Everyone has their own taste in music, and everyone enjoys tequila in their own preferred way. Whether you like to sip it neat at upscale tastings or toss it back in cocktails and dance the night away, the combination of tequila and music always makes for a great night out!
But which tequila and music combos are best?
If you’re hosting a tequila tasting party or heading out for a night on the town with friends, here are some tequila and music pairings that never disappoint.
For the Best Tequila and Music Experience, Choose the Right Tequila
Every great tequila experience starts with choosing high-quality tequila — and the best quality is additive-free.
Additive-free tequila is made with nothing but blue Weber agave, water, and yeast. It allows you to experience tequila in the most authentic, traditional way. Whether you have a favorite expression or enjoy them all, it’s always best to choose an additive-free brand.
If you’re new to tequila, it’s important to know that there are several different types (aka expressions).
Blanco is clear tequila that isn’t aged, and it’s crisper than all the other varieties. Reposado, añejo, and extra-añejo come in shades of yellow and gold, with deeper colors indicating that they’ve been aged longer. Every type has a different taste, so the best way to determine which one you prefer is to try them all.
Learn more about the flavors of the various expressions in this article from Cierto.
Cue the Music!
Not sure what to add to your playlist while you’re sipping your favorite agave spirit? Here’s a look at five musical genres that will enhance your next tequila-drinking experience.
Mariachi Music
Like tequila, mariachi music has been part of Mexican culture for centuries. These two Mexican favorites pair together perfectly.
Mariachi music is traditional Mexican folk music that combines string instruments and trumpets with melodic harmonies. While there are many genres of music played and enjoyed in Mexico, mariachi is the most recognizable Mexican musical style around the world.
Corrido Music
Usually played on guitar or accordion, corrido is one of Mexico’s most popular musical genres. Corrido focuses on storytelling, with ballads that often tell the tales of lost love.
Corrido music and tequila are a natural pairing. Put on songs from popular artists like Peso Pluma, Junior H, or Grupo Frontera and you’ll be swaying to the music in no time.
Salsa
With driving, lively beats and Afro-Cuban and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, it’s almost impossible not to want to get up and dance when listening to salsa music. As one of the most popular musical genres in Latin America, salsa is much like tequila itself — beloved worldwide!
If you’re creating a salsa music playlist for your next night out, consider mixing in some rumba, merengue, and bachata tunes. All of these complement one another and complement tequila quite well.
Country Music
It’s a well-known fact that country music stars love singing about liquor. Drinking beer and enjoying whiskey are two common country song themes but now, with songs like “Tequila Does” by Miranda Lambert and “Tequila” by Dan+Shay, it’s clear that agave spirits are just as popular among country artists and fans alike.
Whether you’re sipping tequila at a tasting or enjoying classic cocktails like the margarita or the paloma, country music perfectly sets the tone for a night of dancing and kicking back with friends.
1970s Classics
Classic rock songs from the ‘70s are a great accompaniment to tequila tasting — and we’re not just talking about the obvious “Tequila Sunrise” by The Eagles or “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett.
Iconic ‘70s artists like Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and Bowie, are top picks amongst many tequila fans. This article suggests pairing Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1973 album Pronounced ‘Lēh-nérd ‘Skin-‘nerd with a reposado and Topo Chico ranch cocktail.
In Conclusion
There’s no right or wrong choice of music to play while enjoying tequila, but cultural Mexican music, salsa, country, and classic rock can definitely help to set the tone for an incredible tequila-tasting experience. Music creates ambience, and these genres help to create the ultimate tequila-tasting ambience.
So the next time you host a tequila-tasting party at home, put some mariachi and corrido music on your playlist. Sprinkle in a few salsa songs, add some country hits to the mix, and include a few classic rock tunes. Like music, tequila comes in many forms, and everyone has their favorite style. However you prefer to pair your songs and spirits is entirely up to you.
