Known for its potent drunk and brutal hangover, tequila — a universal favorite of college students and hard core partiers alike — contributes to questionable and often risqué behavior. Its rip-your-clothes-off attributes play with our rational minds, often leaving us in an “uh-oh” situation the next morning. Although we have said goodbye to NSO and non-stop sloppiness, we still have a year of tequila drinking ahead of us. And let’s face it, your margarita-making skills could use some help.
Tequila Classifications Not all tequila is created equal! Mixto/Gold: Comprised of 51% distilled agave and 49% caramels and other added sugars, gold tequila takes on a brownish hue. The cheapest variety also results in the most violent hangovers. Blanco/Silver: This clear and non-aged 100% distilled agave provides a financially reasonable alternative to the non-pure gold sort. Reposado: Unlike blanco tequila, reposado tequila ages in barrels for three months to one year, resulting in a light gold tint (not to be confused with the caramels present in mixto tequila). Añejo: Aged one to three years, the darkest variety of tequila also has the most nuanced flavors. The type of barrel in which the tequila is aged imparts different undertones (think vanilla-scented tequila, et al). Most commonly aged in oak barrels (as are reposados), añejos can also be aged in old bourbon, scotch and Bourdeaux wine barrels.
How to avoid that wicked hangover Don’t go for the gold Despite common wisdom, gold is not always better; our inclinations tell us gold is superior to its cheaper counterpart, silver, but just as tequila makes our minds think backwards, its classifications are also counter-intuitive. The added sugars and caramels in mixto tequila contribute to what Brian Sirhal, the beverage manager at Distrito, describes as that “nasty hangover [and] violently ill” feeling associated with a tequila-filled night. The remedy is simple and effective: remove the gold label from your repertoire and opt for blanco tequila for the same buzz minus the side effects.
How to get the most bang for your buck Blanco-quality on a budget The broad spectrum of prices for tequila allows us students to drink quality tequila at a respectable price. You may keep a bottle of Sauza gold label in your freezer because it was the cheapest on the shelves, but for a few dollars more, you can enjoy superior tequila. $25 a bottle — Sauza Hornitos, 1800 Silver $25-30 a bottle — Milagro, Cazapores Reposado
Try drinking the traditional Mexican way Lime and salt is a U.S. invention In Mexico, tequila lovers throw back their tequila with a beer (Corona, Dos Equis) or Sangrita, a spicy virgin tomato juice cocktail made of chiles, pepper and fresh tomato juice. So, next time you reach for the salt and lime, try something new. ¡Arriba!
