The Tequila Museum ’ s popular brands include mainstays such as Don Julio , Patron and Casa Cuervo .
We approach tequila same as any other spirit , usually looking for seasonal ingredients that are good pairings with tequila ' s flavor profiles , then going back to basic , looking into classic cocktails and finding inspiration .
Ivan Papic , beverage director at Sweetbriar restaurant in New York .
“ Travelers will enjoy not just the taste of tequila , but also the range of unique aromas that such a sublime beverage can offer .” In the case of mezcal , the different varieties and styles are sourced from wild agaves — like tobalá .
At Sweetbriar , which carries about 20 different tequila brands and 10 brands of mezcal , with different expressions , Casamigos has been the best-selling tequila in recent months , Papic says . “ For me personally , Fortaleza Tequila and El Tesoro are among my favorite brands .”
Papic has observed more cristalino expressions of tequila . Cristalino , a clear , aged tequila , is filtered through charcoal , which removes the color from barrel aging .
Rosa Mexicano has seen a rise in sipping blancos , reposados and cristalinos , Trevino says . Some of the most popular brands at the restaurant include Casa del Sol , Fortaleza , Cazadores , Maestro Dobel , Komos and Don Julio .
At Rreal Tacos , popular tequila brands include Clase Azul , Cava de Oro , Maestro Dobel , while Bozal , Te Quiero Mucho and 400 Conejos are the popular mezcals , says beverage director Aruturo Salgado . “ One of the biggest trends that we have been seeing are celebrity tequilas , like 818 ( Kendall Jenner ), Casamigos ( George Clooney ), Teremana ( The Rock ) and the newly added Grand Coramino ( Kevin Hart ).”
COCKTAIL CULTURE The traditional Mexican style of drinking tequila is to appreciate all the notes and flavors , Torres says . “ However , many guests are more comfortable with Margaritas or mixed drinks .” Despite trending cocktails such as the Old Fashioned and Espresso Martini , the Margarita remains the top libation at the majority of on-premise establishments .
The Paloma has been gaining ground in some places , as has Ranch Water . Chili ’ s Grill & Bar , with more than 1,600 restaurants , in 2022 rolled out a Ranch Water offering , which will no doubt boost national awareness of the tequila / sparkling water / lime drink . But tequila also lends itself to craft cocktails and spicy spins on the classics .
Hacienda Encantada Resort & Residences in Cabo San
Lucas opened The Museo del Tequila in June 2022 .
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