chilled tequila
As a distilled spirit, tequila contains approximately 100-110 calories per 1.5 oz (44 ml) serving with negligible carbohydrates and no nutritional macronutrients of significance; it contains no fat, protein, or fiber.
About
Tequila is a distilled spirit produced exclusively in specified regions of Mexico, primarily in the state of Jalisco, from the fermented and distilled juice of the blue agave plant (Agave tequilana). The production process involves harvesting the mature agave's heart (piña), roasting it to convert starches into sugars, extracting the juice, fermenting with yeast, and distilling to achieve 38-55% alcohol by volume. Mexican law mandates that tequila must contain at least 51% blue agave sugars, with higher-quality "100% agave" tequilas using only blue agave. Tequila is classified by aging: Blanco (unaged), Reposado (aged 2-11 months in oak), Añejo (aged 1-3 years), and Extra Añejo (aged beyond 3 years). The flavor profile ranges from bright, vegetal, and peppery notes in Blanco to complex oak, caramel, and spice characteristics in aged varieties.
Culinary Uses
Tequila serves as both a beverage and a cooking ingredient. It is traditionally consumed neat, on the rocks, or in mixed drinks such as Margaritas, Palomas, and Tequila Sunrises. In culinary applications, tequila is used to deglaze pans, create cocktail-based sauces for meats and seafood, and infuse syrups and marinades with its distinctive agave and citrus notes. Chilled tequila is specifically valued in refreshing cocktails and as a palate cleanser, where its cool temperature amplifies the spirit's crisp characteristics and reduces the perception of alcohol burn, making it ideal for warm-weather consumption and seafood pairings.