Tequila: To Shot or Not
3 min read

Tequila: To Shot or Not

The Great Tequila Debate

For decades, tequila has been synonymous with the shot glass, a quick pour, a lick of salt, a wedge of lime, and down it goes. But is that really the best way to experience one of Mexico's most celebrated spirits? We think it's time to reconsider.

The Case for Shooting Tequila

There's no denying the ritual. The salt-tequila-lime sequence (known as "lick, shoot, suck") is a rite of passage for many. For blanco tequilas, young, unaged, and punchy, a cold shot can be a perfectly enjoyable experience. The sharp agave bite, the citrus chaser, the communal energy. It has its place.

The Case Against Shooting Premium Tequila

Here's the thing: shooting a proper sipping Blanco, Reposado, premium añejo or extra añejo tequila is a bit like gulping down a fine single malt whisky. You're bypassing everything that makes it special, the nose, the palate, the long finish developed through years of barrel ageing.

Premium tequilas are crafted to be sipped. Slowly. From a proper glass, a Glencairn, a snifter, or even a wide-mouthed copita, which allows the aromas to open up. Notes of vanilla, caramel, roasted agave, dried fruit, and oak deserve your full attention.

How to Sip Tequila Like a Pro

If you're ready to elevate your tequila experience, here's where to start:

  • Choose the right expression. Premium Blanco, Reposado, añejo, and extra añejo are your sipping tequilas. 
  • Use the right glass. Ditch the shot glass. A tulip-shaped glass concentrates the aromas and lets you appreciate the full complexity.
  • Nose it first. Hold the glass at chin level and breathe in gently. Let the alcohol dissipate and find the layers beneath.
  • Take small sips. Let the liquid coat your palate. Notice the sweetness, the spice, the finish.
  • Add a drop of water. Just like whisky, a small amount of water can open up the flavour profile significantly.

👉 Read: To learn more about sipping like a pro

The Verdict

To shoot or not to shoot? It depends entirely on what's in the glass. A blanco at a party? Shoot away. A 5-year extra añejo from a small-batch Jalisco distillery? Pour it into a proper glass, sit down, and give it the respect it deserves.

At Tequila Brothers, we stock tequilas across the full spectrum from vibrant blancos built for mixing and shooting, to rare, aged expressions that demand to be savoured. Explore our tequila range and find your perfect pour.