We’ve heard over and over again that tequila is an excellent drink to pair with Mexican or Tex-Mex foods, but what you may not know is that tequila actually pairs well with a variety of foods outside of the Mexican and Tex-Mex genre. In fact, many food aficionados and chefs throughout the States view tequila as a complex spirit and create dazzling meals to be paired with the delicious drink.
In order to pair tequila with your food you first need to analyze the tequila’s flavors—Is it fruity? Herbal? Spicy? Delicate?—and then try to match the drink’s flavors with that of the food. Hot and spicy foods work wonderfully with tequila. It also compliments seafood and citrus-based foods. Tequila’s powerful flavor embraces the neutral and acidic side of these foods.
Tequilas can also enhance many spices and herbs such as cinnamon, cloves, cumin, peppercorn, cayenne, and other sweet spices. Hot spices and chili peppers can be neutralized when combined with tequila. Acidic vegetables such as tomatoes, turnips, peppers, radishes, and spinach, also work well when paired with tequila.
Try pairing different types of IZKALI tequila with each food course.
Silver Tequila tastes delicious with a first course; it’s a great introduction to a meal and isn’t overwhelming in taste. This young tequila embodies the honest flavors of the agave up front; it is very, light, flavorful, and spicy. The tequila goes down very smoothly and the spiciness of the tequila is neutralized with the spiciness of, for example, shrimp cocktail.
Meals to Pair with IZKALI Silver Tequila: Think light seafood like tilapia or shrimp marinated in tequila and lime, then grilled with butter and sprinkled with cilantro and salt.
Reposado tequila has more body, character, and a hint of smokiness that works beautifully with spicy foods, poultry, or pork.
Meals to Pair with IZKALI Reposado Tequila: Try braising chicken with a reduction of orange juice, tequila and honey then topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Añejo tequila is aged longer, giving it a more complex flavoring that pairs well with sweet foods, most desserts and chocolates. Coffee flavors can be drawn out with tequilas as well.
Meals to Pair with IZKALI Añejo Tequila: Pairing aged tequilas with desserts such as Chocolate Lava Cake with Raspberry sauce, Chocolate Truffles and Churros or Crepes with caramel sauce provide an unexpected flavor experience.
We want to know your thoughts on tequila and food pairings! Tell us which tequilas and foods you have enjoyed together!
