Whether you enjoy bartending at home, going out to a bar or ordering drinks at dinner, tequila is one of the most popular types of liquor for a reason. From margaritas to tequila shots to mules and cocktails, this type of alcohol is incredibly versatile. In fact, tequila is so popular that people often use luxury and expensive bottles as collector’s items.

The great thing about tequila is that there are so many different types and flavors. You can also buy or make your own infused tequila to make different types of drinks. From jalapeño infused to pink lemonade and grapefruit flavored, the world is truly your oyster when it comes to selecting cool tequila flavors.

So, how exactly is tequila made? With an alcohol of this stature, there’s a step-by-step process that takes time and effort. Variety is also no stranger to this alcohol, as there are multiple types to choose from. Here are five types of tequila to keep in your liquor cabinet for special occasions, taking up bartending, upcoming Galentine’s celebrations, holidays, and everyday drinks.

Types of Tequila

Blanco Tequila, also known as silver tequila is a young tequila type that is probably the most well-known and used tequila. This type of tequila is different from other types because it can be aged for up to two months, but most brands bottle right after distillation. This type of tequila has its clear color because it essentially skips the aging process. Blanco pairs very well with any type of drink including margaritas and cocktails for a crisp and refreshing flavor.

Reposado, translating to rest, is a type of tequila that is aged between two and a year in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks. The aging process of this tequila allows it to form a golden caramel color and flavor. It can be used in a wide variety of cocktails and drinks, making it versatile.

Añejo Tequila Types

Translating to the word, old, Añejo tequila fits its description perfectly. This type of tequila can be aged for up to a year while sitting in a barrel for three years. The dark caramel color of Añejo gives it a deep rich flavor with notes of vanilla, brown sugar and butterscotch.

A dead giveaway to its name, you can probably guess what Extra Añejo tequila is. This type of tequila is aged even longer than the Añejo Tequila, at three years in oak barrels. Similar to whiskey with a strong aroma, the notes and flavor in this tequila are much deeper and richer because of how long it’s been aged.

Mezcal Tequila

If you regularly make or get cocktails with tequila, you’ve most likely heard of Mezcal. This type of tequila has a smoky vanilla flavor and is popular in Mexico. The process of making Mezcal is also lengthy and tedious. This tequila is great to keep in your cabinet because it does not spoil due to its high alcohol content. You might be wondering what the difference is between this type of tequila versus others. Mezcal is slightly different because it can be made from any agave plant, while other types of tequila are specific to blue agave.

How To Make Tequila

You might drink tequila on a regular basis, but have you ever wondered how or what it takes to make it? The first step to tequila is agave, a naturally sweet plant that grows in the desert regions of South America, Central America, Mexico and the Southwest United States. With a long process, this plant can take anywhere from five to seven years to harvest. After this, a COA is used to take off the ends or leaves of the plant, leaving behind its core. This core is like a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, containing all of that sweet nectar and juice used for alcohol.

There’s a lot of labor of love that goes into this type of alcohol. The next step is fermentation and distillation, which converts the sugars into alcohol. Aging, of course, is the next and final step in the tequila-making process. The aging process depends on the type of tequila you’re hoping to use for different cocktails, shots and more.

The Best Tequila Drinks

We could argue all day about what the best cocktail or drink is. The answer is, it’s all of them. One of the great things about tequila is its versatility. You can make your favorite strawberry margarita or Moscow mule with ginger beer. You can take a few shots of this crisp and clear drink (we recommend not too many, but who’s counting) or create a wide variety of your favorite cocktails at home. Tequila allows you to amp up your bartending skills, or have a delicious drink during a night out at a bar or restaurant. The possibilities with tequila are endless.