A Toast to Good Agave

Consuming alcohol is pretty bad for you, but if you're going to drink it anyway, you might as well pick tequila made with 100% agave. Why? It is one of the healthiest spirits around. Opting for a 100% agave tequila, as opposed to a Mixto or other spirit, means you get a drink free from additives.

According to the NIAAA, when you consume alcohol, your liver utilises an enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase to convert ethanol into acetaldehyde, a harmful byproduct and proven carcinogen. Some theories suggest that Tequila converts to acetaldehyde slower than other spirits. Research also reveals that 100% agave, additive-free tequila produces fewer secondary congeners and residual contaminants during fermentation than grain spirits, leading to less severe hangovers.

With all that in mind, here are some of my favourite tequila cocktail recipes.

My recommendations for Tequila to buy

1. Clase Azul Reposado, if you enjoy vanilla undertones (around 200 euros for 70 cl).
2. Don Julio Blanco Agave, for citrus and sweet undertones (around 60 euros for 70 cl).
3. Patrón Silver, known for its fresh agave flavour and hints of citrus (around 60 euros for 70 cl).

Spicy Margaritas

Spicy, strong, and delicious.

Ingredients: tequila, Cointreau or Grand Marnier, lime juice (ideally fresh), salt, Kashmiri chili powder or paprika, sugar syrup (optional).

Make the rim blend by combining a little Kashmiri chili powder (if you like a kick) or paprika with salt. Rim your margarita glasses with this blend.

1. In a shaker, add a generous amount of ice.
2. Add 60 ml of your tequila of choice.
3. Add 30 ml of Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
4. Add 30 ml of lime juice.
5. Add 7-15 ml of sugar syrup.
6. Shake until the shaker gets quite cold in your palms.

The Paloma

A perfect summer cocktail with its crisp, tart, and refreshing flavour.

Ingredients: tequila, lime juice (ideally fresh), salt, grapefruit soda (ideally zero sugar), coarse salt or Tajín (optional), ice.

Make the rim by running a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and rolling it in coarse salt or Tajín.

1. In the glass, drop a pinch of sea salt into the bottom.
2. Add 60 ml of your tequila of choice.
3. Add 15 ml of lime juice.
4. Fill the glass completely to the top with fresh ice.
5. Add 120-150 ml of grapefruit soda.
6. Stir gently once or twice so you do not lose the fizz.

Ranch Water

This one really allows the tequila and its flavours to carry the weight.

Ingredients: tequila, lime juice (ideally fresh), sparkling mineral water, ice, lime wedge (optional).

Make the rim (optional) by running a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and rolling it in salt or Tajín.

1. In a tall glass, add a generous amount of ice.
2. Add 60 ml of your tequila of choice.
3. Add 20 ml of lime juice.
4. Top the glass with 120-150 ml of chilled sparkling water.
5. Stir gently once or twice with a spoon to combine.
6. Garnish with a lime wedge if you like.

Give the patrons at your next gathering a treat with these recipes. Until next week, adiós.

Sources

Alcohol's Effects on Health, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Is There A Healthier Alcohol Choice? Here's What Experts Say, Healthandme