth and a little bit sweet, this gold tequila is often used for shooters.

To try: Sauza Gold, Cuervo Especial Gold

Reposado (Rested)
Reposado tequila must be aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, although many are aged for up to 12 months in oak. A fresh taste accented with oak makes this a complex tequila great for sipping or in premium cocktails and margaritas.

To try: Cazadores Reposado, Patron Reposado

Añejo (Aged)
Añejo, pronounced ah-nyay-ho, is the "older" tequila which has been aged in small oak casks for a minimum of one year. Destined for sipping, this tequila shines with notes of caramel and light spice. Like a fine cognac, savour this tequila in a snifter glass.

To try: Sauza Tres Generaciones Anejo

Cool Cocktail

The Paloma

1 part Hornitos Reposado Tequila
½ part fresh grapefruit juice
¾ parts tonic
Squeeze of lime wedge

Simply fill a glass with ice, add ingredients and stir. Garnish with a twist of lime.

Whether you choose to enjoy tequila on its own or in a cocktail, hopefully this info gets you talking, and tasting, tequila once more.

Hey barkeep! Keep 'em coming! I'm ready to waste away...AGAIN.