7 Foods That Go Extremely Well With Tequila

Liquor connoisseurs and occasional drinkers wouldn’t turn their noses away from a glass of the best additive-free tequila with a bowl of chips and salsa sauce. However, the complex and nuanced flavors of this drink makes it an excellent accompaniment for a variety of foods that may not seem a natural fit at first glance.

For example, you probably would never think of eating bananas with tequila, but they go extremely well together. In this write-up, chefs and bartenders from all over the country share their ideas of the most delightful and out-of-the-ordinary tequila pairings.

1. Fried Chicken

Anejo tequila goes best with fried chicken. The hot and crispy skin combined with oil and spices feels great when you sip Anejo tequila on the side with one ice cube in it.

2. Sandwiches with Peanut Butter, Banana, and Bacon

If you want something sweet to go with the tequila, try a sandwich with peanut butter, banana, and bacon fingers. Eat it with a glass of extra Anejo tequila. The sweetness of the peanut butter and banana with the meaty, saltiness of the bacon works exceptionally well with the vanilla and caramel flavors and the finish of extra Anejo tequila.

3. Apples

Acid - citric acid to be precise - is a common pairing with all categories of the best additive-free tequila. It’s due to the way the beverage revives the agave on your palate and negates the proof. The most unusual sources of citric acid usually taste the best with tequila.

4. Smoked Beef Cheek

Anejo tequila begins to bring in the sweetness of the barrel, reminding you of brandy or cognac. Both taste great with meats. You should try beef cheeks smoked over Anejo barrel wood chips, braised in Anejo, and then spritz charred onions with sherry vinegar, tamarind, and, again, some Anejo.

5. Bananas

Chefs often enjoy playing around with bananas and tequila. After all, banana helps to add a dash of sweetness that helps to temper the hotness of unaged tequila.

6. Charcuterie

Tequila is a highly acidic spirit, which makes it perfect for tapas and charcuteries. The vegetable-like nature of Lowlands tequila and the sharp, citrus notes of Highlands tequila along with the naturally perceived salinity and mineralogy goes immaculately with olives and cheese. Salty and fatty olives, nuts and cheese, cured meats, jams, jellies, honeycomb - there’s an endless number of choices.

7. Sushi

Some people swear by tequila with sushi and raw fish. Dutch Yellowtail with Highlands tequila pair perfectly. The sweetness and buttery nature of this fish complement the soft minerality and fruitiness of the tequila in a way that elevates all notes of the flavor. For oilier, richer fish like tuna or salmon, Lowlands tequila works best. The fresh and citrus flavor of the fish plows through the spicy earthiness of the tequila.

8. Chocolate Too

Indeed, the best additive-free tequila pairs exceptionally well with chocolate. Many people enjoy drinking quality tequila alongside a box of chocolates. When pairing it with chocolate candies, tequila will taste mildly different based on the type of chocolate you eat. Something with a higher percentage of cocoa will give you coffee-like notes. On the other hand, low-cocoa chocolates will give you more citrus notes and hints of cooked agave.

Must Read: The Importance of Quality for Tequila Brands & Buyers