Pairing Chocolate and Tequila
From the Heart of Agave
Tequila is distilled from the agave plant after distilleries bake and juice it. Tequila has a vegetal, earthy, & semisweet-spicy tones. To be labeled “Tequila,” the spirit must be distilled in Mexico; any distilled agave outside of Mexico cannot be labeled tequila.
Like other spirits, the varieties can vary depending on the aging process it undergoes. Silver tequila (also blanco, white, or platinum) is aged only for a few weeks in glass bottles or steel tanks. Gold tequila comes from distillers adding sugars and caramel before distilling to create the golden hue, also referred to as Joven or Oro. Reposado is another varietal, translating to “aged,” this variety is aged for two to twelve months. Añejo, translating to “Vintage,” is another varietal. This tequila is aged for a one-year minimum, and has a darker color and smooth flavor. The Añejo variety becomes, “Extra Añejo” once aged for more than three years.
This may come as a surprise, but instead of chasing Tequila with a citrus fruit, you may want to consider using chocolate. As Tequila carries strong notes of Agave, it pairs quite nicely with creamy chocolate. Fruit-flavored and mint-flavored chocolate also elevate the grassiness of the spirit. Blends with a cinnamon or chili infusion will reduce the potency of the heat, but enhance the spicy kick in the back of your throat.
Shop our suggested selections below via our "build your own tasting flight" option to host your own chocolate and liquor pairing. Please keep in mind, all pairings are subjective person-to-person, and these are mere suggestions to help get you started to find your favorite pairings. Want to share your initial thoughts or your favorite pairings? Let us know here!
