Tequila Blanco, also referred to as silver tequila, is the most popular type of tequila because it's easy to find and makes great cocktails.
This post explains what it is, how it tastes, how it's made, and when to use it, plus a few recommendations as well.
What is Tequila Blanco?
Tequila Blanco is tequila that is bottled immediately after being distilled. It's a type of tequila that is not aged in a barrel and is the most common tequila found in liquor stores and supermarkets.
While it can be stored up to 4 weeks in large drums, it is not stored in wood or other materials that provide any flavoring notes to the alcohol.
Blanco tequila is also the most affordable tequila and most often used in cocktails. That said, there are some rare bottles and small batches of Blanco tequila that increase the price.
What is the Purest Form of Tequila?
Blanco or silver tequila is the purest form of tequila since it's not stored or aged in oak or wooden barrels like the other tequilas are.
Its flavor is peppery and strong, also the base flavor of all the other different types of tequila.
Can You Drink Tequila Blanco Straight?
Tequila Blanco can be sipped straight or taken as shots. If you enjoy sipping tequila, you might want to consider purchasing a higher quality or smaller batch of silver tequila.
Adding a few ice cubes to the glass and drinking it chilled adds a good flavor as well. Since Blanco Tequila doesn't have a heavy aftertaste, it feels more like a spicy, peppery taste, it's great for drinking it straight.
What Does Tequila Blanco Taste Like?
Blanco contains several different flavor notes that people tend to gravitate towards. There is a hint of sweetness from the agave and a slight citrus note, with a peppery aftertaste from the alcohol.
High-quality Blanco tequila, or silver tequila, can be enjoyed straight, while most people use this type for mixing into a cocktail.
Best Way to Drink Tequila Blanco
Blanco tequila is the most versatile tequila since it can be used in cocktails or enjoyed straight.
Cheaper Blanco tequilas are best for frozen drinks and cocktails with juice or other sweeteners to mask some of the alcohol flavor.
More expensive, I'd say $30 and up, can be used in cleaner cocktails made without cocktail simple syrup since they tend to be higher quality and smoother to drink.
And higher-end Blanco tequilas can be enjoyed served neat, by itself, in a glass or shot glass, or on the rocks with ice.
Is it Good for Sipping?
Yes, Blanco can be sipped on if you enjoy liquors with strength to them. Pouring it over ice gives it a nice chill that makes it cool and refreshing.
If you want to sip it and not have it on the rocks, you can add a little bit of sparking soda or even lemon or lime juice to the mix.
While a few reserve Blanco tequilas are made just for sipping, like the Gran Patron Platinum Silver Tequila, most Blanco tequilas are used in cocktails.
Blanco Vs Silver Tequila
Both Blanco tequila and silver tequila refer to the same type of tequila that is bottled shortly after being distilled. It's typically clear in color since it's rarely stored in oak barrels.
On the rare occasion that it's not clear, some brands have added coloring (think the original Jose Cuervo "gold"), while others made by smaller batch distilleries might store them in a barrel for anywhere between a week to up to 2 months.
The tequila classification always refers to the length of time the tequila was aged or cured as well as the distillation process.
Favorite Cocktails with Blanco Tequila
Blanco tequila makes a terrific base for your favorite tequila drinks. For starters, consider one of these:
- Classic Margarita: salt or no salt, you decide!
- Bloody Maria: like a bloody mary, but made with tequila!
- Tequila Sunrise: a great beginner drink plus, if you're using cheaper Blanco, the juice masks the taste.
Best Blanco Tequila to Buy
When it comes to buying Blanco Tequila, there are lots of options. The one you choose will be based on your budget and what you're trying to do with it.
Leave a Reply