Esquire Essentials: How to Take a Tequila Shot
Ditch the lime and the salt. We've got something better.
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A "tequila shot" belongs in the college years, with disastrous apartments and way-too-late nights. A Tequila Shot, however, is the stuff of grown-up dinner parties and elegant bars that look professionally polished, not doused in thousands of spilled beers. For advice on how to make your next tequila shot smooth, not cringe-y, we tapped DeLeón Tequila's national educator, Jorge Raptis. Salud.
The Tequila
DeLeón Platinum Tequila
Most tequilas are best at room temperature or a bit chillier in order to get the full sensory experience, says Raptis, who puts his in the fridge until it's around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
"Chilling it too long causes the atoms to contract, sacrificing the aroma and taste of the agave. A slightly higher temperature provides a bit of evaporation, helping you to smell the full aroma of the tequila," he told us. "The flavor in your mouth and your nose interact, sending a signal to our cerebral cortex, creating the experience we perceive as flavor."
In other words, it'll taste better.
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The Chili Powder
Tajin Classic Seasoning
You've been reaching for the salt shaker alongside tequila since you were old enough to drink (or "old enough"). Rethink it for an elevated experience.
"A popular replacement is tajin chili powder. It's a great complement to the tequila, but provides a different sensory experience," Raptis said.
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The Citrus Chaser
Navel Orange
Likewise, replace that old-school slice of lime with a different type of citrus. Raptis recommends orange wheels for blanco tequila, or jicama sprinkled with the chili powder above.
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The Chocolate Chaser
Ghirardelli Intense Dark Chocolate
If you're serving tequila shots to finish dinner—best dessert ever, by the way—consider substituting dark chocolate in place of the more standard citrus chasers.
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The Food
Ceviche: Peruvian Kitchen by Martin Morales
In your younger, dumber years, tequila shots were something to throw back at a bar during an indeterminate time of the night. The adult way of taking them is more purposeful; the type of tequila you pour for guests will depend on what you're serving.
"Our DeLeón Platinum is great before a meal or paired with fresh, bright foods like ceviche," Raptis said. "Reposado pairs well with spicy food and barbecue."
Start cooking.
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