If you’re looking for a new tequila to try, Joven may be a perfect choice. This style is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason – it’s delicious! This kind of tequila is popular in Mexico and is made with a blend of Reposado and Anejo tequilas.
What is Joven tequila? Joven is a term used to describe tequila that is young, or new. It’s typically less than two months old and has not been aged in oak barrels.
In this blog post we will discuss joven tequila and its history, ingredients, process of making, the perfect recipe to try with it and some variations to try out.
Joven Tequila and Its History
Joven tequila has been around since the 1800s, but it wasn’t until recently that this style became popular. Many people are unaware of its existence or even know what to call it!
The term “Joven” comes from the Spanish word meaning young/newborn child (or baby). It’s not uncommon for a child to be named after their parents’ favorite drink at birth!
This can lead to some confusion when you hear someone say “I’m going on vacation to Mexico next week – we’re taking tequila!” because they don’t know what kind is best for them!
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What Makes a Tequila Joven
There are a few things that set Joven tequila apart from other styles. As mentioned before, it’s typically less than two months old and has not been aged in oak barrels. This gives the liquor a much lighter flavor profile and makes it smoother to drink.
In addition, Joven tequilas are often bottled with additives like caramel coloring and sugar, which give them their distinctive golden hue. Some people believe that these additions make the tequila taste better, while others think they’re just a way to cover up any flaws in the liquor.
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Process of Making Joven Tequila
Joven tequilas are made from the blue agave plant, which has been cultivated in Mexico for thousands of years.
The process used to make Joven tequila is similar to that of other styles: first, pinas (which are large parts of the plant) are harvested and roasted; then they’re crushed into a pulp before fermentation begins.
Once fermented, this liquid gets distilled twice before being bottled as an unaged “white” or Blanco-style liquor!
In addition, some brands add caramel coloring and sugar during this step too – hence why their color may vary between golden yellow hues and dark amber browns depending on how much time spent aging it was given beforehand.
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Taste of Joven Tequila
Joven tequila has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other styles. You can expect notes of citrus, vanilla, and spice when tasting this liquor – all thanks to the blue agave plant used in its production process! The sugars found within these plants contribute to both colorations as well as taste profiles too.
Due to the young age of Joven tequila, it’s often smoother to drink than other styles. This makes it a great choice for those who are new to drinking tequila or don’t enjoy its harsher flavors.
However, some people believe that this smoothness comes at the cost of flavor – and that Joven tequilas lack complexity compared to other styles like Reposado or Anejo.
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The Perfect Recipe for Joven Tequila
Joven tequilas are typically bottled with additives like caramel coloring and sugar, which give them their distinctive golden hue. When choosing a recipe to make with your Joven, think about things that will bring out its sweetness.
Ingredients:
- Lime juice (one lime) – sweetens up any drink without overpowering it!
- Ice cubes if desired. If you want your cocktail cold but don’t have time for freezing them beforehand, just add some ice cubes when blending everything.
- Tequila (preferably a Joven)
- Triple sec – orange liqueur that gives any drink an extra kick and compliments the citrus notes in Joven tequila perfectly!
- Simple syrup or sugar to taste – can be swapped for agave nectar if you want to keep things natural.
Instructions:
Combine all ingredients except ice cubes in a blender and blend until smooth. Pour over with cold water or milk (or both) if desired; then serve immediately.
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Joven Tequila Variations to Try Out
Joven tequila comes in many different varieties, which all have unique flavors and aromas.
Blanco tequila- This is a clear liquor that’s typically unaged and bottled without any additives.
Reposado tequila- This drink is aged in oak barrels for at least two months, which gives it a golden color and flavor profile.
Anejo tequila- Añejo (which means “aged” in Spanish) refers to any type of liquor that has been aged in oak barrels for at least one year.
Extra Añejo tequila- As the name suggests, Extra Añejo tequila is aged for longer than other styles – usually for a minimum of three years. This results in an even smoother, richer flavor that’s perfect for sipping on its own!
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Conclusion
Joven tequila is a great choice for those who want to try something new or are just starting out with drinking tequila. It has a smooth taste and citrusy flavor profile that makes it easy to drink.
However, be aware that it does contain alcohol and can cause some unwanted side effects if consumed in excess amounts.
