The Best Way to Drink Tequila: Ice Cold, Chilled, or Room Temperature?
When it comes to sipping tequila, one question divides even the most seasoned aficionados: should it be served ice cold, chilled, or at room temperature?
Tequila, like most spirits, changes in taste and aroma depending on how it's served — and ultimately, it comes down to personal taste.
Room Temperature: For the Purist
If you're sipping Carabuena Añejo in particular, room temperature is the gold standard.
Why? Because chilling dulls the aromas and flavors that our distiller worked hard to create. At room temp (around 68-72°F), añejo’s nuances of oak aging, caramel, vanilla, and earthy agave truly shine.
Pro Tip: Use a tulip glass or a snifter to trap and appreciate the full aroma.
Chilled: For Those Who Seek a Smooth and Balanced Sip
Chilling tequila—whether by keeping the bottle in the fridge or shaking it over ice—can smooth out some of the sharper notes, especially in blancos or reposados.
Chilling doesn’t mute the flavor as much as freezing the bottle, but it tones down some of the impact, making it ideal for casual sipping or for those newer to sipping tequila.
Pro Tip: Chill your bottle of Carabuena in the fridge for a few hours, or pour over a single large ice cube to strike a nice balance of flavor & temperature.
Ice Cold From the Freezer: If You Want An Extra-Crisp Mouthfeel, But Don’t Mind a Duller Flavor
Serving tequila ice cold is most utilized if you’re planning to throw it all back at once as a shot.
At this temperature, tequila goes down very smooth, almost syrupy, but you'll miss out on the complexity. It can mask rough edges in cheaper tequila brands, but we wouldn’t necessarily recommend this method for Carabuena — we work hard to ensure every bottle is a bottle worth savoring.
FAQ’s on Chilling Tequila
Q: Can you chill and unchill liquor?
Yes, you can chill and unchill liquor without damaging it. Spirits like tequila have a high alcohol content and low water content, so they won’t spoil when temperature changes occur.
That said, frequent temp swings (like in and out of the freezer repeatedly) can lead to subtle changes in aroma due to oxidation—so it’s best to store your Carabuena in a cool, stable environment when not in use.
Q: How to chill liquor fast?
Want cold tequila, and need it now? Here are a few ways to chill it fast:
1. Salt and ice bath: Submerge the bottle in a metal bowl filled with ice, water, and salt. The salt lowers the freezing point, chilling the liquor in about 10–15 minutes.
2. Shaker with ice: Pour tequila into a cocktail shaker with ice, shake for 15–20 seconds, and strain.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single best way to drink tequila—it depends on the variety, your preference, and the vibe.
So the next time you reach for Carabuena Tequila, ask yourself: are you sipping, savoring, or shooting? Like a good playlist, the temperature should match the moment.
