Reposado vs. Blanco – A Quick Guide

Reposado tequila is a type of tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for at least two months, but less than a year. The aging process imparts a golden color and a smooth, complex flavor to the tequila.

How Reposado Tequila is Made

The process of making reposado tequila begins with the cultivation of blue agave plants. The agave plants are harvested and the leaves are stripped away to reveal the piña, or heart, of the plant. The piñas are then roasted and mashed to extract the juice, which is fermented and distilled to produce the tequila.

Once the tequila has been produced, it is placed in oak barrels to age. The size and type of oak barrels used, as well as the length of aging, all contribute to the final flavor and character of the reposado tequila.

Drinks Made with Reposado Tequila

Reposado tequila is often used in cocktails that require a more complex and nuanced flavor than unaged tequila (also known as blanco or silver tequila). Some popular drinks made with reposado tequila include:

• Margarita – This classic cocktail is made with reposado tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec). It is typically served with salt on the rim of the glass.

• Paloma – This refreshing cocktail is made with reposado tequila, grapefruit juice, and a carbonated beverage such as club soda or Fresca. It is often garnished with a slice of grapefruit.

• Tequila Sunrise – This colorful cocktail is made with reposado tequila, orange juice, and grenadine syrup. It gets its name from the gradient effect created by the grenadine syrup sinking to the bottom of the glass.

Reposado tequila can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks.

Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila, also known as silver tequila or plata tequila, is a type of tequila that is bottled immediately after distillation, without any aging in oak barrels. This results in a clear, bright color and a bold, spicy flavor.

How Blanco Tequila is Made

The process of making blanco tequila is similar to that of reposado tequila. Agave plants are harvested and the piñas are roasted and mashed to extract the juice, which is then fermented and distilled to produce the tequila. However, blanco tequila is bottled immediately after distillation, without any aging.

Drinks Made with Blanco Tequila

Blanco tequila is often used in cocktails that require a bold, spicy flavor. Some popular drinks made with blanco tequila include:

• Margarita – As mentioned above, margaritas can also be made with blanco tequila. The flavor of the cocktail will be more bold and spicy compared to a margarita made with reposado tequila.

• Tequila Shot – Blanco tequila is often enjoyed as a shot, either neat or with a small amount of lime juice and salt.

• Tequila Slammer – This party drink is made with blanco tequila and a carbonated beverage such as club soda or lemon-lime soda. The ingredients are poured over ice and the drink is “slammed” back.

Blanco tequila can also be used in place of other white spirits in cocktails such as mojitos or white Russians.

Reposado tequila is a type of tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for at least two months, imparting a golden color and a smooth, complex flavor. It is often used in cocktails that require a more nuanced flavor than unaged tequila. Blanco tequila, on the other hand, is bottled immediately after distillation and has a clear, bright color and a bold, spicy flavor. It is often used in cocktails that require a bold, spicy flavor or as a shot. Both reposado and blanco tequila are made from the juice of the roasted and mashed piñas of blue agave plants, which is fermented and distilled to produce the final product. Get cocktails delivered!