Tequila is a distilled alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant and is primarily produced in Mexico. It is most commonly consumed in shot form, often with lime and salt. However, some people prefer to drink tequila warm or hot, especially in cocktails or mixed drinks.
The History of Drinking Tequila Hot
There is a long history of consuming tequila hot in Mexico. Tequila originated as a drink called pulque which was consumed warm prior to Spanish colonization. When the Spanish began distilling agave to make tequila, it was still often drunk warm, especially in the winter to ward off chills.
During the 1800s, adding hot water or coffee to tequila became a common practice. This was known as tearing or tearing the tequila. It helped soften the strong taste of poorly refined tequilas of that time. The tradition of drinking tequila hot continued well into the 20th century in more rural areas of Mexico.
Potential Benefits of Hot Tequila
There are some potential benefits associated with drinking tequila hot:
- Warming effect – Hot tequila can produce a warming sensation which some people find comforting, especially in cold weather.
- Accentuates flavors – Heating tequila can accentuate some of the spirit’s earthy, peppery flavor notes.
- Easier on stomach – The heat may make tequila a little easier on the stomach and can minimize the burn of alcohol.
- Relaxation – The warmth paired with tequila’s natural relaxing effect may accentuate its stress-reducing properties.
Overall, the main benefit of hot tequila is that it provides a different experience from drinking it straight at room temperature. The heat alters the flavor profile and mouthfeel.
Popular Ways to Serve Hot Tequila
Here are some classic ways to serve tequila hot:
Tequila Toddy
A tequila toddy is made by adding 1 1/2 oz silver or reposado tequila to 6 oz of hot water. It’s finished with the juice of 1 lemon wedge, 1 teaspoon of honey and a dash of cinnamon.
Hot Tear Tequila
This traditional hot preparation involves pouring 1 1/2 oz of silver tequila into a mug and topping with 4-6 oz of hot coffee or coffee substitute. Add sugar or sweetener to taste.
Mexican Irish Coffee
Make Mexican Irish coffee by adding 1 1/2 oz tequila, 1 oz coffee liqueur and 4 oz hot coffee to a glass. Top with lightly whipped cream.
Spanished Coffee
This twist on Spanish coffee uses tequila instead of brandy. Combine 1 1/2 oz reposado tequila, 1 tsp brown sugar and 4 oz coffee. Top with whipped cream.
Hot Sangrita
Sangrita is a tequila accompaniment. Make a hot version by mixing 4 oz hot tomato juice with 2 oz orange juice and 1 oz silver tequila. Add chili powder, black pepper and salt.
Tips for Preparing Hot Tequila Drinks
Here are some tips to get the best flavor when making hot tequila drinks:
- Use 100% agave tequila for the most authentic flavor.
- Silver or blanco tequilas work best as their flavors stand up to heat.
- Reposado tequila can also work well but limit heating time to preserve the oak flavor.
- Avoid boiling the tequila which can cause it to lose aromatics.
- Heat coffee, water or other liquids first before adding spirits.
- Sweeteners and spices can accentuate tequila’s flavor.
- Garnish with citrus peels, whipped cream or cinnamon.
Potential Downsides of Hot Tequila
While hot tequila has its proponents, there are also some downsides to consider:
- Can mute tequila’s flavors – Heating tends to flatten the bright, herbal notes of 100% agave tequila that aficionados appreciate.
- May cause nausea – The combination of heat and alcohol could potentially provoke an adverse reaction in some people.
- Not traditional – Most tequila purists insist the spirit is best served chilled or at room temperature.
- Harsher taste – The alcohol vapor produced by heating tequila can accentuate its harsher aspects.
- Covers up poor quality – Heat can hide the inferior flavor of low-quality mixto tequilas.
Overall, while tequila exhibits some advantageous properties when heated, doing so is not traditional and may not align with a tequila purist’s sensibilities. Quality tequila arguably shows its best at slightly cool temperatures.
Best Practices for Drinking Tequila Hot
If you do opt to drink tequila hot, here are some best practices to follow:
- Use 100% agave tequila – Low quality mixtos won’t taste good heated.
- Drink immediately after heating – Don’t let it sit too long or aromatics will dissipate.
- avoid boiling or overheating – Keep temperatures under 160°F/ 70°C.
- Add other ingredients – Spices, juices and coffee complement hot tequila well.
- Take small sips – Don’t shoot it like you would straight chilled tequila.
- Start with a reposado – Its mellowness counteracts the bite of heat.
Drinking tequila hot can provide an interesting experience if done properly. But it’s generally viewed as an unconventional practice not aligned with tequila tradition.
Is Hot Tequila Better Than Cold Tequila?
There is ongoing debate around whether hot tequila is better than drinking it cold. Here are some key considerations:
Cold Tequila Benefits
- True, clean agave flavor
- Bright herbal and citrus notes
- Smooth, silky mouthfeel
- Subtle peppery spice
- Traditional way to drink quality tequila
Hot Tequila Benefits
- Warming effect
- Accentuates earthy, vanilla, caramel notes
- Minimizes alcohol burn
- Adds variety to tequila drinking
Cold tequila clearly provides the truest expression of an agave tequila’s flavor. But hot tequila offers some unique qualities not found in chilled tequila. Most experts recommend drinking fine tequila chilled to fully appreciate its terroir.
Conclusion
Heating tequila is an unconventional practice that changes the drink’s flavor profile. It mutes the bright herbal notes that make quality tequila unique. However, it does provide some advantages like comfort and accentuated earthiness. While not traditional, hot tequila can offer variety for those looking to experience tequila in a new way.
Overall, tequila is arguably best served chilled to highlight its terroir. But heating it on occasion can provide an interesting experience that reveals new aspects of the spirit’s character. Just take care not to boil or overheat tequila when preparing it hot.