Tequila enthusiasts, gather around! We get this question a lot at Sipsy: what is additive-free tequila, what’s it really about, and is it worth all the hype? As your go-to source for all things tequila, we’re here to break it down for you. Let’s delve into the intricacies of additive-free tequila and what it means for your sipping experience.
When it comes to tequila, the term “additive-free” can be a bit misleading. The Tequila Regulatory Council certifies whether a tequila is additive-free based on whether additives make up less than 1% of the total liquid volume. This threshold, however, leaves a lot of gray area. Think about it – a single drop of food coloring can significantly alter the color of a drink. Similarly, small amounts of additives can have a substantial impact on the flavor, color, and texture of tequila. This is why you need to be cautious: a tequila labeled as additive-free doesn’t necessarily mean it has no additives, nor does it guarantee superior quality.
So, what are these additives? There are four primary types added to tequila: glycerin, sugar, coloring, and oak extract.
1. Glycerin
Glycerin is used to smooth out the flavor of the tequila. When people describe a tequila as smooth, it often has glycerin to thank for that velvety mouthfeel. Glycerin can mask some of the harshness and bite that might come from a purer, more unadulterated tequila. This might sound appealing, but it also means you’re not experiencing the true essence of the agave.
2. Sugar
The second major additive is sugar, and this is a big one. Tequilas can use sugars that are up to 8,000 times as potent as regular sugar. Even a minuscule amount can dramatically increase the sweetness of the tequila. This can be particularly deceptive because a sweeter tequila might seem more palatable to some drinkers, but it’s far from a natural taste.
3. Coloring
Coloring is another common additive, particularly caramel coloring. This is used to give tequila a richer, more appealing hue. When you see that deep amber color in a reposado or añejo, it’s not always the result of natural aging. Caramel coloring can mimic the look of a well-aged tequila, even if it hasn’t spent much time in the barrel.
4. Oak Extract
Lastly, oak extract is often used to impart an oaky flavor that would typically come from aging in oak barrels. Authentic aging in barrels is a time-consuming process that gives the tequila a depth of flavor. However, adding oak extract is a shortcut that can produce similar notes without the time and expense of proper aging.
But do additive-free tequilas prevent hangovers? Unfortunately, that’s a myth. Hangovers are caused by alcohol consumption, period. Is additive-free tequila better for you? It depends on the specific additives and their quantities. If you’re mixing tequila in a cocktail, you’re already adding other ingredients, so the “additive-free” label might not matter much.
At Sipsy, we believe in transparency and quality. While there are excellent additive-free tequilas, there are also some outstanding tequilas with additives. The key is to enjoy responsibly and find what best suits your palate.
So, what do you think? Want to know some of our favorite additive-free tequilas? Stay tuned for our top recommendations!
Checkout our full rundown on additive free tequilas over on our TikTok here.
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