What Is Tequila Made From?
Updated: Sep. 01, 2020
Ever sip on a margarita and wonder, what is tequila made from? We break down what you need to know about Mexico's most famous spirit.
In a cocktail, as a shooter or as a spirit to sip on, tequila in all its forms remains super popular. It’s not hard to find a good tequila, either. But there’s more to tequila than meets the eye. You might be surprised to learn how tequila is made and what types of tequila you can buy.
Mix yourself a margarita on the rocks—it’s time to learn all about tequila.
What Is Tequila Made From?
Tequila is a type of mezcal, a spirit produced from agave. Unlike mezcal, which can be made from a number of different agave varieties, tequila is only made with Weber’s blue agave or agave tequilana. Confused? It’s kind of like how all scotch is whiskey but not all whiskey is scotch.
The blue agave thrives in Mexico, in the highlands of Jalisco. It takes over seven years to reach maturity! Once mature, agave farmers (called jimadors) harvest the large succulents by removing the leaves and exposing the hearts (or piñas) which are sent off to a distillery.
How Is Tequila Made?
The process starts as the piñas bake in special ovens. This converts all the starch in the piñas into sugar—a must for fermenting into alcohol. The next step is shredding and pressing the piñas, releasing all the sugars. Many producers add yeast to kick off fermentation, though some allow native wild yeasts to get things going. This juice ferments for up to four days before being distilled to reach the minimum alcohol content required by law. From here, the tequila is either bottled or aged.
Tequila can only be produced in five states in Mexico: Jalisco, Michoacan, Nayarit, Guanajuato and Tamaulipas. Most tequila is made in Jalisco, where the sandy soil is ideal for growing blue agave. (It’s also where you’ll find the town of Tequila.)
Tequila Styles 101
There are several different styles of tequila to know. Below you’ll find the main types of tequila and the best way to enjoy them:
- Blanco: If you’re mixing up a few tequila cocktails, blanco is your best bet. This is the youngest tequila style, which can be bottled immediately after distillation or rested for a maximum of two months. Doing a shot of tequila? Blanco is the way to go. They’re great for cooking with, too.
- Joven: Joven is a mix of unaged tequilas (or occasionally aged and unaged). It’s made in the same way as blanco and gets its pretty golden hue from coloring. It’s inexpensive and is a winner in cocktails.
- Reposado: Reposado and other tequilas that see aging are darker in color than their blanco and joven counterparts. They also have a richer flavor thanks to time spent in barrels. Tequila must age for at least two months to meet the requirements for reposado.
- Añejo: Añejo is the next step up, with the spirit needing a year of aging to qualify for the classification. It usually spends between one and three years in barrel. This is a sipper, not a shooter, and makes a fantastic introduction to high-end tequila.
- Extra Añejo: Like añejo, extra añejo is a sipping tequila, the same way you’d enjoy a glass of whiskey neat rather than in a cocktail. Expect a smooth profile and hint of toast and wood in a glass of extra añejo.
Editor’s Tip: Planning on pouring yourself a few ounces of reposado or añejo? Serve it neat or over ice to experience all the nuances in your glass.
When you’re ready to put a spin on a tried-and-true classic, try one of these next-level margarita recipe upgrades and other pairings for what to mix with tequila.
Cerveza Margaritas
One sip of this refreshing drink and you’ll picture sand, sea and blue skies that stretch for miles. It’s like a vacation in a glass, and you can mix it up in moments. What are you waiting for? —Christina Pittman, Parkville, Missouri Be sure to check out our picks for the best tequila for making margaritas.
Classic Margarita
A classic margarita recipe doesn't need anything other than tequila, Triple Sec and fresh lime juice. When you're making the cocktail, make sure you squeeze the limes correctly for the ultimate freshness. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor Want more tips? Learn exactly how to make a margarita.
Texas Red River Margaritas
When I lived in Texas, I decided to create a cocktail that represented my new home. I've found that blood orange juice works just as well as the grapefruit juice in this spicy margarita recipe. —Danny Schneider, Omaha, NE Here are more tequila drinks to sip on.
Amaretto Margarita
With this amaretto margarita, add a touch of Italian flair to the classic lime drink. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor These are the essential ingredients in a margarita.
Frozen Sriracha-Mango Margarita
The sweetness of the fruit helps offset the spiciness of the Sriracha, giving this mango margarita a unique and fun twist. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor This is what you need to know about mezcal.
Grapefruit Margarita
When you add a drizzle of grenadine to your finished grapefruit margarita, it sinks to the bottom of the glass, creating a beautiful sunset look. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Caribbean Blue Margarita
For a fun spin on a classic cocktail, substitute Blue Curacao for Triple Sec. The vibrant blue margarita will make you think you're on the shores of the Caribbean. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Frozen Ginger-Raspberry Margarita
Ginger and lime form a wonderful flavor combination, so I thought I'd try adding them to my raspberry margarita. This cocktail is perfect for spring or summer parties. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Margarita Floats
On a hot afternoon, what could be better than a cold margarita float? The addition of creamy ice cream really takes this treat to the next level. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Refreshing Beer Margaritas
I'm always surprised when people say they didn't know this drink existed. It's a really refreshing cocktail, and it's easy to double or triple the recipe. —Arianne Barnett, Kansas City, Missouri Find exciting ways to take your margarita to the next level.
Melon Margarita
Melon liqueur dramatically changes the flavor and color of a classic margarita and also makes it sweeter. If you'd like your melon margarita a little more tart, cut back on the liqueur just a tiny bit. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Frozen Coconut Margarita
Take your cocktail to the tropics with this coconut margarita. It's very refreshing! —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Fresh Lime Margaritas
This basic fresh margarita recipe is easy to modify to your tastes. Try it frozen or with strawberries. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen Learn how to make a pitcher of margaritas.
Watermelon Margaritas
Summer’s best flavors get frosty in the cocktail we serve at all our backyard shindigs. We mix sun-ripened watermelon and our favorite tequila with just the right amount of ice for a thick and boozy sipper that’s perfect when we’re grilling and chilling.—Alicia Cummings, Marshalltown, Iowa
Frozen Cherry Margaritas
When summer rolls around, I start thinking about all the fun drinks I can whip up to stay cool. This frozen cherry margarita is a favorite of mine. It's so delicious, and the deep red color is amazing. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado Psst! Here's how to make a frozen marg.
Pomgaritas
Pomegranate juice gives a tart and tasty twist to the traditional margarita. The ruby color is great for Christmas, but we enjoy the refreshing beverage all year long.—Bernice Knutson, Danbury, Iowa See our complete list of essential margarita tools.
Margarita Sangria
This sangria is reminiscent of a margarita with its tequila and agave kick! —Andrea Rivera, Westbury, New York
Frozen Blueberry-Mint Margarita
Refreshing and fruity, you need a frozen blueberry margarita in hand this summer. —James Schend, Taste of Home Deputy Editor
Frozen Lemon-Berry Margaritas
I like to cool down with this absolutely fantastic frozen margarita recipe. It's slightly icy, thick and perfect for when you need a break. —Julie Hieggelke, Grayslake, Illinois
Cranberry Pomegranate Margaritas
I came up with this beverage to serve at holiday celebrations for a festive twist on the traditional margarita. It's light and refreshing, and looks beautiful with sugar crystals on glass rims. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
