Tequila cocktails

Tequila can only be made from blue agave, and only in specific regions of Mexico, with Jalisco leading the way. That is where its vegetal, faintly peppery edge comes from — something no other spirit imitates convincingly.

Always look for the "100% agave" label: the difference from a mixto is not subtle, it is what separates a rounded Margarita from one that scrapes. Blanco is the freshest and what most citrus drinks ask for; reposado, with a few months in barrel, softens the edges and suits slower, after-dinner mixes.