The World’s Best Tequila — Bottles And Recipes For Celebrating Cinco De Mayo

Americans love tequila—now, more than ever. Since 2002, volumes of the spirit have grown 158%. That’s an average climb of 6.1% year over year. In 2018 alone, according to the Distilled Spirits Council, 18.5 million 9-liter cases were sold in the US. Of course, no single holiday calls for agave spirit quite like Cinco De Mayo. The annual commemoration of the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over the French Empire is typically observed with cocktail in hand.

Admittedly, an extended period of self-isolation doesn’t seem like the ideal time for celebration. But Neil Grosscup, CEO + Master Blender of Tanteo Tequila, offers a few creative workarounds. In New York City he launched Party in Place, a charitable margarita delivery service. For less than $7 per cocktail, you can enjoy a full margarita party delivered to your door by a local bartender. The package includes a full bottle of his liquor, artisanal mixers, garnishes and a bag of tortilla chips. For everyone else, Grosscup has this advise for the holiday:

1. Have a Margarita.
2. Watch a Mexican sitcom – in these difficult times of COVID-19 I would recommend the dark comedy Club de Cuervos.
3. Learn some Mexican history; I am reading T.R. Fehrenbach’s Fire and Blood – a History of Mexico during the quarantine. Cinco De Mayo is not about Mexican Independence but about a battle in Pueblo Mexico against the invading French in the 1860’s. Mexico won the battle but not the war. However, this battle might have changed the course of history and caused the confederates to win the Civil war.

A prerequisite to all of this, naturally, is a great bottle of tequila. Here are some fine examples broken down by categories of interest:

^{Best Blanco Tequila — Ocho Plata ($40)}

This single estate bottling is a hallmark expression of highland tequila. It’s all there: citrus fruit, peppery tonalities and a clean finish. You’ll want to sip this one neat to fully appreciate the precision that went into its production.

^{Best Infusion Tequila — Tanteo Jalapeño ($40)}

The cleanest infused tequila on the market is made by hand in the hills of Jalisco. Utilizing a proprietary infusion process, the distillery dials in exacting flavor and heat profiles by the batch. This one emanates all the aromatics of a freshly chopped jalapeño without clouding the underlying agave notes anchoring each sip. An ideal way to add a slight kick to your next margarita.

^{Best Aged Tequila — Avión Reserva 44 ($160)}

As referenced by its name, this big, bold extra añejo matures in oak for a full 44 months. You’re left with a liquid comparable in color and aroma to an upmarket bourbon (caramel, vanilla, cinnamon—it’s all there). But in the sip is something quite distinct: earthy notes of green pepper, candied fruit, even a few herbal elements shine through before a smooth, elongated finish. Neither modifiers nor ice should be introduced here.

If you are looking to mix things up in the home bar, check out these relatively simple variations on the most classic of tequila preparations:

Spicy Sandia Margarita 

• 2 Oz. Tanteo Jalapeño Tequila 
• 2 Oz. Watermelon Purée 
• 1/2 Oz. Simple Syrup (Or Agave Nectar) 
• 1/2 Oz. Fresh Lime Juice 

Directions: Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne Coupe Glass. Garnish with watermelon slice

Pineapple Crush Margarita

• 1 ½ oz. Blanco Tequila 
• 3/4 oz. Fresh Lime Juice 
• 1/2 oz. Agave Nectar 
• 6-8 Mint Leaves 
• 4 Pineapple Chunks 
• 1 ½ oz Sparkling Wine

Directions: Muddle the mint and pineapple chunks in a cocktail shaker Combine remaining ingredients in a shaker with ice Shake well and strain into an iced-filled Highball glass Top with sparkling wine, garnish with a mint sprig.

Here’s to a happy and healthy Cinco de Mayo. ¡Salud!