Tequila is one of the most misunderstood spirits — and most of the bad experiences people have had come down to the wrong bottle, not the drink itself. Here's what to know before you pour.
Key takeaways
- Always buy 100% agave tequila — mixtos (only 51% agave) are behind most bad tequila memories.
- Blanco is the most versatile style and the best choice for margaritas and cocktails.
- The traditional salt-lick-shot-lime ritual exists to mask bad tequila — it's not needed with quality spirits.
- The Saltist Himalayan Salt Shot Glass enhances flavour rather than masking it — a completely different proposition.
- Mezcal is not a substitute for tequila — it's its own, extraordinary drink.
What actually makes tequila, tequila?
Tequila is made from blue agave plants grown in specific regions of Mexico — primarily the state of Jalisco. The agave hearts are harvested, cooked, crushed, fermented and distilled. The key distinction that affects quality: how much of the product comes from blue agave.
Tequilas labelled 100% agave or 100% de agave are made entirely from the blue agave plant. Mixtos — the cheaper end — are only required to be 51% agave, with the rest made up from other sugars. Most regrettable tequila experiences involve a mixto. Start with 100% agave and you're already in a different category.
What's the difference between blanco, reposado and añejo tequila?
Blanco (silver): Unaged or aged less than two months. Clear, bright, with the most direct expression of the agave plant. Best for margaritas and cocktails — the most versatile style.
Reposado: Rested in oak barrels for two months to one year. Warmer, more complex, with subtle vanilla and wood notes. Good for sipping or cocktails where more depth is wanted.
Añejo: Aged one to three years. Richer, darker, often compared to whisky in complexity. Best sipped slowly without much added.
Extra Añejo: Aged more than three years. The premium end of the spectrum — treat it like a fine spirit.
Why does good tequila not need a salt rim?
The traditional salt-lick-shot-lime sequence was developed to mask the harshness of low-quality, mixto tequila. With a good blanco, you don't need it — the spirit is smooth enough to sip straight.
This is what makes the Saltist Himalayan Salt Shot Glass a different proposition entirely. It's not masking anything — it's enhancing. The natural mineral salt of the glass rounds out the agave flavour the way good seasoning rounds out food. It's a complement, not a cover.
Which tequila brands are worth knowing?
Entry to mid-range: Olmeca Altos Plata, Espolòn Blanco, El Jimador Blanco.
Mid-range: Patrón Silver, Casamigos Blanco, Don Julio Blanco.
Worth the splurge: Fortaleza Blanco, G4 Blanco, Tequila Ocho Plata.
These are starting points — single-estate and small-batch tequilas are an entire world worth exploring once you've found your footing.
What's the difference between tequila and mezcal?
Mezcal is tequila's smokier, more complex cousin. Where tequila uses blue agave cooked in ovens, mezcal is traditionally made by roasting the agave in underground pits — which gives it its distinctive smoky character. It can also be made from a wider variety of agave species, making it more varied and expressive.
Mezcal is not a substitute for tequila in a margarita — it's a genuinely different drink. But in a Saltist salt glass, it's extraordinary. The salt and smoke combination is worth experiencing.
How do you drink tequila properly?
With a good blanco, a Saltist Himalayan Salt Shot Glass, and a lime wedge on the side if you want it. Take a sip. Notice what the tequila actually tastes like when nothing is in the way. That's usually the moment people understand what all the fuss is about.
Frequently asked questions
What does 100% agave mean on a tequila label?
It means the tequila is made entirely from blue agave with no other sugars added. This is the quality marker to look for — 100% agave tequilas are noticeably smoother, more complex and less likely to cause a rough morning.
What's the best tequila for margaritas?
Blanco. Its bright, clean agave character works best with lime and triple sec. Good options: Espolòn Blanco, Olmeca Altos Plata, Patrón Silver.
Should you sip or shoot tequila?
With quality 100% agave tequila, sipping is the right call — it lets you actually taste what you're drinking. Shooting is fine for blanco; añejo and extra añejo should always be sipped.
Does the Saltist salt glass work with mezcal?
Yes — exceptionally well. The natural mineral salt of the Himalayan salt glass and the smokiness of mezcal are a combination worth experiencing. Try it with a good mezcal joven.
Why did tequila give me a headache?
Almost certainly a mixto — a tequila that's less than 100% agave. The additives and other sugars in mixtos are what cause most tequila hangovers. Switch to 100% agave and the experience changes considerably.
What glass is best for drinking tequila?
The Saltist Himalayan Salt Shot Glass is the best vessel for tequila — the natural mineral salt enhances the agave flavour with every sip, in a way no standard shot glass can replicate.
