How to Drink Tequila
Tequila, the world-renowned Mexican spirit, is more than just a party drink. It has a rich cultural heritage, complex flavors, and a growing appreciation for premium tequila made from 100% blue agave. If you're wondering how to drink tequila, whether you're a beginner or a connoisseur, this guide will walk you through everything—from sipping etiquette to how to make tequila shots at home.
What Is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit made primarily from the blue Weber agave plant, grown mainly in Jalisco, Mexico. It comes in five main varieties:
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Blanco (Silver) – Clear and unaged
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Reposado – Aged 2 to 12 months in oak barrels
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Añejo – Aged 1 to 3 years
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Extra Añejo – Aged over 3 years
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Joven (Gold) – Often a mix of Blanco and aged tequilas or artificially colored
Understanding the type of tequila you have is key to knowing how to properly drink tequila for the best experience.
How to Drink Tequila: Choosing the Right Style
1. Sipping Neat (The Authentic Way)
The traditional and most respectful way to enjoy high-quality tequila is to sip it neat, much like whiskey or cognac.
Steps:
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Pour about 1.5 oz into a tequila glass or snifter
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Swirl gently to open up the aroma
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Inhale with your nose just above the glass
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Take a small sip and let it rest on your tongue
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Savor the flavors and the finish
This is the best method if you're drinking Reposado, Añejo, or Extra Añejo tequila.
How to Drink Tequila Shots: Classic Party Style
Wondering how to drink tequila shots the fun way? While not as refined, this method is popular and easy.
Salt-Lick-Shoot-Suck Method:
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Lick the skin between your thumb and index finger.
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Sprinkle a pinch of salt there.
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Hold a lime wedge in the other hand.
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Lick the salt, take the shot of tequila quickly, then suck the lime.
This technique helps mask the sharpness of the alcohol, especially with Blanco or mixto tequila.
🔥 Pro tip: This is best with cheaper tequila. Don’t waste good Añejo on shots!
How to Make Tequila Shots at Home
If you're hosting a party or just want to try it at home, here’s how to make tequila shots:
Ingredients:
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100% agave Blanco tequila
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Fresh limes (cut into wedges)
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Sea salt
Equipment:
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Shot glasses
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Cutting board & knife
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Small dish for salt
Instructions:
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Pour 1 to 1.5 oz of tequila into shot glasses.
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Set up lime wedges and a salt dish.
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Guests can follow the salt-tequila-lime sequence.
For a twist, try flavored tequila shots with chili salt or pair with orange slices and cinnamon for a Mexican-style shot.
How to Properly Drink Tequila: Glassware & Pairings
To truly enjoy tequila:
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Use a caballito or Riedel tequila glass for sipping.
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Pair Blanco tequila with seafood or citrusy dishes.
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Pair Reposado with tacos or grilled meats.
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Pair Añejo with dark chocolate or aged cheese.
Cocktail Options for Tequila Lovers
Once you’ve mastered how to properly drink tequila, explore it in cocktails:
1. Classic Margarita
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2 oz Blanco tequila
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1 oz lime juice
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1 oz triple sec
2. Paloma
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2 oz tequila
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Grapefruit soda
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Lime juice
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Salt rim (optional)
3. Tequila Sunrise
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2 oz tequila
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Orange juice
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½ oz grenadine
Tequila Drinking Tips & Myths
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Hydrate between drinks to avoid hangovers.
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Stick with 100% agave tequila for cleaner taste and fewer side effects.
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Skip sugary mixers to appreciate the real flavor.
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Tequila doesn’t have a worm—that’s mezcal!
✅ Myth buster: Tequila doesn't have to burn. Good tequila is smooth and flavorful when sipped properly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re learning how to drink tequila, how to make tequila shots for a party, or how to properly appreciate a well-aged Añejo, the key is choosing quality over quantity. Tequila isn’t just for shots—it’s a complex, historic spirit worth savoring.
So next time you pick up a bottle, ditch the stereotypes and raise your glass like a true aficionado.