Using Tequila in Cooking
Chances are you’ve used wine, sherry and beer in some of your favorite recipes. But have you branched out and cooked with other liquors? July 24 is National Tequila Day so why not cook some great dishes using tequila? There’s plenty of time for margaritas later!
What is Tequila?
Tequila is the fermented juice of the agave plant grown in designated areas of Mexico and was the first spirit distilled in North America. Mexico is the only country allowed to call their distilled agave plant drink as pure Tequila.
You’ve probably seen Tequila in different colors – from clear to golden brown. The color depends on how much agave juice is in it. There are also different grades of tequila that refer to how long the liquor has been aged. Yes – Tequila is aged similar to wine! Blanco Tequilas just “rest” for awhile in wood or stainless steel vats and will be fruitier and have a taste similar to pure agave. Reposado Tequila is an aged tequila that is stored in wood barrels for two to twelve months and is a ‘high’ grade of tequila. Reserva Tequila is aged for five to 10 years.
You may have heard of “mezcal” as well – it’s not a true tequila since it can be made from agave plants growing all over Mexico. While tequila is made from steamed agave hearts, the plants are roasted for mezcal so they have different a flavor as well. So, don’t substitute one for the other in recipes.
TIP: If you don’t want to buy an entire bottle of tequila for a recipe – buy one of the small, airplane-sized bottles. You can find them easily at the liquor store.
Recipes With Tequila
Is there anything better than gooey, melted cheese? We didn’t think so. This recipe for Queso Fundido is wonderful for a crowd or as a melted cheese for tacos.
Tequila is great to use in marinades for meat. Try this Tequila Marinated Sirloin Steak when you’re going to grill.
If you’re feeling really adventurous – here are 100 ways to cook with Tequila. How about Tequila Sunrise Cupcakes? Tequila Lime Mussels? Why not top some of that delicious summer sweet corn with Tequila Lime Butter?
We promised there was time for Margaritas – so here is a great margarita recipe from Mexican food master Rick Bayless. His old-fashioned Margarita (using Cointreau) is here.
Don’t forget you can get your favorite Tequila at Coborn’s liquor stores or delivered right to you door from CobornsDelivers. What’s your favorite way to use Tequila?
Stop in and see what’s Fresh! Coborn’s is an employee-owned grocer operating throughout the Upper Midwest. For over 90 years, we’ve been striving for unmatched customer service, high quality products and convenience.
If you want to save time on grocery shopping in the Twin Cities – CobornsDelivers can help by delivering groceries to your door! We deliver fresh-cut produce, restaurant-quality meats, straight from the farm dairy and a full line of national and store brand grocery and household products — not to mention a hand-picked selection of wine, beer and spirits — to homes and businesses throughout the Twin Cities.
