National Tequila Day presents the perfect opportunity to explore the vibrant world of Texan tequilas. While traditionally associated with Mexico, Texas has emerged as a notable player in the tequila industry, offering unique and flavorful spirits that capture the essence of the Lone Star State.
Texas-based tequila brands showcase the state’s craftsmanship and innovative spirit, creating high-quality agave spirits that rival their Mexican counterparts. These homegrown tequilas blend traditional production methods with Texan ingenuity, resulting in distinctive flavors that appeal to both connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike. From small-batch distilleries to larger operations, Texas tequila makers are making their mark on this beloved spirit.
1) Tequila 512
Tequila 512 stands out as a prominent Texas-based tequila brand. Though distilled in Mexico, its roots are firmly planted in the Lone Star State, contributing to Texas’s growing reputation in the tequila industry.
This triple-distilled spirit is crafted from 100% blue agave harvested from select locations in the central lowlands near the village of Tequila, Jalisco. The brand prides itself on producing a gluten-free, high-quality tequila.
Tequila 512 has garnered significant recognition for its exceptional taste. In a blind taste test, it earned the prestigious “Best in Show” and “Double-Gold” awards, with 41 judges unanimously agreeing on its superior quality among 88 competing top tequilas.
The brand offers a range of tequila expressions, each showcasing the rich flavors and smooth finish that have become synonymous with the Tequila 512 name.
Tequila 512, Austin, TX. Website: www.tequila512.com
2) T1 Tequila Uno
T1 Tequila Uno stands out as a premium Texas-based tequila brand. Created by Master Distiller German González, this tequila honors traditional Mexican methods while bringing a Texan twist to the spirit.
The brand uses 100% Blue Agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. This choice of agave contributes to the tequila’s distinctive flavor profile and smooth finish.
T1 Tequila Uno offers a range of expressions, including blanco, reposado, and añejo. Each variant showcases unique characteristics, from peppery and anise notes in the blanco to more complex flavors in the aged varieties.
Tasting notes for the blanco expression highlight agave, pepper, and anise flavors. The finish is described as warm without being overly hot, making it approachable for both novice and experienced tequila drinkers.
The brand emphasizes heritage and continuity, resulting in tequilas with an acquired pedigree. This commitment to quality and tradition has helped T1 Tequila Uno carve out a respected place in the competitive tequila market.
T1 Tequila Uno
Website: www.tequilauno.com
3) Dulce Vida Tequila
Dulce Vida Tequila stands out as a premium Texan tequila brand. This Austin-based company prides itself on producing organic, 100% blue agave tequila.
Dulce Vida offers a range of tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo varieties. Their lineup also features a unique 100-Proof Extra Añejo for tequila enthusiasts seeking a bolder flavor profile.
The brand’s commitment to quality is evident in their production process. Dulce Vida tequilas are handcrafted in the Los Altos (Highlands) region of Mexico, known for its ideal agave-growing conditions.
Dulce Vida has expanded its offerings to include flavored tequilas and ready-to-drink cocktails. These products showcase the brand’s innovative approach to tequila production.
For those interested in trying Dulce Vida Tequila, the company’s headquarters is located in Austin, Texas.
Dulce Vida Tequila
Address: 3601 S Congress Ave 200, Austin, TX 78704
Owner: Eric Dopkins
4) Ranch Rider Spirits
Ranch Rider Spirits Co. has made a name for itself in the Texas craft beverage scene since its founding in 2019. The company originated from a food truck in Austin, bringing a unique twist to the spirits market.
Ranch Rider specializes in premium spirit-based seltzers, blending high-quality spirits with sparkling water and fresh-squeezed citrus. Their products contain no added sugar, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
The brand’s offerings include a Ranch Water and Tequila Paloma, both popular choices for tequila enthusiasts. These ready-to-drink cocktails capture the essence of classic Texan flavors in convenient canned form.
Ranch Rider also produces a tequila infused with real coconut and guava, showcasing their innovative approach to spirits. This blend creates a unique flavor profile, perfect for crafting Mexican-inspired cocktails.
For those celebrating National Tequila Day, Ranch Rider Spirits provides a taste of Texas in every can. Their products offer a convenient way to enjoy premium tequila-based drinks without sacrificing quality or flavor.
Ranch Rider Spirits Co., Austin, TX. Website: www.ranchriderspirits.com
5) Seven Caves Spirits Tequila
Seven Caves Spirits brings a taste of Texas to the tequila world. This San Antonio-based distillery crafts small-batch tequilas with a Lone Star twist.
Their lineup includes a crisp blanco, a smooth reposado, and a rich añejo. Each expression showcases the distillery’s commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Seven Caves sources its blue weber agave from Mexico’s tequila region. They then distill and age the spirits in Texas, infusing them with local character.
The blanco offers clean agave flavors with hints of citrus and pepper. The reposado develops subtle oak notes from barrel aging. The añejo provides complex flavors of caramel and vanilla.
Tequila enthusiasts appreciate Seven Caves’ attention to detail and authentic production methods. Their spirits make excellent choices for sipping neat or mixing in cocktails.
Seven Caves Spirits, 11335 Wetmore Rd, San Antonio, TX 78216. Website: www.sevencavesspirits.com
6) G4 Tequila
G4 Tequila stands out as a rising star among Texas tequila brands. Crafted with precision and passion, this spirit embodies the rich heritage of Mexico while embracing Texan innovation.
G4 Tequila is the brainchild of Felipe Camarena, a fourth-generation master distiller. His expertise shines through in every bottle, resulting in a smooth and authentic tequila experience.
The brand has gained recognition for its commitment to traditional methods and sustainable practices. G4 Tequila uses rainwater and spring water in its production process, contributing to its unique flavor profile.
Tequila enthusiasts appreciate G4 for its additive-free approach, ensuring a pure and unadulterated taste. This dedication to quality has helped the brand become one of the fastest-growing tequila labels in the United States.
On National Tequila Day, G4 Tequila offers an excellent choice for celebrations. Its range includes blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions, catering to various preferences.
G4 Tequila
Address: Not available
Website: www.g4tequila.com
7) Republic Tequila
Republic Tequila combines Mexican tradition with Texan ingenuity. This Austin-based brand offers a range of 100% blue agave tequilas that honor their Mexican heritage while embodying the spirit of Texas.
The company’s portfolio includes four distinct varieties: Plata, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo. Each tequila is crafted with care and precision to deliver a unique flavor profile.
Republic Tequila’s signature bottle design, shaped like the state of Texas, sets it apart on store shelves. This iconic packaging pays homage to the brand’s Lone Star roots.
While the agave is sourced from Jalisco, Mexico, Republic Tequila’s production process incorporates Texan innovation. The tequilas are distilled in small batches to ensure quality and consistency.
In 2018, Republic Tequila joined the Dripping Springs Distilling portfolio, further solidifying its connection to the Texas spirits industry.
Contact: Republic Tequila, 5330 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78751
Website: www.republictequila.com
8) El Nacimiento Tequila
El Nacimiento Tequila brings a touch of luxury to Texas’ tequila scene. This brand prides itself on crafting ultra-premium spirits using the finest blue agave plants from a small family farm in Mexico.
El Nacimiento offers three classic tequila expressions: Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo. Their Blanco tequila retails for $49.99, showcasing the pure essence of blue agave.
The brand’s philosophy centers on treating tequila as a simple luxury meant for sipping rather than shooting. El Nacimiento aims to transform the finest blue agave into an elegant spirit that feels like “class in a glass.”
With a commitment to quality and tradition, El Nacimiento Tequila combines heritage with modern craftsmanship. The result is a smooth, refined tequila that honors its Mexican roots while appealing to discerning Texan palates.
Tequila enthusiasts can explore El Nacimiento’s offerings to experience a taste of luxury on National Tequila Day or any occasion calling for a premium agave spirit.
Website: elnacimientotequila.com
9) Desert Door Texas Sotol
Desert Door Texas Sotol offers a unique twist on the Texan spirits scene. While not technically tequila, this sotol brings a taste of the Lone Star State to National Tequila Day celebrations.
Sotol is crafted from the Desert Spoon plant, native to Texas. Desert Door wild-harvests, distills, and bottles their spirit entirely within the state, creating a truly local product.
The flavor profile of Desert Door Original Texas Sotol is often compared to premium tequila. It features bright notes of vanilla and green grass on the nose, with distinct flavors of toffee, mint, and orange zest on the palate.
This ranch-to-glass spirit contains no added sugars, artificial flavors, or colors. It offers a more flavorful alternative to tequila and a softer experience than mezcal.
Visitors can experience Desert Door’s commitment to Texas heritage and craftsmanship at their facility in Driftwood.
Desert Door Texas Sotol
211 Darden Hill Rd, Driftwood, TX 78619
www.desertdoor.com
(512) 829-6129
10) Calle 23 Tequila
Calle 23 Tequila stands out among Texas-based tequila brands for its commitment to traditional methods and passion for craftsmanship. Founded by a team with a simple philosophy, this brand focuses on creating exquisite tequila.
The company produces several varieties of tequila, each showcasing the unique characteristics of agave grown in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Calle 23’s lineup includes blanco, reposado, and añejo expressions.
One of Calle 23’s standout offerings is their Criollo Blanco, a high-proof tequila that has garnered attention for its exceptional quality. This additive-free spirit is known for its silky texture and intense flavors.
Calle 23 Tequila embraces the motto “Tequila makes us smarter, so drink smart,” emphasizing responsible enjoyment of their products. The brand’s dedication to quality has earned it a reputation as one of the best value-for-money tequilas available.
Website: www.tequilacalle23.com
Understanding the Craft of Texan Tequilas
Texan tequilas embody the spirit of the Lone Star State while honoring traditional Mexican production methods. These craft spirits combine locally-sourced ingredients with time-honored techniques to create unique flavor profiles.
The Distillation Process
Texan tequila distilleries employ both traditional and innovative methods. Many use copper pot stills for small-batch production, preserving the agave’s delicate flavors. Some distilleries opt for column stills to achieve higher alcohol content and smoother textures.
Hand-bottling and labeling are common practices, reflecting the artisanal nature of Texas tequila production. This hands-on approach allows for meticulous quality control at every stage.
Aging processes vary, with some tequilas rested in oak barrels to impart additional complexity. Others are bottled unaged to showcase the pure agave flavor.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
Texas tequilas often incorporate locally-sourced ingredients to create distinctive taste profiles. While blue agave remains the primary component, some producers experiment with native Texas plants to add unique notes.
The state’s diverse terroir influences the final product. Tequilas from different regions may exhibit subtle variations in flavor due to soil composition and climate.
Water sources play a crucial role, with many distilleries using pure Texas spring water. This contributes to the tequila’s smoothness and mineral content.
Some Texan tequilas feature hints of citrus, vanilla, or spice, reflecting the state’s culinary heritage. These flavors are carefully balanced to complement the agave’s natural sweetness.
Pairing Texan Tequilas with Cuisine
Texan tequilas offer unique flavor profiles that complement a variety of dishes and can be used to create distinctive cocktails. Exploring these pairings enhances the tequila-drinking experience and showcases the versatility of these homegrown spirits.
Perfect Food Combinations
Texan tequilas pair exceptionally well with grilled meats, seafood, and traditional Tex-Mex fare. Blanco tequilas, with their crisp, citrusy notes, complement ceviche, grilled shrimp, or fish tacos. The bright flavors cut through rich dishes and enhance fresh, zesty ingredients.
For aged expressions like reposados or añejos, consider pairing with heartier dishes. Barbecued brisket, ribeye steak, or slow-cooked carnitas match the smoky, caramel notes of these tequilas. The complex flavors in both the spirit and the food create a harmonious balance.
Vegetarian options aren’t left out. Roasted vegetables, especially those with a slight char, pair nicely with most Texan tequilas. Try grilled portobello mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for a satisfying combination.
Creating Texan-Inspired Tequila Cocktails
Texan tequilas shine in cocktails that incorporate local ingredients and flavors. A Lone Star Margarita features Texan tequila, fresh lime juice, and a splash of grapefruit soda for a refreshing twist on the classic.
For a spicy kick, try a Jalapeño Paloma. Muddle jalapeño slices with Texan blanco tequila, add grapefruit juice and a touch of agave nectar. Top with soda water for a fizzy, flavorful drink.
Consider a Texan Tequila Old Fashioned using an aged Texan tequila. Replace the whiskey with tequila, add a dash of mole bitters, and garnish with an expressed orange peel for a sophisticated sipper.
Experiment with local fruits like peaches or blackberries to create unique tequila-based cocktails that showcase Texas’s agricultural bounty alongside its spirits.