Pro Tips: How to Order Tequila at a Bar
If you’re wondering about the “right” way to order tequila at a bar, you’re not alone.
Many people – especially those who are new to drinking this distinctly Mexican spirit – marvel at the effortless way tequila connoisseurs place their order. Some even worry that their inexperience might be obvious when the stakes are high.
We’re here to tell you that ordering tequila, especially well-made, authentic tequila such as Cierto, is far easier than it looks.
From understanding tequila expressions to identifying the perfect sipping glass, here’s what you need to know before you belly-up to the bar.
BE OPEN-MINDED AND HAVE FUN
First and foremost, remember that drinking tequila can be a wonderful way to experience something new, discover something about your own preferences, connect to an authentic Mexican cultural ritual and meet new people.
Inexperience can be an advantage. Ask the bartender or your fellow patrons for recommendations, as you’ll find that most people are happy to share. The only rules are to be curious, enjoy the journey and sip in moderation.
ORDER A SPECIFIC TEQUILA BRAND
Unless you request a specific brand, bartenders may serve you a “well” drink, which usually means you’ll get the least expensive tequila from behind the bar. (The well refers to easy-to-access liquors stocked under the bar – the opposite of top shelf.)
Sometimes, bartenders will ask you which brand you want, mention a few options, make a personal recommendation or suggest you order their bestselling tequila brand, whatever that may be.
For as pure a drinking experience as possible, order a brand that’s certified to be additive-free such as Cierto or ask the bartender for additive-free tequila options. There are thousands of tequila brands on the market, but only a fraction of them are free of additives.
Many distilleries use additives to alter the flavor and appearance of their tequila, such as caramel coloring, oak extract, sugar-based syrup and glycerin. While entirely permitted and safe, we believe these ingredients artificially change the spirit’s taste, aroma and mouthfeel and mask the pure expression of the incredible agave plant.
Additive-free tequila contains 100% blue weber agave and nothing else except the yeast and water that are added during the production process.
Pro Tip: Know your NOM. If your preferred brand isn’t available, you might ask for other brands from the same distillery which share a similar flavor profile. To do this, you’ll need to know the name of the distillery or its NOM, a four-digit number on the back of every tequila bottle that identifies its source.
For instance, Cierto Tequila is distilled by our Master Distillers Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza at La Tequileña (NOM 1146), who are renowned for a small range of traditionally-produced, agave-forward and well-aged tequilas that are sure to please any fans of Cierto looking to discover something familiar, but different.
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ORDER A SPECIFIC STYLE OR EXPRESSION
There are four primary styles, or expressions, of tequila: blanco, reposado, añejo and extra añejo. Each one has a distinct flavor and aromatic profile due to the production process and time spent aging in barrels.
Some people enjoy all of the expressions, while others prefer a specific type. Understanding the key differences will help you appreciate their subtleties and nuances.
The best way to do this is to taste-test every expression. You may find that you love all four, or that you’re fond of the same expression your friend or partner drinks.
Blanco Tequila
Sometimes called silver or plata, blanco tequila is either unaged or aged for fewer than two months – meaning that it’s defined by its clear color and well-defined agave flavors.
A well-made blanco, such as Cierto’s Private Collection Blanco, can be crisp, clean, fresh and bright with floral, citrus, white peppercorn and green agave notes. This expression is the purest showcase of the agave plant’s incredible range of naturally-derived flavors.
Reposado Tequila
Reposado tequila is aged for a period of between two to twelve months. As it ages, the barrel begins to impart its character onto the tequila, taking on a pale gold or light amber color.
The shorter aging period allows it to retain much of the agave flavor, but notes of cinnamon, caramel and butterscotch start to present. A tequila that’s aged in French oak, such as Cierto’s Private Collection Reposado, will have a light and silky texture that’s best experienced when sipped neat or paired with food – but it’s also great in cocktails.
Añejo Tequila
Añejo tequila is aged for one to three years, developing a dark amber or deep gold color and taking on much more of the barrel’s character.
Skilled tequila-makers, such as Enrique Fonseca and Sergio Mendoza, will ensure that the taste of blue agave is still present, along with notes of oak, chocolate, vanilla and sometimes coffee.
Extra Añejo Tequila
Extra añejo is the most aged tequila – three years or longer. (Cierto’s Private Collection Extra Añejo is aged for a minimum of four years.) The extended maturation period results in a deep and dark amber color similar to whiskey.
Extra añejo generally boasts the most complex and textured flavor profile of the tequila expressions. The extended interaction with the barrel imparts not only traditional barrel characteristics but also the flavors associated with any wines or spirits that were previously held in the barrel – with notes of dark chocolate, cherry, caramel and even Cognac. Sipping neat is our preferred way to experience an extra añejo tequila and appreciate its craftsmanship.
Learn More: The History of Tequila: Over 500 Years of Agave Distillation
FOR MAXIMUM FLAVOR, ORDER TEQUILA NEAT
Neat is the term to use when you want tequila poured straight from the bottle into a glass at room temperature, without any ice or mixers. When ordering at the bar, you can say “neat” or “straight” – they mean the same thing.
Sipping tequila neat is one of the best ways to enjoy authentic tequila. It allows you to experience all the complexities of the tequila itself, without any water, ice or mixers to dilute its taste.
To order tequila neat, just tell your bartender, “I’ll take a Cierto Reposado neat.”
Pro Tip: We enjoy sipping neat from a fluted glass, such as the Riedel Ouverture Tequila glass, which concentrates the more delicate flavors and aromas towards the top. You can ask for a flute, copita or snifter.
IF YOU PREFER IT COLD, ORDER ON THE ROCKS
If you like your tequila chilled, it’s perfectly okay to order it “on the rocks,” or over ice.
Or if straight spirits are a bit too intense for you, the ice will slightly dilute and mellow the tequila while still allowing you to enjoy its authentic flavors and aromas.
Pro Tip: You might prefer to control the amount of dilution on your own, in which case you can say, “I’ll have a Cierto Blanco, with rocks on the side.”
You should expect a tequila on the rocks to be served in a short tumbler, aptly named a rocks glass.
CRAFT TEQUILA COCKTAILS TO ORDER AT A BAR
We love elevated tequila cocktails made by talented mixologists and enjoy experiencing their craft behind the bar. Whether you’re at a rooftop bar, speakeasy or cutting-edge culinary establishment paired with Michelin-starred food, a great tequila cocktail can enhance the experience.
The classic Margarita is the most iconic, most popular tequila drink around the world, but it’s certainly not the only option.
Here are four other incredible tequila cocktails, developed by one of NYC’s best bartenders, Darnell Holguin, to ask your mixologist to make.
The Cierto Paloma
The Paloma is made with 2 oz. Cierto Reposado, 1 oz. fresh grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice, 0.25 oz. honey syrup, topped with 1 oz. sparkling water and garnished with a grapefruit slice. It’s sweet, tart and refreshing.
The Cierto Aire Libre
The Aire Libre is an elegant drink made with 1.5 oz. Cierto Blanco, 0.5 oz. fresh lime juice, 0.5 oz. honey syrup, topped with 1 oz. Champagne, garnished with a lemon twist and served in a stemmed flute glass.
The Cierto Cafecito
The Cafecito is a tequila twist on a classic espresso martini. Made with 1.5 oz. Cierto Reposado, 0.5 sweet vermouth, 1 oz. fresh brewed espresso, 0.25 oz. blue agave nectar and garnished with espresso beans, it’s the perfect after-dinner drink.
The Cierto Añejo Old Fashioned
The primary difference between our Añejo Old Fashioned and a traditional Old Fashioned is that it includes tequila rather than bourbon. This elevated classic cocktail contains 2 oz. Cierto Añejo, 0.25 oz. blue agave nectar, 0.25 oz. orange curaçao and 2 dashes aromatic bitters. (You can try adding a dash of chocolate bitters for even greater depth.)
Pro Tip: Tequila works well as a substitute in drinks traditionally made with brown spirits or whiskeys, such as Manhattans, Boulevardiers and Sidecars. You’ll experience each drink in a new way and you’ll look like a pro asking for the swap-out. Just be sure to dial back the proportions of sweeter ingredients since the tequila itself has more sweetness than a bourbon or rye.
It’s hard to go wrong when you keep the first rule in mind – you can quickly level-up your tequila IQ simply by being open-minded and enjoying the thrill of discovery. And when you choose from among well-made, additive-free tequilas such as Cierto, you can be confident in having a great drinking experience every time.
Shop our award-winning Private Collection and Reserve Collection now.
Up Next: A Symphony of Flavors: Our Top 40 Tequila Food Pairings
About the Author
Jim Ruane is the Chief Growth Officer of Elevated Spirits and Cierto Tequila. During his 20-year beverage career, Jim has led some of the world’s most respected brands, has studied and taught the engineering, chemistry and cultural significance of spirits distillation and is one of the industry’s most dynamic leaders.
