By: Jonathan Acevedo
Jose Cuervo Brand Ambassador

Tequila is a world-renowned spirit and a proud product of Mexico. As with a fine liquor or wine, we can create a special, but simple menu to taste and enjoy great tequilas with great food. This could even be the theme for your Cinco de Mayo party with family and friends. Pairing Tequila with food is very much like pairing wine; you look for things like acidity and freshness to cut through fat, and things like tannin and bitterness to help break down meaty dishes.

Here are some flavor affinities. What we are looking for are foods that can mimic and enhance the flavors of the Tequila.

• Mexican food but also anything spicy, grilled, served with salsa or flavored with citrus.
• Citric flavors like lime, orange and lemon juice
• Savory flavors, like salt, spicy peppers, cilantro and smoked and spicy meats
• Sweet notes, like fruits, ginger, grenadine and sugar.

I recommend trying three varieties from same producer so that you can really see and taste the nuances that occur during the aging process. In this case we will focus on Tequila Cuervo, the oldest and best selling tequila in the world. To set a menu for the event, try pairing a different type of Tequila with each course. A three-course meal will allow your guests to go through each age category.

• Start with a Cuervo blanco, silver or platino with your appetizer
• Food ideas: chips and different types of salsa, guacamole, ceviche and fish tacos are great options, easy to make
• Drinks options: Margaritas, paloma, cold shots with a sangrita chaser
• Then a reposado with the main course,
• Food ideas: spicy baby back ribs, chorizo and carne asada tacos, spicy chicken quesadillas, shrimp with ajillo tostadas
• Drinks options: Cuervo Black with cola
• Then finish the meal with a Cuervo Tradicional o Reserva de la Familia, which will pair well with desserts
• Food ideas: mini cupcakes, key lime pie, pastel tres leches, flan, chongos zamoranos, ate de membrillo con queso manchego, chocolate cake
• Drinks options: cold shots with a twist of orange, coffee with a shot and whipped cream.

Don’t be afraid to use your imagination but please remember to drink responsibly and make sure your guests have a plan and designated driver to get home safely.