Celebrating Cinco de Mayo

There's more to tequila than sombreros, shots and slammers; here's a more sophisticated (and respectful) take on celebrating Cinco de Mayo.

Cinco de Mayo, or the fifth of May, celebrates the victory of the Mexican army against the invading French forces of Napoleon III at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, forcing a retreat despite being outnumbered and comparatively poorly-equipped. The victory was hugely inspirational and came to symbolise Mexico's spirit, determination and patriotism; it is still celebrated in the region of Puebla, where the battle took place, although less so in the rest of the country. It is important to note that this is not the same as Mexican Independence Day, which is a national celebration held on September 16th.

Similarly, tequila is sometimes seen as a holiday, party or hen night drink, to be drunk quickly, usually as a shot. In fact tequila has strong historical and cultural significance for Mexico, with strict rules governing its production; much like champagne, true tequila can only be made in specific regions within the country and is protected by law as a product of designated origin.

Tequila is made from blue agave plants which are native to the region of Jalisco; the Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila have been officially named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognising their importance. Blue agave plants can take up to 12 years to mature, and many of the distilleries have been family-run for generations, the knowledge and craftsmanship being handed down over centuries. To truly appreciate this history and skill, tequila should be enjoyed like a good whisky or cognac: sipped slowly, and savoured.

So what should you look for in a quality tequila?

1. Made from 100% Weber Blue Agave

Tequila needs to contain at least 51% agave to be legally labelled as such, meaning that a 'mixto' tequila could be up to 49% sugar cane - fine for mixing party drinks, but missing the complex and nuanced citrus and pepper notes of 100% pure blue agave that would elevate a cocktail to something special, or enable you to drink it neat.

Ladydragón Craft Tequila

Bold and playful, this tequila has natural herbal notes and is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave from Jalisco, Mexico. Co-founder JC Cortez is a first-generation Mexican-American and her father’s family has lived and grown agave on their land in Guanajuato for generations. After living in Asia for 15 years, JC was enamoured by the Chinese New Year celebrations and used her Year of the Dragon sign to name the brand. The use of Lady in the name acknowledges co-founder Heather’s English heritage and is a nod to the home of Ladydragón Craft Tequila, London. 

RRP: £58.99

Available from Fine Wine Sellers

2. An identified terroir, region or even single estate

Like a fine wine, many premium tequilas are produced from a defined area, giving the product a characteristic and identifiable flavour profile.

3. Made using traditional production methods

Artisan tequila is usually made using traditional methods including cooking the agave slowly in brick ovens over one or two days to convert the starch into sugar, fermentation in wooden vats and distillation in copper stills, preserving the unique natural flavour of the agave.

Teremana Tequila

Teremana - which means ‘spirit of the earth’ - is a small batch tequila from founder Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, which is made exclusively in a small town in the Jalisco highlands using traditional methods. 100% blue weber agave is roasted in brick ovens for three days before open tank fermentation and distillation in handmade copper stiils for a smoother, cleaner taste.

(Note: If you're in London, you can get Teremana Tequila cocktails at a tropical pop-up in The Folly by Drake & Morgan in the heart of the city – moments from Bank / Monument station - until 1st September. )

RRP: £40.00

Available from The Whisky Exchange and multiple retailers

4. Aged in oak barrels

Similar to wine, premium tequila can be aged to allow it to develop a more complex flavour, with notes of caramel, vanilla and toasted spice. Distillers can choose to use French oak barrels or those previously used for storing bourbon to influence the flavour.

The maturation process produces different types of tequila:

• Blanco (white) or Plata (silver): not aged, or aged for less than two months. This is the type most often used for making cocktails and is colourless.

• Reposado (rested): aged for 2-12 months in oak barrels or vats. This has a light golden colour, with the agave flavour profile softened by oak; it can be used either in mixing drinks or drunk neat.

• Añejo (aged): aged for 1-3 years in oak casks, this tequila has a deeper golden hue and more pronounced wood, vanilla, caramel and sometimes citrus notes; it is sipped neat, like whisky or brandy.

• Extra Añejo: aged for at least 3 years in oak, these can take on complex smoky flavours. Definitely one to enjoy slowly.

Pancho Datos Tequila

Whether you’re making Margaritas or want something special to sip neat then look no further than Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila. Pancho Datos is made using 100% Blue Weber agave and crafted for life’s most memorable occasions, with a brand identity rooted in over 70 years of Mexican history. Their Reposado Tequila is rested for 10 months in ex-bourbon White Oak casks giving the tequila a perfect blend of agave, vanilla, caramel and wood flavours.  

RRP: £60.00

Available from Master of Malt

El Rayo Tequila

El Rayo tequila is authentically Mexican and carefully crafted, made from only 100% Blue Agave.

El Rayo Plata is crisp, cool, and classic, with the flavours of the blue agave shining through. Cooked slowly, then distilled (twice) in pure copper stills for a fresh, clean, zesty citrus flavour.

El Rayo Reposado is soft, sweet and warm. El Rayo take their Plata and rest it in ex-bourbon barrels for seven months. The wood gets to work smoothing out those crisp edges into something a little sweeter and more mellow, with vanilla and a touch of spice. 

RRP: £34.00 - £38.00

Available from Sainsbury's, John Lewis and Daylesford

5. Certified as authentic

Only producers who abide by the strict rules set down by the Mexican government on tequila production can display a NOM (Norma Oficial Mexicana) number on the label, which is a quality standards mark.

"Few spirits capture the essence of their origin like tequila. Made from blue Weber agaves, grown under the Mexican sun over several years, a quality tequila offers a unique drinking experience. 

To the bartender community, agave-evangelists Tomas Estes and Julio Bermejo, creator of the Tommy’s Margarita, are the real tequila celebrities. Thanks to them tequila has outgrown its former ‘shots ‘n’ slammers’ image, to become appreciated as a unique spirit with a distinctive agave-driven purity and signature capsicum, olive and herbaceous notes."

Charlie McCarthy, WSET (The Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Business Development Manager, Spirits 

Items in this article may have been gifted to Chatting Food. No financial payment has been made to feature in this article, and entries to the feature are made independently by members of the Editorial Team. This page contains affiliate links and we may receive a small commission for purchases]

Deputy Editor, Chatting Food London: Amanda David

Amanda David is a freelance food writer specialising in London’s restaurants, bars and events. She is the author of EAT THIS NOW! on Substack, Events Editor and a contributing writer for London Cheapo, a regular contributor to Palate Magazine and a Member of the Guild of Food Writers.

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