One of the fun things to do when traveling is to try local food and drinks. It allows you to experience the dishes’ authentic flavors. But some places offer a wide range of delicious cuisines and booze making it hard for you to decide.
Mexico, for example, is not only popular for its tacos, enchiladas, and other delectable Mexican dishes. Here at El Paso Restaurant, we serve a wide array of freshly made Mexican food in Springfield, Virginia. You can pair your food with our varieties of Mexican drinks—from tequila shots to glasses of margaritas.
Mexico is also famous for its agave spirits. These are alcoholic drinks with the highest alcohol by content (ABV), and undergo the process of distillation. Some of these Mexican spirits are probably in your bar already. But there are other drinks that you definitely have to try.
Tequila from Jalisco
You might have heard of this agave spirit because it’s the most common in the US. Over the last 15 years, the sales of tequila have increased. To enjoy the best tequila, it should contain 100 percent blue agave.
Tequila is a party favorite. You can simply sip it from your glass or take a shot with lime and salt. You’ll feel a burning sensation the moment it slides down your throat.
There are three common types of tequila depending on their aging time. Blanco or silver tequila is usually aged for less than two months and has a bold taste making it ideal for margaritas. Meanwhile, reposado and anejo age longer.
Reposado stays in oak barrels for up to one year; it’s perfect for mixed drinks or shots. Anejo’s aging takes even longer, which is up to three years. This type of tequila can be expensive, but its exceptional taste makes every penny worth it.
Mezcal from Oaxaca
This is another well-known Mexican spirit. Unlike tequila, mezcal can be made from different varieties of agave. It’s also worth noting that tequila is a type of mezcal.
You might have heard the myth about this drink containing a worm. In fact, distillers think that worms can degrade the quality of mezcals. Some bars only add in the slimy critter as a gimmick.
Mezcals have a smoky flavor due to its production process. You can’t buy a bottle of flavored mezcal, though. If you want the spirit to have a specific taste, you have to mix it into a cocktail or go to a mezcal bar.
Sotol from Chihuahua
Sotol is from a plant that looks like agave but is actually from the asparagus family: the Dasylirion. The spiky, succulent plant grows across the desert of Chihuahua, a city in Mexico. It started to gain popularity in America in 2016. This spirit undergoes a similar process as mezcals, but the difference is in its double distillation.
Each bottle of sotol may have 46 percent ABV or more. You can enjoy it straight because mixing it into a cocktail can ruin its characteristics. But if you want to add flavor to it, bartenders have developed recipes that complement the spirit’s distinctive flavor.
Mexico has a lot more spirits to offer. Don’t be afraid to try to explore them with your family and friends. While you’re waiting for an opportunity to visit the country, you can dine at our restaurant and have a taste of our selection of tequila and other beverages.
Contact us today to know more.
