Spirit Spotlight: The Best Añejo Tequilas for the Holidays
As the holidays approach, there’s no better way to toast the season than with a glass of Añejo tequila. Known for its rich, complex flavors and smooth finish, Añejo is the ideal spirit for winter gatherings, whether enjoyed neat or as the star of a festive cocktail. Aged in oak barrels, this luxurious tequila boasts notes of caramel, vanilla, and warm spices, making it a perfect companion for cozy nights by the fire or elegant holiday celebrations.
In this Spirit Spotlight, we’ll explore three standout Añejo tequilas—Lobos 1707, Mijenta, and Código 1530—with tasting notes and recipes to inspire your holiday cocktail menu.
1. Lobos 1707 Añejo
Aged: 12–18 months in American white oak barrels, finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) sherry wine barrels using the Solera method.
Tasting Notes:
On the Nose: Aromas of dried fruit, roasted agave, and oak, with hints of caramel and spice.
On the Palate: A smooth and velvety texture with rich notes of honeyed figs, dark chocolate, and warming spices.
The Finish: A luxurious, lingering finish with a touch of sherry sweetness and oak complexity.
Why It’s Special: Lobos 1707 combines old-world craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing a tequila that’s elegant and unique. The PX sherry barrel finish adds a distinctive, festive touch perfect for the holidays.
Cocktail to Try: Mexican Hot Toddy
Warm up your winter nights with this comforting, spiced cocktail.
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Lobos 1707 Añejo
0.5 oz honey syrup
0.5 oz fresh lemon juice
4 oz hot water
Garnish: Lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick
Instructions: Combine tequila, honey syrup, and lemon juice in a heatproof mug. Top with hot water, stir gently, and garnish with a lemon wheel and cinnamon stick.
2. Mijenta Añejo
Aged: 18 months in four bespoke casks—American white oak, French oak, acacia, and cherry barrels.
Tasting Notes:
On the Nose: Layers of cacao nibs, butterscotch, cooked agave, and subtle hints of tobacco.
On the Palate: Smooth and velvety with flavors of dried fruits, coffee, baking spices, and a touch of chocolate.
The Finish: An orchestra of flavors with a long, harmonious finish of chocolate and mint.
Why It’s Special: Mijenta’s unique four-cask aging process delivers an exquisite balance of flavors, making it the perfect tequila for sipping slowly or creating sophisticated cocktails.
Cocktail to Try: Spiced Winter Margarita
A festive take on the classic Margarita with warming spices.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mijenta Añejo
1 oz orange liqueur
1 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz cinnamon syrup
Garnish: Cinnamon sugar rim and orange slice
Instructions: Rim a rocks glass with cinnamon sugar. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the prepared glass over fresh ice, and garnish with an orange slice.
3. Código 1530 Añejo
Aged: 18 months in French white oak red wine barrels.
Tasting Notes:
On the Nose: Aromas of vanilla, butterscotch, toasted oak, and hints of caramel.
On the Palate: A velvety smooth texture with notes of rich vanilla, caramel, and cooked agave balanced by subtle spice.
The Finish: Delicate, smooth, and lingering with a hint of oak and light sweetness.
Why It’s Special: Código 1530 honors tradition by aging its tequila in French white oak wine barrels, resulting in a complex and beautifully balanced spirit. Perfect for sipping or gifting during the holidays.
Cocktail to Try: Cranberry Tequila Sour
This vibrant cocktail brings a festive flair to your holiday celebrations.
Ingredients:
2 oz Código 1530 Añejo
1 oz unsweetened cranberry juice
0.75 oz fresh lime juice
0.5 oz agave syrup
Optional: Egg white for a frothy texture
Garnish: Sugared cranberries
Instructions: Combine tequila, cranberry juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and egg white (if using) in a shaker without ice. Shake vigorously to emulsify, add ice, and shake again. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with sugared cranberries.
Why Añejo Tequila Is Perfect for the Holidays
Añejo tequila’s rich, aged character brings warmth and elegance to the winter season. Its versatility makes it ideal for sipping neat, pairing with desserts, or crafting cocktails that highlight its complexity. Whether you’re gifting a premium bottle or serving an Añejo cocktail at your next holiday gathering, this spirit promises sophistication and cheer.
Join Us at Art of the Cocktail on December 20th
Discover the magic of Añejo tequila at our December 20th Art of the Cocktail class, where we’ll feature standout brands like Lobos 1707, Mijenta, and Código 1530. Learn to craft these festive cocktails and more under the guidance of expert mixologists, and toast to the season with exceptional spirits.
Raise your glass this holiday season and celebrate with the rich, warming elegance of Añejo tequila.
