Infused Tequila vs. Traditional Tequila: What’s the Difference?

Tequila, as you probably know, is an iconic spirit from the magical land of Mexico. It has been around for centuries. What started as a humble fermented beverage made from the blue agave plant has now become a world-renowned liquor that has also become a staple in cocktails and celebrations. While many tequila enthusiasts are familiar with conventional tequila, infusions are now the star of the show. Infused Tequila vs. Traditional Tequila: What’s the Difference? Let’s find out!

What is Traditional Tequila?

Conventional tequila is crafted from the blue agave plant that predominantly grows in Jalisco, Mexico. Mexican law states that a product can only be called “tequila” if it is produced in specific regions, such as Jalisco, and contain at least 51% blue agave. There are multiple variants of this beverage, including Blanco, Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo.
Here is a list of the key steps of producing traditional tequila.

1.    Harvesting the Agave: The heart of the blue agave plant is called the pina. It is harvested after years of growth and carefully cut and prepared for fermentation.

2.    Cooking and Extracting Juice: The pina is cooked to break down the starches into sugars, which are then extracted to create the agave juice.

3.    Fermentation: The agave juice is fermented to convert the sugar content into alcohol. This is usually done with yeast. The process can last several days.

4.    Distillation: The fermented juice of agave is distilled twice or even three times to purify and concentrate the alcohol, resulting in the final liquor.

5.    Aging: Based on the type of tequila, it may then be aged in wooden barrels to achieve more complex flavors, such as the ones you get from Reposado, Anejo, or Extra Anejo variants.

The resulting spirit has a clean and earthy profile, highlighting the distinct properties of the blue agave plant. The flavors can be sweet and fruity in Blanco, making it perfect for a tequila shot. Alternatively, more aged tequila tends to exude complex and woody aromas.

What is Tequila Infusion?

Infused Tequila vs. Traditional Tequila: What’s the Difference? Tequila infusions are a more recent innovation that involves adding fruits, herbs, spices, or other botanicals in the traditional tequila base. The infusion process enhances the flavor profile of the drink by allowing it to take on the flavors of the added ingredients. This may include subtle notes of citrus, mango, and watermelon, such as the ones you can buy from Tequila Travesuras.

There are also other bold and exotic flavors like hibiscus, jalapeno, and even coffee.
You may be wondering why there is no explanation of the infusion process. Well, the methods that we follow are a trade secret, and this secret has allowed us to win the hearts and minds of hundreds and thousands of tequila lovers like you. Besides, infusions can be created at home, too, and everyone uses different techniques.

In any case, infused tequila gives you a more experimental approach to its traditional counterpart discussed earlier. Infusions make tequila more approachable, especially for folks who are new to it or others exploring innovative flavor profiles.

Differences Between Traditional Tequila and Infusions

Both types of tequila have been discussed. Now, it is time to break down the differences between the two.

• Flavor Profile: Traditional tequila, especially Blanco, has a pure agave flavor with earthy, sweet, and spicy notes. Infusions, however, contain added flavors from fruits, herbs, spices, or botanicals.
• Aging Process: Traditional tequila, particularly varieties like Reposado, Anejo, and Extra Anejo, relies on the aging process to develop unique flavor profiles. There is no aging process associated with infusions, though. Instead, the flavors are extracted via infusion in a relatively short period.
• Use in Cocktails: Classic cocktails are usually prepared using traditional tequila. After all, in these cocktails, the flavor of tequila is the star. Infusions, on the other hand, help you create fun-filled, experimental cocktails.
• Versatility: When it comes to flavor profiles, infusions always stand out because they offer a broader range of mixology possibilities. Infusions allow you to make exclusive cocktails, whereas standard tequila offers classic simplicity.
• Alcohol Content: Both tequila variants maintain the same alcohol content, which is typically about 40% ABV. In tequila infusions, the added ingredients may remove the prominent taste of alcohol, though.

Which One Will You Choose?

So, Infused Tequila vs. Traditional Tequila: What’s the Difference? You already know the answer, but which one will you choose? Ultimately, it comes down to personal preferences. Purists tend to favor the traditional flavor of agave. These people love to sip tequila straight or in classic cocktails. However, there are folks who love to indulge in experimental mixology. They love to combine unique flavors to come up with inventive cocktails. These individuals will definitely prefer infusions.

Whether you prefer the robust and earthy character of traditional tequila or the bold and inventive flavors of infusions, both options offer a delightful drinking experience. The next time restock your liquor cabinet, consider exploring the world of tequila infusions and discover the endless possibilities it can bring to your cocktail repertoire.

FAQs

Q1. Can infused tequila be used in classic cocktails like margaritas or palomas?

A1. Yes, you can use infused tequila in classic cocktails. It adds a twist of flavor, creating a more customized version of the original drink without changing its core identity.

Q2. How long do tequila infusions typically last after opening?

A2. Infused tequila usually remains fresh for several months when stored in a cool, dark place. However, flavors may fade over time, especially if fresh ingredients were used in the process.

Q3. Does infused tequila contain artificial flavors or sweeteners?

A3. That depends on the producer. Some infused tequilas use natural ingredients, while others may add artificial flavors or sweeteners. Always check the label or ingredient list before buying.

Q4. Are there any traditional methods used to make tequila infusions?

A4. Some producers follow traditional steeping techniques, where fruits or spices are soaked in tequila for days or weeks. The process varies widely and often reflects local or personal flavor preferences.

Q5. Can infused tequila be made using aged tequila like Reposado or Anejo?

A5. Yes, aged tequila can be used for infusions. Doing so adds depth and complexity. However, most infusions use Blanco as a neutral base to highlight the added flavors more clearly.