No vacation in Puerto Vallarta is complete without some Tequila, the national spirit of Mexico made exclusively in our home State of Jalisco. Tequila shops can be found all over town, many just a stroll away from your luxury vacation rental in Old Town Puerto Vallarta at Pinnacle Resorts. Tequila is served at all bars and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta, but how do you choose and enjoy them? Let us guide you through the world of Tequila.
All Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, but it comes in 5 distinct types:
Blanco or Silver Tequila: This unaged Tequila is ideal for mixed drinks like margaritas or palomas. While silver Tequila is typically unaged or briefly stored in stainless steel tanks, some distilleries produce excellent blanco Tequila meant for sipping. Price is usually a good indicator of quality.
Joven or Gold Tequila: This is the trickster of Tequila, an unaged (blanco) version with added ingredients, often caramel coloring, to mimic aged Tequila. Gold Tequila is great for margaritas, but beware of the extra sugar potentially leading to a hangover.
Reposado Tequila: Meaning “rested,” this aged Tequila spends at least two months in oak barrels, up to one year. This aging process is where the flavors and nuances of the Tequila develop, making reposados the most popular Tequila type.
Añejo Tequila: An extra aged Tequila aged for a minimum of one year in sealed oak barrels, in batches no larger than 600 liters per barrel by law. Añejo Tequila is meant for sipping, best enjoyed in a brandy snifter to fully appreciate its flavor profile.
Extra Añejo Tequila: Established in 2006, this Tequila must be aged over 3 years. Extra Añejo Tequilas are rich in flavor and color, usually accompanied by a higher price tag.
Distilleries may also offer a “reserva de casa,” a premium hand-cut bottle produced in limited batches, as well as flavored Tequilas and Tequila cream, perfect for those seeking a softer liquor experience.
Visit the Signature Lounge or Sky Bar at Residences and consult our expert bartenders for their Tequila recommendations during Puerto Vallarta’s best happy hour, hosted every afternoon at Pinnacle Resorts.