4.9 How to Choose Tequila
Choosing tequila starts with the label: its sugar category and maturation class tell you more than its color or price. Here is a quick guide for planning drinks during a Riviera Maya stay.
Tequila is a well-known Mexican spirit that can be tasted in small sips. Salt, citrus and taking it as a shot are serving choices, not requirements. Choose an amount you are comfortable with and avoid drinking before swimming.
When comparing bottles, start with the label rather than a promise about price or hangovers. Tequila production is restricted to authorized areas, including State of Jalisco, Mexico. Its fermentable sugars include those from the Blue Agave plant; agave is not a cactus.
Agave VS Mixto
- 100% Agave Tequila
- Tequila Mixto (mixed)
Look for 100% Agave on the label. This means all its fermentable sugars come from blue agave. It does not mean drinking it prevents a hangover.
The other category, commonly called mixto, uses at least 51% blue-agave sugars.
Up to 49% can come from other permitted sugars. Alcohol is the main cause of hangovers; choosing a category or expensive bottle does not remove that risk.
5 Types of Tequila
Beyond these 2 categories, Tequila is further broken down into 5 types.
1. Tequila Silver – Blanco – Plata – White – Platinum
Blanco is unaged tequila and can belong to either sugar category. Compare the label, not just the bottle’s appearance.
2. Tequila Gold – Joven – Oro
Joven can blend blanco with aged tequila. Check the label for its category; gold color does not prove it is 100% agave or predict a hangover.
3. Tequila Reposado
Reposado matures in wood for at least two months.
4. Tequila Añejo (extra aged)
Añejo matures for at least one year; extra añejo for at least three years. For a yacht day, Regular includes open bar; Family offers cash bar or bottle options; Custom excludes drinks. Ask which upgrades are available before you upgrade your open-bar options and confirm the price. When comparing premium options, ask about: Available tequila and the specific product offered; bottle size and quoted cost.
Tell the team what you want for your selected package. Discuss the quantity and any extra charge when making your booking so the available option and final cost are agreed before your charter.
Additional Resources You May Find Useful
- Review the drinks included in your selected package
- Choose Your Charter
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- Wedding Cruises with H2oh Sun Cruises
