How To Order Tequila At A Bar Like A Pro

Tequila is more than just a shot to get the party started; it's a spirit that begs to be savored. Whether you're looking to enjoy it in a stirred cocktail or as a neat pour for sipping straight up, there's a tequila perfect for every palate. Depending on your tastes, you can find bottles with smooth sugar-cane notes, tannic undertones, or bright, fruity hints of passionfruit.

From its origins in the blue agave fields of Jalisco, Mexico, to its rise in popularity worldwide, tequila remains a complex spirit with notes of citrus, herbal, floral, and woody flavors. The wide range of flavors is what really sets the spirit apart, from the light and smooth blanco style to the bolder, smokier añejo variety.

Unfortunately, this versatility also means that ordering tequila at a bar can be daunting. With so many different options and preparation methods to choose from (Did someone say spicy tequila?), it can be tough to know where to start. But regardless of how you prefer to imbibe, it pays to know your stuff when ordering tequila so you can catch the nuances that make it such a special spirit.

Tequila production is an art form, and the blue agave plant is the key ingredient in its creation. Grown exclusively in Mexico, this spiky succulent takes seven to 10 years to fully mature before it can be harvested for use in tequila production. It's during this maturation process that agaves develop their complex, unique flavor profile. As such, ensuring your tequila is made from 100% pure blue agave is paramount.

José Valle, a bartender at the Drift Hotel in San José del Cabo, Mexico, told VinePair, "I would recommend looking out for a 100% blue agave reposado tequila because of the smoothness and flavor that come from its time spent in the barrel." As for his specific suggestions, Valle added, "Don Julio and Cava de Oro Reposado Tequila are good examples of quality reposados that can be enjoyed neat as well as on the rocks and in cocktails."

Other bartenders and tequila connoisseurs recommend choosing tequila based on the brand's production practices, including how sustainable their farming methods are. It's important to buy tequila from producers committed to honoring the sacred plant and its place in Mexican culture. Keeping these suggestions in mind will help ensure that you make the best choice when ordering tequila from the bar.

Ordering tequila like a pro is about more than knowing which brand to request. Learning about the spirit's aging categories is a great way to understand what type of taste and experience you can expect from any tequila you order at a bar. There are four main categories: blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo.

Blanco (silver) is not aged at all but rather bottled within 60 days of distillation. It is clear, with a light agave flavor profile accented by zesty citrus and pepper notes.

Reposado (straw-hued) is aged in oak barrels for two months to a year. It has a rich color and evokes roasted agave on the palate, with an enhanced woody taste due to the oaking process.

Añejo (dark brown) is aged for up to three years in oak barrels that previously held bourbon or whiskey. The prolonged aging imparts distinct flavors of dried fruits, warm spices, vanilla, and nuttiness to the spirit that can only be achieved with extended barrel rest. 

Extra añejo (dark brown) is the most mature category of tequila since it's aged for more than three years in oak barrels. These ultra-premium bottlings can be intensely reminiscent of caramel and chocolate, flavors that are extracted over time from the aging process, and which make them perfect for sipping neat rather than thrown back quickly for a shot. Their delightful, layered aromas can also be enjoyed in cocktails like Patron's The Oldest Fashioned.

After you've decided on a tequila brand, how should you ask for it at the bar? Try ordering it neat to start. For the best experience possible, look for single-origin tequilas, often crafted from the hearts of agave plants grown on small family farms. These artisanal products boast complex and unique flavor profiles thanks to their terroir.

Ask for the brand name first, then note your ordering preference ("Don Julio Añejo neat, please"). The bartender will usually serve you 2 ounces of tequila in a tumbler or fluted glass. Don't be put off if the drink isn't as cold as you might have expected, though. Tequila is best served at 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature (and lack of other additives or flavors) will allow you to pick out each note while appreciating all the hard work that goes into crafting every bottle.

Want to get more out of the spirit? Order stronger bottlings "neat with a splash of water." However, Alba Huerta, co-owner of Houston's award-winning agave-centric bar The Pastry War, warned VinePair that this should only be done if the tequila you're drinking is over 80 proof. A splash of water in higher-alcohol tequilas helps express a broader array of flavors, allowing your palate to pick up on individual notes more easily. Talk about a pro move.