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Tequila enthusiasts, gather around! We get this question a lot at Sipsy: what is additive-free tequila<\/u><\/a>, what\u2019s it really about, and is it worth all the hype? As your go-to source for all things tequila, we\u2019re here to break it down for you. Let\u2019s delve into the intricacies of additive-free tequila and what it means for your sipping experience.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When it comes to tequila<\/u><\/a>, the term \u201cadditive-free\u201d 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 \u2013 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\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 1. Glycerin<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019re not experiencing the true essence of the agave.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 2. Sugar<\/strong><\/p>\n 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\u2019s far from a natural taste.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 3. Coloring<\/strong><\/p>\n 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 a\u00f1ejo, it\u2019s not always the result of natural aging. Caramel coloring can mimic the look of a well-aged tequila, even if it hasn\u2019t spent much time in the barrel.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n 4. Oak Extract<\/strong><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n But do additive-free tequilas<\/a><\/u> prevent hangovers? Unfortunately, that\u2019s 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\u2019re mixing tequila in a cocktail, you\u2019re already adding other ingredients, so the \u201cadditive-free\u201d 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.<\/p>\n So, what do you think? Want to know some of our favorite additive-free tequilas<\/u><\/a>? Stay tuned for our top recommendations!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Checkout our full rundown on additive free tequilas over on our TikTok here<\/a><\/u>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n
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