Ceviche
Among all the dishes recommended by experts as ideal companions for tequila, ceviche consistently emerged as a favorite. A traditional Mexican ceviche typically features seafood such as shrimp or white fish marinated in lime juice, often combined with fresh tomatoes, cucumber, chilies, cilantro, and avocado. It can be enjoyed on its own or served with tostadas for scooping or piling the ceviche. Most experts we consulted agreed that the perfect tequila to pair with ceviche is a lively, zesty blanco.
Jen Mattioni, beverage director at the Michelin-starred Alma Fonda Fina and the soon-to-open Mezcaleria Alma, shared, "Blanco tequilas represent the purest form of agave and are generally bright and crisp, often with notes of citrus, baked agave, black pepper, or an herbaceous quality. I tend to seek out equally vibrant dishes to complement the tequila. Dishes like ceviche or other raw preparations pair beautifully." The light yet vibrant characteristics of blanco tequila enhance the freshness of the ceviche ingredients without overshadowing their delicate flavors.
Mixed nuts
Roasted nuts complement a wide range of alcoholic drinks, and tequila is no exception. The saltiness and oiliness of the nuts help to balance the bitterness of the alcohol. Sandro Anglas, the food and beverage assistant director at Grand Hyatt Playa del Carmen, shared, "I enjoy pairing tequila with mixed nuts, particularly those with a spicy kick. The crunch and heat create a perfect harmony with the smoothness of the tequila, making it my favorite combination."
Various types of nuts pair beautifully with tequila, including roasted peanuts, salty pistachios, and buttery cashews. To add some heat, consider enhancing your mixed nuts with a spicy twist by incorporating Tajín. This zesty chile-lime powder can provide a tangy burst to an otherwise plain bag of mixed nuts. When opting for a spicy pairing, a reposado tequila is an excellent choice. Aged in oak barrels for a minimum of two months, reposado tequila often carries a hint of sweetness from the agave, along with earthy and smoky notes that complement the richness of the nuts and the spicy chili powder.
Crab
For many of the experts we consulted, combining seafood with tequila is an obvious choice. One particularly delightful seafood option that pairs beautifully with tequila is crab. Beau du Bois, vice president of bar and spirits at Puesto and Roma Norte, remarked, "Exceptional tequilas can be quite subtle and exquisite, so when matched with fresh ocean flavors, the combination will delight you in all the right ways. I mean, king crab and Tapatio 110 Blanco ... good luck trying to keep me away."
Tequila blanco is an excellent option for crab dishes because its clean, agave-forward notes can elevate the delicate sweetness of the crab meat without overwhelming your taste buds. You can enjoy your crab cocktail, crab legs, or crab cakes alongside a glass of chilled tequila blanco on the rocks or a refreshing lime margarita. Additionally, you can incorporate tequila into a sauce for the crab, such as a rich tequila butter sauce or a tomato-based tequila cocktail sauce. Even creamy crab dips can be enhanced with a shot or two of tequila blanco.
Key lime pie
While sweet treats might not be the first pairing that comes to mind with tequila, you may be surprised by how well some desserts complement this spirit. Master mixologist and VinoVoss AI sommelier ambassador Nikki Bonkowski shared that tequila blanco pairs wonderfully with "refreshing or tart desserts like key lime pie." Both the tequila and key lime pie feature vibrant, citrusy notes, making them a delightful combination. Additionally, we already know that lime and tequila are a perfect match, as evidenced by margaritas and tequila shots with lime.
When it comes to unique and sometimes challenging pairings like tequila and desserts, Bonkowski provided some helpful tips for achieving the best combinations. She noted, "Not all tequilas have the same flavor profile, so it's important to focus on the distinct flavors present in each." She suggests identifying the dominant flavors in your dessert and selecting a tequila that shares similar notes or complements those flavors. "Understanding your desired outcome and working backward is the simplest way to navigate flavor blending," she advised.
Sushi
While sake is a classic choice to accompany sushi, tequila can introduce an exciting twist to your next sushi experience. Courtney Cheney, the beverage manager at Ocean Prime, shared that sushi and tequila blanco complement each other beautifully because "the freshness of the seafood combined with the clean, vibrant flavors of the tequila creates a truly distinctive pairing." Many tequila blancos feature citrusy and mineral notes that can balance the richness of fatty fish and fried tempura, as well as the creaminess of avocado and cream cheese.
Cheney also suggests exploring tequila cocktails alongside sushi. She noted, "Tequila cocktails can certainly be enjoyed with food, provided there's a harmonious balance of flavors. For instance, our Pineapple Picante cocktail pairs wonderfully with dishes like spicy tuna rolls or ahi tuna tartare—the spice and citrus in the drink elevate the bold flavors of the food." Other cocktails worth considering with sushi include margaritas and palomas, as their refreshing, fruit-forward profiles can enhance the sweet notes of the raw fish.
Cochinita pibil
Chef Octavio Enciso Sandoval of Boca del Cielo is a strong advocate for pairing tequila with traditional Mexican meat dishes. He explains that these dishes are quintessential and iconic representations of Mexico, much like tequila itself. One dish he particularly recommends is cochinita pibil. This robust pork dish hails from the Yucatán region and features pork shoulder or leg marinated in orange juice, achiote paste, and spices. The pork is then slow-cooked in banana leaves until it becomes tender enough to be easily shredded with a fork.
Generally, reposado tequilas are an excellent match for pork dishes. The aging process in oak barrels imparts spicy, woody flavors that enhance the natural sweetness of the pork. This combination works harmoniously with cochinita pibil, which offers sweetness from the orange juice, earthiness from the achiote, and herbal notes from the banana leaves. Additionally, reposado tequilas often contain tannins from the oak barrels, which can help balance the richness of fatty pork dishes like cochinita pibil.
Mole
Mole is a quintessential Mexican dish that pairs wonderfully with tequila. The term "mole" originates from the Aztec word "mulli," which simply means sauce. There are numerous variations of mole, many of which include ingredients such as dried chilies, tomatoes, onions, almonds, chocolate, and sesame seeds. These components are usually toasted, ground, and simmered into a rich sauce that can be served over meat. Moles come in a variety of styles and colors, ranging from spicy red and deep brown to vibrant green and even subtle pink.
When selecting a tequila to accompany your mole, consider the flavor profiles of the sauce and opt for a tequila that will harmonize with those flavors. For instance, if the mole has a spicy kick, a reposado might be a good choice. Nikki Bonkowski noted, "A reposado is naturally sweeter and can help soothe your palate after something spicy." An añejo tequila could also pair nicely with a rich, chocolatey mole. Añejo tequilas are aged for at least one year in oak barrels and often feature notes of vanilla, caramel, smoke, and oak, all of which can enhance the flavors of dark moles.
Grilled steak
Many tequila enthusiasts will agree that there's nothing quite like enjoying a fine glass of tequila alongside a robust grilled steak. Whether you're preparing a succulent ribeye, skewering kabobs, or quickly searing flank steak for fajitas or carne asada, a rich tequila can enhance the smoky, meaty flavors of the grilled dish. As Tiffany Trickett, supervisor at Rodrigo's Mexican Grill, puts it, "Any steak dish pairs wonderfully with tequila. I guarantee you'll be pleasantly surprised."
Trickett recommends complementing steak with a bold añejo tequila. The aging process imparts añejo tequila with intricate flavor profiles, including toasted wood, vanilla, caramel, and spice, which harmonize beautifully with fatty cuts of red meat. If you're using a barbecue sauce or marinade with sweet undertones, a reposado tequila could also be a great choice to balance any spicy or fruity notes. The essential factor is to select a tequila with strong, pronounced flavors that can match the richness and heartiness of the steak.
Cueritos and buche
If you're looking to get creative with your tequila and food pairings, try making some cueritos and buche. Cueritos are pickled pork skin, while buche refers to pork stomach that has been slow-cooked for hours. Both offer a delightful chewiness and rich flavors that complement tacos or tostadas perfectly. Cueritos are also a favorite topping for tostilocos, a popular Mexican street food snack made with a bag of Tostitos corn chips that are opened and generously topped with ingredients like cueritos, cucumber, jicama, hot sauce, chili powder, and crunchy coated peanuts.
Beau du Bois suggests enjoying cueritos and buche alongside a quality reposado tequila. He notes, "Pork skin and stomach confit with orange, salt, and Mexican Coca Cola is incredibly delicious. A squeeze of lime over the dish allows a refined and dry reposado to cleanse your palate of fat and acidity, making each bite feel like the first." The flavor profiles of tequila reposado, including notes of vanilla, oak, and spice, harmonize beautifully with the savory elements of the cueritos and buche.
Cream sauces and cheese
Tequila, with its remarkable versatility, can also complement cream sauces beautifully. This is where reposado truly excels. The sweetness of the cooked agave in reposado enhances the subtle flavors of cream, while its acidity balances the richness. Additionally, the umami notes found in certain cheese sauces can highlight the oaky characteristics of reposado and mitigate any bitterness. You can either blend tequila into your cream sauce or serve it alongside as a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
Given that many cream sauces incorporate cheese, it’s no surprise that tequila pairs wonderfully with a variety of cheeses. Reposados typically complement nutty cheeses like manchego and gouda, while añejo harmonizes with bolder cheeses such as sharp cheddar or blue cheese. A crisp, herbaceous blanco can elevate the flavors of a mild creamy cheese with similar notes. Just as different wines can enhance various cheeses, different tequila varieties can create a similar effect. Instead of hosting a traditional wine and cheese party, consider organizing a tequila and cheese tasting event!
Caldo de res
Caldo de res is an ideal choice when you're craving something warm and satisfying. The term translates to "beef broth," but that hardly captures the abundance of meat and vegetables packed into this soup. Typically prepared with bone-in beef shanks, it simmers to create a rich, flavorful broth. Common vegetables include carrots, onions, potatoes, corn, and chayote. It's a wonderful comfort dish, especially when enjoyed alongside a glass of tequila.
Beau du Bois describes caldo de res as "a wonderfully cozy dish that deserves to be paired with a beautiful and luxurious añejo." So, what makes añejo such a great match for this robust soup? The extended aging process in oak barrels imparts bold flavors to the tequila, allowing it to complement the richness of the meat and broth. The warm, earthy undertones, along with subtle hints of vanilla and oak, create a delightful pairing with the hearty beef and vegetables. Additionally, high-quality añejos are typically smooth and mellow, making them the perfect accompaniment to a nourishing, feel-good soup.
Chocolate
One of the wonderful aspects of pairing spirits with food is the discovery of unexpected combinations that can be truly enlightening. Sandro Anglas remarked, "A pairing that often surprises people is chocolate with tequila reposado or añejo. The richness of the chocolate combined with the complexity of the aged tequila is remarkable. And if you introduce a shot of espresso into the mix—it's a burst of flavors that you'll remember."
It’s not entirely surprising that chocolate and tequila complement each other, given that both originate from plants native to Mexico. Many tequila connoisseurs suggest pairing oaky varieties like reposado and añejo with dark chocolate, as the flavor profiles of chocolate, coffee, and caramel in the tequila harmonize beautifully with the cocoa. Extra añejos also offer a decadent richness that enhances the creaminess and bitterness of dark chocolate. If you prefer white chocolate, tequila blanco is an excellent option, as the sweet creaminess of the chocolate can highlight the citrus and herbal notes found in the blanco.
Smoked and cured meats
Aged tequilas, such as reposado and añejo, often acquire smoky and subtly caramelized notes from the wooden barrels in which they mature. This characteristic pairs exceptionally well with meats that have been smoked over wood fires or with wood chips, such as brisket, ribs, or pulled pork. Additionally, the bitterness of the tannins and the elevated alcohol content in tequila effectively cut through the richness commonly found in heavier smoked meats. A well-oaked tequila can also enhance the flavors of smoked salmon, with the sweetness of the agave complementing the buttery richness of the fish.
Cured meats also pair nicely with tequila. Jen Mattioni suggests enjoying an oak-forward tequila like añejo or extra añejo alongside cured meats. The flavors of cooked agave, leather, and spice in aged tequilas help to balance the saltiness and fat of meats like prosciutto, bresaola, and pancetta. Añejo tequilas are particularly compatible with chorizo, as the rich, spicy notes in both the spirit and the meat harmonize beautifully.
Dulce de leche
If you're in search of another delightful treat to enjoy alongside tequila, anything featuring dulce de leche is an excellent choice. This luscious, butterscotch-like sauce is crafted by simmering sweetened condensed milk until it reaches a stunning golden brown hue and a caramel-like consistency. It’s frequently layered in desserts such as cookies and cakes or drizzled over treats like ice cream, cheesecake, and flan. A timeless pairing is the airy tres leches cake adorned with velvety dulce de leche.
Given the indulgent nature of dulce de leche, it's best to complement it with an equally rich añejo tequila. Jen Mattioni shared, "Añejos and extra añejos are somewhat of a wild card in this regard, as the extended barrel aging can result in a sweeter caramel, vanilla, and baking spice flavor, or it may take on a heavily oaked profile, reminiscent of cognac." This makes it the ideal smooth sipping tequila to accompany a decadent dessert featuring dulce de leche.
Recommended
Make The Foamiest Cocktails With One Ingredient (No Egg White Needed)
The Air Fryer Hack You Need To Upgrade Cocktail Hour
Ranch Water: The Cocktail You Need When Margaritas Are Too Much Effort
What Makes A Martini A Vesper?
Next up