Tequila Reposado is a type of tequila that is aged for a minimum of two months, but less than one year, in oak barrels. The word “reposado” is Spanish for “rested,” referring to the period of time the tequila spends aging in the barrel.
During the aging process, the tequila takes on the flavor and aroma of the oak barrel, as well as some color. The oak imparts a smoother and more complex flavor profile to the tequila, as well as some notes of vanilla, caramel, and spice. The longer the tequila is aged, the more pronounced these flavors become.
Reposado tequila is considered to be a middle ground between the unaged, clear blanco tequila and the darker, more aged añejo tequila. It is a popular choice for sipping and mixing in cocktails, and is often used in margaritas, palomas, and other tequila-based drinks.
What Can Tequila Reposado be Mixed With?
Tequila Reposado can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are a few ideas:
- Margarita: This classic tequila cocktail is made with tequila, lime juice, and triple sec, and is often served with a salt rim. A Reposado tequila gives a richer, more complex flavor to the Margarita than the traditional blanco tequila.
- Paloma: This refreshing cocktail combines tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime juice. Reposado tequila gives a smoky, woody character to this drink that pairs perfectly with the citrus flavors.
- Tequila Sunrise: This colorful cocktail is made with tequila, orange juice, and grenadine. The Reposado tequila provides a smooth and mellow base for the sweet and fruity flavors of the drink.
- Old Fashioned: This classic cocktail combines tequila, sugar, bitters, and orange zest. Using a Reposado tequila in this drink gives it a richer, smoother taste and a hint of oak and vanilla.
- Spicy Margarita: This variation of the Margarita adds a spicy kick with the addition of jalapeño or serrano peppers. The Reposado tequila pairs well with the heat of the peppers and adds an extra layer of flavor to the drink.
- Tequila Manhattan: This twist on the classic Manhattan cocktail uses tequila instead of whiskey. Mix Reposado tequila, sweet vermouth, and bitters for a delicious and unexpected cocktail.
These are just a few ideas – feel free to experiment with different mixers and garnishes to find the perfect cocktail recipe for you.
Tequila Reposado Cocktails Recipes
- Tequila Sour: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 3/4 oz of fresh lemon juice, and 1/2 oz of simple syrup. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon wedge.
- Tequila Tonic: Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, and top it off with tonic water. Squeeze in a lime wedge and stir.
- Paloma: In a glass filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado and 3 oz of grapefruit soda. Squeeze in half a lime and stir. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Oaxaca Old Fashioned: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1/2 oz of mezcal, 1/4 oz of agave nectar, and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters. Stir well and strain into a glass with a large ice cube. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
- Spicy Mango Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of mango puree, 3/4 oz of fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz of simple syrup, and a slice of jalapeño pepper. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a mango slice and jalapeño.
- Smoky Paloma: In a glass filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz of honey syrup, and a splash of mezcal. Stir well and garnish with a grapefruit twist.
- Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 3/4 oz of triple sec. Shake well and strain into a glass with a salt rim. Garnish with a lime wedge.
- Tequila Sunrise: Fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, and top it off with orange juice. Slowly pour in 1/2 oz of grenadine to create the sunrise effect. Garnish with an orange slice.
- Spicy Pineapple Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, 1 oz of pineapple juice, and a slice of jalapeño pepper. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and jalapeño.
- Blood Orange Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and 1 oz of blood orange juice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a blood orange slice.
- La Paloma Rosa: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh grapefruit juice, 1/2 oz of fresh lime juice, 1/2 oz of honey syrup, and a splash of club soda. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
- Tequila Manhattan: In a mixing glass filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of sweet vermouth, and a dash of orange bitters. Stir well and strain into a chilled glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
- Spicy Cucumber Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, 1 oz of cucumber juice, 1/2 oz of agave nectar, and a slice of jalapeño pepper. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice and jalapeño.
- Tequila Mockingbird: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, 1 oz of honey syrup, and a few dashes of lavender bitters. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a sprig of lavender.
- Strawberry Basil Margarita: In a shaker filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, 1 oz of strawberry puree, 1/2 oz of agave nectar, and a few basil leaves. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a strawberry and basil leaves.
- Tequila Old Fashioned: In a mixing glass filled with ice, mix 2 oz of Tequila Reposado, 1/2 oz of agave nectar, and a few dashes of aromatic bitters. Stir well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with an orange peel and a Luxardo cherry.
About Tequila Reposado
Origin: Tequila is a spirit made from the blue agave plant, which is native to Mexico. Tequila is produced in the Tequila region of Mexico, which is located in the state of Jalisco.
Ingredients: Tequila Reposado is made from 100% blue agave, water, and yeast. The agave is cooked, mashed, fermented, and then distilled to create the tequila. The tequila is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but no more than one year.
Texture: Tequila Reposado has a smooth and slightly sweet taste with hints of vanilla and caramel. The oak barrels give the tequila a slight woody flavor and a golden color.
Proof: Tequila Reposado is typically 70-80 proof (35-40% alcohol by volume).
Usage: Tequila Reposado can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, but it is also commonly used in cocktails such as margaritas, palomas, and tequila sunrises.
Serving: Tequila Reposado is traditionally served in a shot glass or a snifter. When serving tequila neat or on the rocks, it is often accompanied by lime wedges and salt.
Production: Tequila Reposado is produced by cooking, mashing, fermenting, and then distilling the blue agave. The tequila is then aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months but no more than one year.
Manufacturer: There are many manufacturers of Tequila Reposado, including Jose Cuervo, Don Julio, Patrón, and Herradura.
Variations: There are many variations of Tequila Reposado, including Añejo (aged for at least one year), Blanco (unaged), and Joven (blended with other tequilas). Some manufacturers also offer flavored Tequila Reposado, such as coconut or coffee-infused tequilas.