It can go a little bit funky if it's not stored well, but it's still perfectly safe to drink. The reason tequila goes bad is because of the agave plant. Agave has a high sugar content, and when the tequila is made, that sugar ferments and produces alcohol. The longer the fermentation process takes, the higher the proof of the tequila will be. If it's left to ferment too long, you can get some nasty compounds called methanol and formaldehyde in your bottle. They give cheap tequila its harsh taste and can make you feel pretty sick. But if it's stored properly and doesn't sit on the store shelf for years, it'll be just fine.

Tequila is a type of mezcal that is made from the blue agave plant. The heart of the agave plant is roasted in an oven or pit and then crushed to extract the juice. The juice is then mixed with water and fermented for a few days before being distilled.

Tequila

Q: Should tequila be chilled?

No, room temperature tequila is the way to go. You'll get the most flavour that way. Plus, it'll help you avoid that pesky brain freeze.

Q: Which tequila is best for making margarita?

This really depends on your own personal taste. Some people prefer a smoother tequila for their margaritas, while others prefer a more flavourful tequila. If you're looking for a quality, smooth tequila to make your margaritas with, we'd recommend Patron Silver or Gran Patron Platinum. They're both delicious options that will give your margaritas a great flavour profile. However, if you're looking for something with a bit more of a kick, we would suggest trying Teremana Tequila Blanco or Casa Herradura Plata Tequila. They both have a nice spicy flavour that will add some extra heat to your drinks.

Tequila is distilled from blue agave in Mexico, and how long it rests in oak decides its style. We stock about 100 tequilas, from everyday blancos for mixing to aged añejos for sipping, plus mezcal...

Tequila

Tequila is distilled from blue agave in Mexico, and how long it rests in oak decides its style. We stock about 100 tequilas, from everyday blancos for mixing to aged añejos for sipping, plus mezcal.

Blanco, reposado or añejo?

Blanco and silver tequila is unaged or rested for under two months and tastes most strongly of agave. Reposado has rested in oak for at least two months, and añejo for at least a year, which makes it rounder and better for sipping. We also stock flavoured tequila and tequila liqueurs, such as Tequila Rose Strawberry Cream and Sierra Tropical Chilli, and smoky mezcal.

Which tequila should I choose?

For margaritas and palomas, a blanco does the job: Jose Cuervo Silver, Olmeca Blanco and El Jimador Blanco are the everyday bottles, and Patrón Silver and Don Julio Blanco are a step up. For sipping, try a reposado or añejo, or the Don Julio 1942 añejo. Clase Azul Reposado makes a striking gift, and Casamigos, 818 and Teremana are here too.

How to serve tequila

A margarita is tequila, lime juice and orange liqueur shaken over ice; a paloma is tequila topped with grapefruit soda and a squeeze of lime. Good reposado and añejo tequilas are best sipped slowly from a small glass, like a whisky.

Free UK delivery on orders over £99. To try a tequila first, see our tequila miniatures.

Can tequila go off?

How is tequila made?

Should tequila be chilled?

Which tequila is best for making margarita?