Tequila has secured a special place in bars and restaurants, captivating everyone from home mixologists to seasoned bartenders. But as the category grows, the quest for transparency has taken center stage. The idea of “additive-free” tequila has become more common in discussions surrounding the spirit category, sparking curiosity about what that label really means. These discussions should include PATRÓN Reposado, which is a tequila that has always been crafted without additives — because even before the additive-free movement, the brand has always believed in prioritizing no additives. What D ..read more

It’s no secret that tequila is one of the world’s most popular spirits. In fact, in the U.S., tequila is second only to vodka in terms of sales as of 2024, with the arrow pointing ever upward. But many tequila brands that sell their product as “100 percent pure agave” can contain additives that affect the flavor, the color, even the mouthfeel of the final product. The article Think You Know Tequila? PATRÓN Is Changing the Conversation appeared first on VinePair ..read more

Cristalino is the latest up-and-coming ultra-premium tequila offering taking North America by storm. With the crystal- clear appearance of a silver tequila and the complex flavor profile of a well-aged añejo, cristalino tequila is challenging expectations and perceptions of tequila expressions across the industry. The cristalino category was created to showcase the smooth mouthfeel and richer flavor of aged expressions in a crystal-clear presentation that is normally only found in unaged blanco/silver tequilas. The article How PATRÓN Perfected CRISTALINO appeared first on VinePair ..read more

What are the most important ingredients to consider when you’re making a cocktail? It depends on the type of drink, of course, but some of the most important ones include bitters, fresh citrus, sweetener, and style of modifier, such as liqueur or vermouth. But perhaps the most important element of any drink is the most obvious — the base spirit. If the whiskey, rum, gin, vodka, or tequila you are using is lacking in quality or flavor, the entire operation crumbles and your drink will be average at best. The article When Your Base Spirit Matters, Reach for Additive-Free PATRÓN appeared first on ..read more

In 2025, people are more conscious than ever about what goes into the things they consume. Of late, a hot new buzzword has erupted on the agave-based spirits scene: “additive-free,” which is being championed by a new crop of tequila brands that proudly declare it through their advertising. Additive-free tequilas are compiled on Reddit threads, shouted-out in TikToks and named in one spirits-media listicle after another. The article PATRÓN Was Additive-Free Before It Was Buzzy appeared first on VinePair ..read more

Although cask aging, different types of stills, blending, and numerous other factors dictate the profile and quality of a finished spirit, the creation of any alcoholic beverage begins with fermentation. Some form of sugar in the base liquid is exposed to yeast, which converts those sugars into ethanol. Sugars are simple carbohydrates that can be found in everything from fruits and potatoes to various plants and cereal grains. And the type of base ingredients distillers use varies from spirit to spirit. The article Every Major Spirit Category and Its Base Ingredient [Infographic] appeared firs ..read more

The battle between tequila’s regulatory body and third-party organizations dedicated to transparency in agave spirits continues to escalate. On Tuesday, the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT) filed a lawsuit against the Additive Free Alliance (AFA) and S2F Online, Inc. (S2F) in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida in Jacksonville. The article Tequila Regulator CRT Files Lawsuit Against the Additive Free Alliance, Escalating Ongoing Clash appeared first on VinePair ..read more

The story of tequila’s ascent to being one of the top spirits in America is well-trod ground by now. Yet there remains an unanswered question: How has the surge of American interest in tequila, the spirit, translated into interest in Tequila, the Mexican town and historic region of production? After all, wine lovers have proven more than willing to travel to Bordeaux, and bourbon lovers to Kentucky, so is America’s deepening love for agave spirits resulting in more tourism to Tequila? The article Has Tequila’s Stateside Popularity Boosted Tourism in Jalisco? appeared first on VinePair ..read more

Don Julio 1942 is an icon of luxury tequila — we even dubbed it the first unicorn tequila. But with its $200-plus price tag, a bottle isn’t always in the budget. Luckily, there are a number of wonderful tequilas that curious drinkers can try instead. An añejo expression aged in barrel for two and a half years, 1942 is known for its luscious palate with concentrated flavors of vanilla and caramel. So if you’re looking for a tequila that can deliver 1942’s classically rich characteristics, it’s best to start by focusing on añejo and extra añejo tequilas. The article 6 Standout Alternatives to Do ..read more

”Cocktail College” is brought to you today by PATRÓN, 100% Additive-Free Tequila. Listeners, there has been a lot of conversation around the term additive-free in the agave space, and it can be confusing. That’s why I want to weigh in on the topic. While some tequila brands may legally claim to be made from 100% Weber Blue Agave, they can still include up to 1% of approved additives, such as glycerin, oak extract, caramel coloring, or sugar-based syrup. The article The Cocktail College Podcast: The Tequila Sunrise appeared first on VinePair ..read more