Paul Kushner
The Tequila Shot is a tried-and-true party favorite. The Tequila Shot is a safe bet for any celebration. This drink is significantly more than just a shot, so everyone can come together for it. I like to serve it because it’s easy, entertaining, and always gets the party started. Let’s examine the factors that make the Tequila Shot a must-have beverage for any occasion.
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Tasting Notes
A Tequila Shot stimulates your senses with its spicy yet mellow flavor. It is bold and uncomplicated. High-quality tequila has an earthy, agave flavor with a clean, peppery taste. The classic lime and salt garnish brings out the essence of the tequila, counterbalancing its strength with a hint of sourness and zest.
Equipment and Glassware
A minimal set of equipment and glassware is required in order to enjoy a shot of tequila in the traditional style. This includes the following, among other things:
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Small Plate or Salt Dish
- Shot Glasses
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Tequila (blanco, reposado, or añejo, according to preference)
- Pinch of Kosher salt
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Prepare the salt and lime: Lick the back of your hand and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on it. Hold a lime wedge in your other hand.
- Pour the tequila: Fill the shot glass with your preferred tequila. Consider starting with blanco tequila for a smoother taste, reposado for complexity, or añejo for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Lick the salt: Lick the salt from your hand to reduce the tequila’s burn. Alternatively, sprinkle salt on the shot glass rim and lick it off.
- Shoot the tequila: Hold the lime wedge in your mouth, gulp the tequila, then suck on the lime to balance the flavor and cleanse your palate. Experiment with holding the lime between fingers or in your mouth.
- Chase it with a drink: Follow up with a chaser (pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, or add a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick) to wash away the salt and tequila taste.
Pro Tips
- To lessen the tequila’s sharp edge, chill it before serving.
- For optimal flavor, choose tequila made 100% of agave.
- For maximum effect, use the lick-shoot-suck technique with tequila, salt, and lime.
When to Serve
Tequila shots are the ideal way to start a night out with friends, commemorate achievements, or liven up a gathering whenever you choose. They’re a great method to get people together and a great icebreaker.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
Choose 100% agave brands of tequila for your shots; among my favorites are:
- Patron Silver is known for its flavorful, fresh agave.
- Don Julio Blanco, for its somewhat citrusy, crisp agave flavor.
- Herradura Silver for the notes of sweet, luscious agave.
Your guests will get a quality shot experience thanks to these products.
Similar Cocktails
If you enjoy tequila shots, you might also like these similar cocktails:
- Tequila Sunrise Shot: A vibrant mini-version of the classic, combining tequila with orange and grenadine for a sweet, colorful burst.
- Mexican Samurai Shot: A bold mix of tequila and sake, offering a smooth, intriguing blend of Mexican warmth and Japanese elegance.
- Mexican Candy Shot: A spicy-sweet shot with tequila, watermelon schnapps, and a dash of chili powder, mimicking the flavors of popular Mexican candy.
- Margarita – a classic cocktail with tequila, lime juice, and Cointreau.
- Mexican Mule – a twist on the Moscow Mule, made with tequila, lime juice, and ginger beer.
History
Since the 16th century, when tequila was originally made, the Tequila Shot has had a significant cultural influence in Mexico. Tequila was first drank undiluted, without the addition of lime or salt. This ceremony is a more contemporary addition that aims to celebrate the robust flavors of tequila and make it more drinkable.
Equipment
- Small Plate or Salt Dish
Ingredients
- 1 ½ oz Tequila blanco, reposado, or añejo, according to preference
- Pinch of Kosher salt
- Lime wedge
Instructions
- Prepare the salt and lime: Lick the back of your hand and sprinkle a pinch of kosher salt on it. Hold a lime wedge in your other hand.
- Pour the tequila: Fill the shot glass with your preferred tequila. Consider starting with blanco tequila for a smoother taste, reposado for complexity, or añejo for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Lick the salt: Lick the salt from your hand to reduce the tequila's burn. Alternatively, sprinkle salt on the shot glass rim and lick it off.
- Shoot the tequila: Hold the lime wedge in your mouth, gulp the tequila, then suck on the lime to balance the flavor and cleanse your palate. Experiment with holding the lime between fingers or in your mouth.
- Chase it with a drink: Follow up with a chaser (pineapple juice, orange juice, grenadine, or add a few drops of hot sauce for a spicy kick) to wash away the salt and tequila taste.
