Tequila is a town in Mexico, a walloping cocktail component and the song that made Pee-wee Herman famous. The best tequila derives from the blue agave plant. Richmond has no shortage of tequilerias, but don't think you must order shots: Assertive flavors and aromas also make tequila a fun, slow sip.
Patron XO Cafe at Casa Del Barco
A sweet vanilla aroma and chocolate notes spark this arabica-infused dessert tequila. Made with coffee from the Veracruz and Chiapas regions of Mexico and Patron Silver tequila. $7
The Perfect Margarita at Jorge's Cantina
Tequila used for house margaritas is often an inexpensive "mixto" tequila, meaning a blended tequila bottled with colorants and flavorings. If a margarita is made with 100 percent blue agave, it will usually say so on the menu. Jorge's perfect margarita, made with Sauza Hornitos and fresh lime juice, is a tequila cocktail without artificial additions. $7
Espolon Blanco Tequila at Mi Hacienda
This is a 100 percent blue agave tequila that hasn't been oak-aged. Expect flowery aromas and a lemon pepper bite. Order Espolon with a couple of ice cubes and a chilled hibiscus infusion tea chaser on the side. $6.25; with a Jamaican tea back, $2.75
Lunazul Tequila Flight at Tio Pablo
Compare how one producer approaches aging. Tequila reposado is aged in wooden barrels for less than a year and becomes a light golden color from the oak. Tequila añejo is aged longer and in smaller barrels than those used for reposado, imparting more flavor and color into the tequila. $16
Mezcal Makes Her Dance at The Roosevelt
Listed on tequila menus but made outside of Santiago de Tequila, from the maguey plant, mezcal spirits sting drunks straight. Sissy them up like The Roosevelt does in a cinnamon and Boone's Farm Strawberry Hill cocktail. $9
