9 Things Every Tequila Connoisseur Must-Have
Whether you love it or hate it, one thing's for sure, Tequila is a drink which brings up strong responses (even before you start drinking it). For years, it was considered a student's cheap shot of choice, but oh, how times have changed. The agave drink has finally earned its place among some of the finest liquors in the land. If you've got cash a'plenty to spare you can pick up one bottle of tequila for a mere $3.5 million.
The following tequila accessories and gifts come nowhere near that price tag. If you're looking for a 6 figure gift for a tequila lover, the options on the following list falls far short of that price tag. However, if you're looking for Tequila relevant products which won't break the bank and which every tequila aficionado should have, then read on. From tequila infusion kits to the history of the mezcal nectar, there's something for every love of the smooth agave spirit.
As well, if you are into whiskey, then check out these best accessories for whiskey lovers.
Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses
Every tequila lover needs at least one set of shot glasses. But what happens if you don't have any salt handy to add that all-important salt chaser or enhancer to your tequila. Well, these shot glasses solve that problem. The D’Eco Himalayan Salt Shot Glasses are made from pink salt sourced from the Himalayan mountains and subtly enrich any tequila poured inside of them.
The set features 8 hand-carved glasses, crafted from blocks of pink Himalayan salt, with each glass measuring just over 7.6 cms. What makes these not just a stylish accessory, but a functional one too, is that the salt gently infuses the tequila, so you don't need to start scouting around for a salt jar before downing the shot. However, there are a couple of downsides as you'd expect in something created from salt.
They won't last for ever. You'll get around 80 uses from them before the salt enhancement goes and the glasses began to crack. And, just remember they're made from salt, so no soaking in water. After using them, you just wipe them dry. If you leave liquid inside them, the will show signs of wear and tear much quicker.
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Tequila Infusion Kit
Whether you're a newbie to the world of tequilas, a connoisseur, or just like to have something no-one else has, a tequila infusion kit is a must-have. It lets you make tequila taste the way you want it to. This kit features 12 flavored wood chips and easy to follow instructions which will have you on the path to becoming a tequila master blender in no time.
This kit comes with 2 EMPTY tequila bottles, 3 woodchip blends, and 9 wood chip samples infused with a variety of botanical flavors, a filter funnel, and 2 white ceramic shot glass. It also has an instruction booklet with recipes to help you get started on your tequila adventure. Make note though, you'll have to buy the tequila separately. One thing to remember is that woods chips need time to release their flavor and in this case, patience is a virtue. You'll need at least 2-4 weeks for your tequila to be infused with your blend of flavors.
This is all about experimentation, don't expect to get the perfect blend on your first go. However, if you invest time and make small batches, you'll soon see which flavors hit the right notes when in your tequila tastings. One thing to bear in mind is to make sure you strain the tequila well, otherwise you'll be drinking tequila infused with wood chips, which, from our experience, isn't something worth trying.
Thoughtfully Cocktails, Tequila Tasting Gift Set
If you want an all-in-one accessory or gift to go with a tequila collection, Thoughtfully Cocktails has you covered with this set that contains everything you need for a tequila tasting (minus the tequila though). From a flight board, to shot glasses, flavored salts and even a knife to prepare the garnishes, it has everything needed for an evening (or afternoon / morning) of agave sipping.
One of the best features of this set is its selection of 4 flavored salts which include lime, chili, lemon, and smoked salt. Each one brings a subtle hint and helps you determine which flavor combination you like the best. Whether it's the refreshing kick of a lemon salt, the citrusy smack of lemon, a smoky infusion of the smoked salt, or a punch of heat from the chili salt, you'll quickly see which one pleases your palate the most without spending a fortune on different flavored tequilas.
The kit looks great, unfortunately the tequila shot glasses are rather mundane, but then again, after a few shots, you won't notice your drinking from plain shot glasses. As for the knife, you'll get a few months of sharp cutting, but then it'll either need sharpening or replacing. But, when it comes to a tequila gift on a budget, this one is as good as it gets.
Get the Tequila Tasting Gift Set
Tequila Made Me Do It
Tequila Made Me Do It merges mixology, history and art in a book where tequila and mezcal own up their role in making us do it'. Whether you're looking for an illustrated history of the spirits, a visual look that reflects the colors, fun and crazy situations that tequila seems to lay a part in, or just a collection of cocktail recipes that'll have you swearing 'tequila made me do it', this book has it all.
The author, Cecilia Rios Murrieta takes the reader on a tequila-fueled journey through time. From the ancient Aztecs, Spanish conquistadors to, the tequila industry of today, discover the role the agave nectar has played in shaping the modern day drinking culture in Mexico and worldwide. This isn't a heavy-reading book, it's a visual celebration that'll have you turning pages and planning your next tequila tasting session.
Once you get to the chapter featuring 60 tequila and mezcal recipes, you know the party is about to kick off. From twists on the classic margarita to smoky mezcal concoctions and experimental, or let's say very non-traditional sups, you'll find a myriad of ways of making sure your tequila collection won't be on the shelf for long.
Save Water Drink Tequila Neon Sign
If you're lucky enough to have a tequila cave, or a dedicated bar area in your home and are fan of agave tequila, this neon sign shows that you're not just a drinker, but an eco-conscious drinker and care about the world's water supply. After all, it's important to make responsible choices while enjoying the best mother nature provides us.
The colors of the sign are no accidental design, its hues are reminiscent of the desert, the yellow ground which spells out Tequila, then the light pink Drink showing a rising that reaches to the blue sky urging you to Save Water. Yep, it's a tequila sunrise in light-up neon bar sign. And you can light it up at will via an on/off switch on the USB connection cable, so you save energy when you're not downing the shots.
The light itself is made of flexible silicone LED strip lights & lightweight acrylic plate. In other words, there's glass involved so you don't have to watch out for shards of glass if the night gets a bit too raucous and the light goes out. It has a wall-hanging sign not one that can stand-alone. There are two pre-drilled holes in the back panel and hooks. You simply stick the hooks the wall and then hang the sign from them.
Personalized Tequila Barrel
A white oak barrel is must-have for anyone embarking on the tequila train. Made from white oak, these barrels elevate even the cheapest tequila to the next level as the spirit ages in the barrel to produce a richer flavor. And, if you're aging your tequila, makes sense that everyone knows just which distillery they're drinking from. You can personalize the barrel with your name and other info showing your master-blending skills are responsible for whatever is in their shot glass.
These personalized tequila barrels come in a variety sizes ranging from 1 liter to 20 liters. For at home use, it's best to start off with the smallest size. After all, so many of us have good intentions that ultimately fall by the wayside after a few too many. All you have to do to get an aged tequila is simply pour your blue agave nectar of choice into the barrel and wait.
The white oak woods will mellow the sharp edges of any tequila, even the budget brands, soften its bite and add a layer, or several of complexity. The longer the tequila ages in the barrel, the more layers are infused into it. For the ultimate results, it's best to store your barrel in a cool, dark place and put it on display when visitors arrive.
Cantaritos deBarro Cocktail Kit
If you're in Jalisco, Mexico and drinking tequila at a local bar, in a fiesta, or at a family gathering, chances are you'll be drinking it from a jarritos de barro mexicano cup. These are small clay vessels which the inhabitants of Jalisco insist are the best way to drink tequila. The only way to find out it so try them yourself. This kit features everything you need (minus the tequila itself) to prepare an authentic cantaritos cocktail.
If you're wondering why these clay cups are considered the ultimate in street-drinking or local tequila taverns in the region, it's because the porous clay interacts with the liquid and is thought to enhance the tequila flavor. The rest of the products in the box are side-tricks as opposed to necessary must-haves, although the chili salt does add an extra bang to the sip.
For the full-on experience, you'll need to moisten the rim of the cantaritos cup with lime juice (hence the lime hand juicer in the box), then dip the rim in the chili salt for an extra punch. As for the straws, well it sort defeats the purpose of the chili lime salt rimming if you're supping from a straw, but they come with the box so do with them what you will.
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Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World's Ultimate Artisanal Spirit
While this book isn't necessarily about tequila, it covers the world of it's lesser-drunk, artisanal cousin, Mezcal. The book takes an in-depth look into the creation, history, production and legends that have made the agave spirit a 'liquid born of fire and earth' steeped in traditions and secrets. If you want to at least sound like an expert in the liquor, this book is a dip-in trove of facts that will only heighten your appreciation for the world's most famous artisanal spirit.
This James Beard award nominated book takes readers on a journey depicting the life-cycle of the agave plant, how it's harvested for its nectar, and how centuries old distilling techniques using alambiques (copper or clay still) produce the fiery liquid. However, it's the history of the spirit and the demystification of Mezcal, highlighted throughout by glossy photos that really underscores the wonder that is Mezcal.
But for most, the chapter featuring a variety of Mezcal cocktail recipes will really have you reaching for the bottle. You learn which cocktails you can swap their traditional based liquor for Mezcal and how to make Mezcal cocktails with drinks and mixers you'll have in your pantry.
Talavera Tequila Set
If you have some top-draw tequila, then you'll need a top-draw tequila set from which to enjoy it. The Talavera tequila set isn't just a functional tequila drinking set, it's the embodiment of the tequila culture based in tradition and centuries-old craftmanship. This handcrafted and hand-designed set is a true authentic Talavera product which means it's made from the clays of Cholula, Atlixco, and Tecali, In other words, only from places located in Mexico's Puebla state.
The price tag on a true Talavera tequila set isn't cheap. This is a gift for a true aficionada of tequila, but if you're looking for the best of the best, there's no better way to drink the liquor than from a Talavera shot glass. The set contains a decanter, 6 shot glasses, a salt shaker and a matching wood tray and comes in a variety of traditional designs.
The iconic Talavera patterns are rich in symbolism and cultural references featuring floral motifs, historical narratives and when it comes to tequila vessels, normally features geometric patterns. The geometric designs are created to evoke harmony and balance, just like the spirit the small clay pots contain. The sets come in a variety of colors, well six to be exact as Talavera designs adhere to a limited color palette. You can choose from black, blue, yellow, green, orange or mauve.
Conclusion
Whether you're looking to invest in the ultimate tequila decanter and shot glass set, or simply looking for a present that won't break the budget, these tequila-inspired gifts are must-haves for anyone with a penchant for the product. There's something for every taste and salty preference. And, if you don't know what's the preferred tequila flavor for the person you're buying for (or for yourself), then a set of shot glasses from salt will please every palate.
Get the Himalayan Shot Glasses
