Tequila 101: Your Guide to a Perfect Night Out with Wise Selections, Sipping Techniques, and Food Pairings

It was just one of those nights out in Poblacion Makati with friends. We discovered a new joint called Apotheka, to which MIAOW invited us. As the night went on, I was contemplating what to drink and ended up talking about it with Mia Ayesa, and the rest is tequila history. Anyway, I’m a night creature, from DJing to not getting too intoxicated but still having a nice time, to food trips. Please bear with me since this is my first piece for Midnight Rebels.

For a night out, many people choose tequila, and for good reason. This blue agave-based distilled alcohol has a long history and distinctive flavor that have made it a favorite among drinkers all around the world. Here are some suggestions to help you get the most out of your tequila experience if you’re planning a night out and considering it as your preferred beverage.

Make wise tequila selections
Making a sensible tequila selection is the first step to having a fantastic night out with tequila. Tequila comes in a wide variety of flavors and aromas, ranging from blanco (unaged) to extra anejo (aged for at least three years). Start with a blanco or reposado (aged for at least two months) if you’ve never tried tequila before to obtain a sense of the spirit’s flavor profile. Try trying with various tequila varieties as you gain experience with it to discover your favorite.

Here are my top 3 tequila recommendations.

• “Sip like a boss with Don Julio!” – Don Julio is a premium tequila brand that offers a smooth and complex taste that’s perfect for sipping. Plus, with a name like Don Julio, you’ll feel like a boss every time you take a sip.
• “Jose Cuervo: The tequila that’s been around longer than your ex!” – Jose Cuervo is one of the most well-known and historic tequila brands in the world, with a history dating back to 1795. It’s been around longer than most relationships, so you can trust that it knows what it’s doing when it comes to tequila!
• “Patrón: Not just a tequila, it’s a lifestyle!” – Patrón is more than just a tequila brand; it’s a symbol of luxury and high living. With its smooth taste and premium quality, Patrón is the perfect choice for those who want to live life to the fullest.

Drink, Don’t Fire
The secret to sipping tequila is to sip rather than shoot. Tequila should be savored slowly and in little sips so that you can fully appreciate the flavor and aroma. Tequila shooting can be a rough and unpleasant experience because of the strong alcohol content and the abrupt jolt to the senses that might result in a sour face and pain.

Fun Fact: When you first try tequila, the distinct flavor and high alcohol level can be rather overwhelming, especially if you’re not used to it. Your taste buds may react by making you pull a face, almost as a reflex movement. It’s as if they’re performing a small dance routine in your mouth, and it can be a little too much for your face muscles to manage! Making a face when drinking tequila is a natural reaction to its distinct flavor profile and intensity.

Tequila and Food Pairing
Tequila is a fantastic beverage to have while dining because of its earthy and smoky flavor, which complements a variety of foods. Widely consumed pairings include seafood, grilled meats, and spicy Mexican cuisine. If you plan to drink tequila on a night out, pair it with food or snacks to maximize your enjoyment.

Stay hydrated
Tequila can dehydrate you like any alcoholic beverages, which might cause a headache and other unpleasant symptoms. Make sure to stay hydrated all night long by sipping water in between tequila drinks to avoid this. In addition to making you feel better the next day, doing this will enable you to fully appreciate the tequila experience without becoming overly drunk.

Having fun responsibly
Last but not least, always remember to drink tequila responsibly. Tequila overdose can cause sluggishness, loss of coordination, and an improvement in dancing abilities. Pace yourself, drink moderately, and always have a designated driver or make other safe transportation arrangements if you want to have a fun and safe night out.

Tequila might be a fantastic pick for a night out because of its distinctive flavor and fascinating history. You may have a great and pleasurable night out with tequila by selecting your tequila properly, sipping rather than shooting, matching it with food, remaining hydrated, and enjoying it sensibly. Cheers!