How to Drink Añejo Tequila
Añejo tequila is renowned for its aged flavor and aroma, having been aged for 14-18 months. This transforms it into a beverage that merits enjoyment with the respect and tradition its history commands. Thus, it’s vital to explore various ways to savor añejo tequila, from its inclusion in classic cocktails to enjoying it neat or on the rocks, while also considering food pairings that best accentuate its unique taste. Mastering the correct way to drink añejo tequila can elevate the experience from pleasant to unforgettable.
How to Drink Añejo Tequila in Cocktails
Making an Old Fashioned Cocktail
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail typically made with whiskey, but substituting it with añejo tequila offers an unexpected twist. Required ingredients:
- 2 oz of añejo tequila
- 1 sugar cube
- A few drops of Angostura bitters
- Ice
- A slice of orange or lemon for garnish
Instructions: Muddle the sugar with the Angostura bitters until it dissolves. Add the tequila and ice, stir well, and garnish with a slice of citrus. You can give it a distinctive touch by decorating it with a decorative icing using these ice tray.
Substituting Whiskey with Añejo in the Classic Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail adapts splendidly to a variation with añejo tequila. Simply follow the traditional recipe, substituting whiskey with añejo tequila:
- 2 oz of añejo tequila
- 1 oz of red vermouth
- A few drops of Angostura bitters
- Maraschino cherry for garnish
- Ice
Instructions: Combine all ingredients with ice and strain using a cocktail strainer into a chilled glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry for a quintessential finish.
Making a Tequila Sazerac with Añejo
The Sazerac, one of the oldest known cocktails, can be reinvented by substituting cognac or whiskey with añejo tequila. The ingredients are:
- 2 oz of añejo tequila
- 1 sugar cube
- Two dashes of Peychaud’s bitters
- A bit of absinthe to rinse the glass
- Lemon peel for garnish
Instructions: Dissolve the sugar with the bitters and a drop of water, add the tequila and mix with a shaker. Rinse a glass with absinthe, pour the mixture, and garnish with the lemon peel.
Different Ways to Drink Añejo Tequila
Enjoying it Neat or on the Rocks to Appreciate Its Flavors
Drinking añejo tequila neat, at room temperature or slightly chilled, allows one to fully appreciate its aromatic complexity and smoothness. Adding an ice cube can further open up the flavors, making each sip smoother.
Serving Añejo on the Rocks
For a refreshing experience, serve your añejo tequila over ice. This method not only cools the drink but also slightly dilutes the tequila, which can make different nuances of its flavor profile more perceptible.
Using Angostura Bitters
Adding a few drops of Angostura bitters to your añejo tequila can transform a simple glass into a more complex flavor experience, adding layers of depth that complement the rich flavors of the añejo.
Recommended Pairings When Drinking Añejo Tequila
Añejo tequila, with its rich and complex flavor profile, pairs well with a variety of foods. Dishes that incorporate smoky flavors, such as grilled or barbecued meat, can especially complement the character of a good añejo. Dark chocolates and caramel-based desserts are also excellent options to accompany this noble drink. Experimenting with different combinations can reveal surprisingly delicious pairings, elevating both the meal and the tequila.
Altos Añejo for a Sure Shot
No matter how you want to enjoy añejo tequila, if you want the experience to be unique, you should choose a super premium tequila. With Altos, the how becomes irrelevant. Neat, on the rocks, in a Manhattan, with friends on a pool Sunday or at a more intimate gathering. You only need to worry about enjoying the moment with your people. That is Altos.
