Tequila

Tequila is the famous Mexican distilled beverage produced from the Blue Agave plant. Many of us know this beverage which is the famous ingredient in a margarita (see margarita making.  Here are the six basic grades of tequila.  They include:

• Blanco - White tequila.  Not aged or aged for less than 2 months in stainless steel or oak.
• Plata - Silver tequila. Not aged or aged for less than 2 months in stainless steel or oak.
• Joven - A mixture of white and reposado tequila.
• Reposado - Which means rested, has aged at least 2 months but less than a year in oak.
• Añejo - Aged tequila aged from 1 to 3 years in oak.
• Extra Añejo - Extra aged, a minimum of 3 years in oak.

In the U.S. Jose Quervo Gold has was the most commonly sold Tequila in the U.S. until several years ago.  Now you can get an outstanding variety of high-quality tequila in most well-stock liquor stores.

Substitute For Tequila

If you are looking for a non-alcohol substitute for tequila, here are some options:

• For "mocktails" simply leave the tequila out or add plain soda.  A good example is a virgin Tequila Sunrise.  The grenadine and orange juice with a splash of soda is pretty and delicious.
• For a marinade, add some fresh lime juice.

Substitutes With Alcohol

• For a very similar flavor, but stronger, you can use Mezcal
• You won't get the characteristic flavor but you can swap vodka for the tequila
• OR - Use Pisco if you have it
• OR - Use gin. Gin will give the drink a more  herbal flavor as opposed to vodka which is very neutral flavored.
• OR - Use white rum in place of white (blanco) tequila (it will add a little sweetness)
• OR - Use dark rum in place of gold tequila (like Cuervo Gold).  Cuervo has a slightly caramel flavor, the rum will be sweet.