In this enlightening conversation, William Brooks, the global brand ambassador for tequila at Brown Forman, unveils the often-overlooked world of reposado cocktails. He highlights the unique characteristics of reposado tequila compared to its blanco and añejo counterparts. William shares tips on balancing flavors using creative ingredients and techniques. Listeners are encouraged to experiment with innovative cocktails, including the delicious 'Gracias Mexico' recipe. With a focus on heritage and authenticity, he inspires a greater appreciation for reposado in modern mixology.
Tequila Eredora's rich heritage and traditional production methods significantly enhance the quality of its reposado and other tequila variants.
Reposado tequila's unique combination of agave flavors and barrel influences allows for versatile cocktail creations that are often underutilized.
The evolving cocktail culture and increasing global appreciation for tequila present exciting opportunities to innovate with reposado in drink recipes.
Deep dives
The Heritage of Tequila
Tequila Eredora stands out in a crowded market due to its rich heritage, dating back to 1870 when Casa Eredora was officially registered as a distillery. The ability to trace over 150 years of tradition is rare among modern tequila brands. In addition to its storied past, Tequila Eredora has invested in its facilities, incorporating traditional stone and clay oven roasting methods and operating an on-site cooperage for barrel treatment. These practices contribute to the depth and quality of its reposados, añejos, and extra añejos, underlining the brand's commitment to crafting premium tequila.
The Versatility of Reposado
Reposado tequila serves as a versatile spirit that combines elements of both blanco and añejo, making it ideal for cocktails. Unlike other types of tequila, reposado offers a balance between the inherent flavors of the agave plant and the influences imparted by the barrel during aging. This unique character allows for a diverse array of cocktails, yet it remains underutilized in classic and contemporary drink recipes. As both the cocktail scene and the appreciation for tequila continue to expand, the potential for innovation with reposado is significant.
Historical Context and Cocktail Culture
The relatively recent emergence of reposado tequila in the cocktail landscape can be traced back to the late 1960s and early 1970s. Historically, tequila had minimal representation in classic cocktails due to its limited popularity outside of Mexico. Tequila's use was largely confined to being enjoyed neat, without the cocktail culture that developed around spirits like gin or whiskey. This historical context reveals an opportunity for concocting drinks that highlight the versatility of reposado, particularly as the appreciation for tequila grows globally.
Innovative Cocktails with Reposado
Creative bartenders are beginning to reimagine classic cocktails using reposado tequila, drawing inspiration from the spirit's complexity. Recipes like a reposado old-fashioned or leveraging its flavors in tiki drinks highlight its adaptability. The aging process of reposado allows it to pair well with both citrus-forward and bolder flavors, making it suitable for various ingredients. This versatility encourages experimentation across cocktail styles, blending the characteristics of reposado with familiar flavor profiles from whiskey and rum.
The Future of Reposado
The future of reposado tequila is promising as brands innovate and introduce special releases that elevate its profile. For instance, Casa Eredora is marking its 50th anniversary of reposado production with a special release featuring a higher ABV, enhancing the flavor experience. This evolution reflects the broader trend within the tequila industry to explore new methods that allow agave's inherent flavors to shine while also incorporating the complexities of barrel aging. As the market for reposado grows, so too does the opportunity for creators and consumers to explore this unique spirit in exciting and novel ways.
Against a backdrop of explosive growth for tequila in the U.S., there remains a relative lack of classic and contemporary classic tequila cocktails — and that phenomenon is only amplified when you look beyond blanco and añejo and focus solely on reposado. This feels like an opportunity missed, so we decided to put things right and devote a discussion to mixing reposado in cocktails. Joining us as our tutor for the episode is William Brooks, Brown Forman’s global brand ambassador for tequila. Whether you’re looking to reimagine classics with reposado or construct something entirely new from scratch, we’ve got you covered. Listen on to learn William's tips — and don’t forget to leave a rating, review, and subscribe!
William Brooks' Gracias Mexico Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Tequila Herradura reposado
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- ¾ ounce Nixta Licor de Elote
- ¼ ounce creme de cacao
- ¼ ounce agave nectar
- ¼ egg white
- Garnish: grated nutmeg
Directions
1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker without ice and dry shake.
2. Add ice and shake until well chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass and garnish with grated nutmeg.