Tequila is more than just a drink enjoyed around the world, there are large amounts of craftmanship and traditions going into every sip. From Blanco tequila to gold tequila, the drink comes in different stages.
Each one is crafted very meticulously to result in a high-quality end product.
What Is Blanco Tequila?
Blanco tequilas are the youngest of all the levels of aged tequila. In fact, they can simply be described as unaged silver tequila.
It has a straightforward flavor and is often enjoyed in cocktails since it is a bit cheaper than other finer-aged tequilas that shouldn’t be wasted by being mixed into drinks.
How Is Blanco Tequila Made?
Tequila that is considered Blanco is bottled shortly after it has been distilled. The alcohol is made from the Weber blue agave plant or agave tequilana.
In the core of the blue agave plant, there is something called the piña. The piña is baked, juiced, fermented, and eventually distilled into what we know as tequila.
Best Mixes With Blanco Tequila
Unless you’re sipping on some añejo tequila, you probably won’t drink tequila neat. Therefore, since Blanco tequilas make the best mixers, here are some of the most common mixers you can enjoy with unaged tequila.
- Soda or Seltzer Water – It pairs best with a seltzer that has a tad higher salt content.
- Grapefruit Soda – It is essentially a Paloma, and the bright citrus fruit flavors pair well with the tequila.
- Pineapple juice – Pineapple juice adds a peppery tropical taste to any tequila as a base. Use fresh for best results.
- Orange Juice – Bright and citrusy, orange juice is great with tequila, fresh orange juice works best if you whip some air into it, creating a creamy taste.
Blanco Tequila Uses
Blanco tequilas are the cheapest of all the different types of tequila since they haven’t been aged. Therefore, they have versatility and are useful in many different ways that one may not think of right away.
- Cocktail Drinks – Since they are cheaper than aged tequilas, Blanco tequilas are one of the best bases for mixed drinks. Its clear color and natural taste also make it perfect for blending with different flavors in many cocktail options.
- Shots and Sipping – With its natural flavor, Blanco tequilas will go down smoothly. You will still get the burning sensation of finer-aged tequilas, so it is best to pair the alcohol with some salt and lime.
- Cooking – Yes, you can cook with tequila. Following the same logic as with mixed drinks, it’s best to use Blanco tequilas since they aren’t as pricey and you’ll smother out some of the notes with the flavors of your food. From marinating olives in tequila to making tequila shrimp cakes, there’s a recipe for everything with a little bit of tequila in it.
- Personal Care – Alcohol is widely used in cosmetics and skincare. So, you can even make some personal care items with tequilas. An easy body scrub can be made by mixing coarse salt and any Blanco tequilas.
Top 15 Brands of Blanco Tequila
With so many making craft spirits or companies pushing out multiple brands of one drink, it’s difficult to distinguish the best brands of Blanco tequilas from the rest.
1. 123 Organic Blanco Tequila (Uno)
Considered one of the best tequilas in the world, this tequila has notes of banana, black pepper, and cooked agave.
The tequila also has intense piña fruit flavors, which are preferred amongst tequila purists. 123 Blanco Tequila averages at about $49 per bottle, and has a 40% ABV
2. Don Julio Blanco
Made from 100% Blue Agave plants, the Blanco tequila by Don Julio is not only well made, but it is also the base from which all their other tequilas are made.
It has a light, sweet agave flavor and is 40% ABV. It sells for around $52 per bottle.
3. Espolon Tequila Blanco
Rated as one of the best value for your money Blanco tequilas, Espolon retails for around $20 per bottle. The tequila has a light-to-medium body with hints of vanilla and pepper with a 40% ABV.
4. Tres Agaves Blanco Tequila
If you would like to sip on a citrusy sweet tequila responsibly, then try this Blanco tequila by Tres Agaves. The brand of tequila is grown and bottled organically in Tequila Valley in Mexico. It has a 40% ABV and a $30 price tag.
5. El Tesoro Tequila Blanco
If you’re looking for an earthy vegetal taste, the Blanco tequila by El Tesoro is meant for you. With 40% ABV and a $45 price tag, this tequila is worth trying on the rocks or in a margarita.
6. Tequila Ocho Plata
Plata is the Blanco tequila in the Hispanic Owned ranga by Ocho. With fresh and bright flavors, Plata has 40% ABV and averages at $50 a bottle.
7. Clase Azul Plata
Clase Azul Plata is a Blanco tequila you will want for your collection. It is not only beautifully presented in an intricate bottle, but it also has lemongrass and citrus aromas and is light-bodied.
This tequila is 40% ABV and is on the pricier side of the Blanco options at an average of $130m per bottle.
8. Mijenta Tequila Blanco
With notes of sweet melon and vanilla, the Blanco tequila by Mijenta is one of the more unique options. For $50 a bottle and at 40% ABV, you can enjoy this Blanco tequila on the rocks.
9. De Nada Tequila Blanco
If you’re wanting a tequila brand that stands out, De Nada is for you. Their Blanco tequila has notes of peach and grapefruit, and at around $40 a bottle and 40% ABV, you can’t go wrong.
10. Fortaleza Blanco Tequila
The Blanco tequila from Fortaleza is stone crushed and double distilled. Even with its complex flavors of cooked agave, butter, and olives, this tequila remains easy to drink at 40% ABV.
It’s a top-shelf tequila with an easy $55 price tag.
11. Casa Dragones Blanco
You might think the Blanco tequila by Casa Dragones would be heavy due to its name but it is surprisingly bright with an aftertaste of almonds. If you’re wanting to drink a tequila neat, this is the brand for you.
It is 40% ABV and around $77 per bottle, piquing the interest of celebs such as Ellen DeGeneres & Martha Stewart.
12. Casa Noble Blanco
Casa Noble is a Blanco tequila brand that promises kosher, organic, and certified clean industry tequila. At 40% ABV and $45 a bottle, you can expect notes of black pepper, citrus, and licorice.
13. Casamigos Blanco
Casamigos, now owned by Diageo, is the brainchild of George Clooney. This Blanco tequila has sweet flavors of vanilla and grapefruit, making it ideal for cocktails. The tequila is about $48 a bottle and has 40% ABV.
14. Fleca Azul Blanco Tequila
The secret to the distinct mature taste in the Blanco tequila by Fleca Azul is that their agaves are 8 years old before harvesting. With 40% ABV and hints of cooked agave and fruit, you can enjoy this tequila at $50 a bottle.
15. Siete Leguas Blanco
Siete Leguas Blanco was once the creator of Patron, another well-known tequila brand. Their Blanco tequila boasts flavors of cooked agave and earthy mineral tones. It is 40% ABV and around $50 a bottle.
5 Blanco Tequila Cocktail Recipes
1. Classic Blanco Margerita
This classic tequila cocktail is delicious with Blanco tequila. Gold tequila is often used in margaritas but is a bit sweeter, so if you want a bigger punch, try this recipe from Don Julio.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Blanco Tequila
- 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 0.5 oz simple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 Lime wedge
Instructions
- Add all ingredients along with some ice to a cocktail shaker and shake for a minute or two.
- Strain into glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Paloma
A Paloma is a thirst-quenching cocktail that consists of 3 refreshing ingredients. The Spruce Eats has the ideal recipe to make this for any hot summer’s day.
Ingredients
- Lime & Salt for an optional salt rim
- 2 oz Blanco tequila
- 1/4 to 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, to taste
- 4 oz grapefruit soda
Instructions
- If you’d like, rim a collin’s glass with salt by wetting it with a lime wedge and then dipping it into a shallow plate with salt spread over it.
- Add some fresh ice to the glass and add the tequila and lime juice.
- Top off with grapefruit soda.
3. Blanco Coco Tequila
Travel Distilled has a unique tropical cocktail that is refreshing and tasty. Try making it with one of the sweeter Blanco tequilas if you can, but any will do.
Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Tequila Blanco
- 1 oz Coconut Water
- 1/2 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with some ice and shake until cold.
- Strain into a glass with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel if desired.
3. Rosatini
Get ready for a mouthful of flavor, since this recipe by Calirosa is not one you will easily forget.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blanco Tequila
- 0.75 oz Maraschino Liqueur
- 0.75 oz Lime Juice
- 0.5 oz Pink Grapefruit
- 0.5 oz Sugar Cane Syrup
- 2 Dashes of Peychaud’s Bitters
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients along with some ice into a shaker and shake until cold.
- Strain into a coupe glass & serve.
5. Dreamcatcher
Umami Girl paired green chartreuse and Blanco tequila to create a spicy, citrusy, and highly drinkable cocktail to enjoy after a long day.
Ingredients
- 2 oz Blanco tequila
- ¾ oz green Chartreuse
- 1 oz freshly squeezed red grapefruit juice
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- Star anise, to garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice and add all the ingredients except the garnish into the shaker and shake until cold.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass, preferably an old-fashioned glass, and garnish with star anise.
How to Drink Blanco Tequila
You can drink Blanco tequilas in a variety of ways, including:
- Drinking it neat, as a shot.
- Mixing it in cocktails.
- Sipping it as is.
- With some salt and lemon.
- As a side to Sangrita – a sweet, spicy, and sour drink enjoyed in Mexico.
FAQ
What’s the Difference Between Blanco and Silver Tequila?
Silver tequilas are actually aged Blanco tequilas. So they are very similar with the only difference being the age of the tequila itself.
What Is the Best Blanco Tequila on the Market?
According to a lot of independent review websites, the best Blanco tequila so far is 123 Organic (Uno).
How Many Calories Are in One Shot of Blanco Tequila?
The calories in one shot of Blanco 100% agave tequila is around 97 calories. As long as it’s made with agave, you can count on tequila to be very low in calories
Does Blanco Tequila Give You Hangovers?
Although every person has a different metabolism that gives you a bit worse or better hangovers on certain liquors, 100% agave tequila has been shown to provide most people with the least bad hangover.
Conclusion
You might have thought gold tequila is the best tequila made, but Blanco tequila also has a special spot in the ranks. Not only is this tequila great for sipping, making margaritas, or cocktails in general, but it can also be used in cooking.
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