How The Glass Affects the Tequila
Tequila is just like any other distilled spirit. There are some bottles that you drink at the party, hoping as little of the stuff touches your taste buds as possible, shooting it back in one quick shot. And then there are bottles that not only deserve your time and attention, but they deserve a proper glass to present them accurately. Tequilas that age like a fine wine to become a thing of pure beauty. Fortunately, no matter where you stand, this is a complete guide that will cover the whole spectrum from the everyday shot glasses to the finest tequila nosing glasses.
For Cheap or Young Tequila
A cheap or young tequila will probably not be quite strong, lacking any flavor complexity or desirable aromas. Like most spirits, young and cheap often means inferior ingredients and minimal distillation. This is not a bad thing, there is a place for all liquors, but a tequila like this has its place in a shot glass, not a nosing glass. They can also be used with strong mixers that will mask the flavor.
For Medium-Bodied Tequila
Medium-bodied tequilas will have better ingredients and will be distilled more times than their cheaper counterparts. This smooths out the Tequila and dulls some of the ethanol potency, allowing more natural flavors and aroma to come forward, creating a complexity that can begin to be appreciated by the drinker. These tequilas are best served in a rocks glass with a light mixer or, if you’re more seasoned, perhaps simply on the rocks.
For Well-Aged High-End Tequila
Well-aged high-end Tequila should not be mixed or chilled. Chilling any spirit natural dulls the flavor and aroma. That is why cheap beer is served ice cold. To truly appreciate a fine Tequila, you need to have it poured at room temperature into a nosing glass.
A nosing glass is a glass designed to capture the Tequila’s bouquet, separate it from the ethanol vapors, and then direct those aromatics up to the drinker’s nose. These glasses also enhance aromas so that you can discern between the more subtle flavors in your Tequila, allowing you to appreciate the real difference between brands.
Best Tequila Shot Glasses
Pink Himalayan Shot Glasses
The Himalayan Pink Salt Tequila Shot Glasses are the perfect match for Tequila. They naturally add salt to the shot, so all you need is a fresh lime, and you’re good to go! These aren’t one and done shot glasses either. After the party, wash the shot glasses out, let them dry and leave them in a dry cabinet for your next party. The salt is a natural anti-microbial, so they will always be safe and fresh.
Ice Mold Shot Glasses
The Fred Cool Shooters Shot Glass Mold is a silicone mold that you fill with water and stick in the fridge to create solid ice shot glasses. These shot glasses will instantly cool any tequila that you freeze, making for smooth, easy shots every time. These shot glasses will make even the harshest tequila bearable, and they’re a pretty cool party starter.
Authentic Mexican Shot Glasses
The Authentic Mexican Artisanal Tequila Shot Glasses are a must-have for any Mexican party. These shot glasses are mouth-blown by 7th generation Mexican artisans in Tequila, Jalisco, the only place in the world where 100% agave Tequila is made. They have a mouth-blown green cactus right in the middle of the shot glass. These 2 oz shot glasses will be an instant favorite at your next party.
Best Tequila Rocks Glasses
Best Tequila Rocks Glass
The Riedel O Spirits Glass is a glass designed to accentuate the best parts of any distilled spirit. Its small bowl and narrow rim allow you to get a good sense of your Tequila without being overwhelmed by ethanol vapors. This glass has a thick base but a very thin rim so that it doesn’t interfere with your experience of the Tequila. With an 8.25 fl oz bowl, it also leaves more than enough room for ice and even a little mixer if desired.
Crystal Tequila Glass
The Mofado Crystal Rocks Glasses are built for those who like big heavy glasses. Each of these glasses weighs in at a little over a pound. But they are hand blown with ultra clarity lead-free crystal with a patent-pending design. They also have a rim big enough to fit a large ice ball or cube. And the 11 oz capacity means that they can easily handle ice and mixer.
Best Set of Tequila Glasses
The Libbey Craft Spirits Tequila Glasses come in a set of four. They are Libbey’s take on the perfect tequila glass with a wide bowl that slopes in at the rim, allowing the herbal aromas of the tequila to gather in the bowl and then be directed straight up to the nose of the drinker. These glasses have a thick, heavy base, but that also makes them dishwasher safe for easy clean-up.
Traditional Mezcal & Tequila Glass
These are Traditional Mezcal & Tequila Glass. They are 2.7 fl oz, so only a little bigger than your traditional shot glass, but if you want authenticity from the region, you won’t get any better than this. A cross marks the bottom of each Vaso Veladora glass. The same way you would find that at any bar in Mezcal, Mexico. They say that the broad rim helps to circulate the aromas.
Most Unique
These Authentic Mexican Natural Clay Mugs are actually made in Mexico. They are made of clay of natural Mexican clay and help to keep your drink cold for longer. They also hold about 14 fl oz, which makes them great for mixed drinks or drinks that require a lot of ice.
Best Glasses for Nosing & Tasting Tequila
Best Nosing Glass
The Riedel Bar Ouverture Tequila Glass is Riedel’s take on the perfect Tequila tasting glass. Riedel, one of the biggest glass manufacturers in the world, has been making a point to create a specific glass for every drink on the market. And this beautiful creation is what they believe to be the best shape to accentuate all of Tequila’s natural flavors and aromas. This glass has a stem so that your hand doesn’t warm the glass, a small bowl with tall sides so that the aroma can grow without becoming overpowering, and a narrow rim that directs the herbal bouquet straight to the drinker’s nose.
Traditional Sipping Glass
The Historically Modern Designs Tequila & Mezcal Glass is the classic nosing and tasting glass used in Mezcal, Mexico. The glasses have shallow sides so that your nose can be as close to the Tequila as possible. Picking up all of the aromas that your well-aged Tequila has to offer while the wide flared sides allow enough air circulation that you can be close to the Tequila without being overwhelmed by the ethanol vapors. Holding 4.5 oz of spirit, it is also large enough to hold a few small ice cubes if desired.
