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Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant. Sauza Tequila is a popular and interesting brand of this infamous drink. We look at Sauza tequila prices and a few other interesting facts.
The Sauza Tequila Backstory
Tequila is mainly produced in the area surrounding the city of Tequila. The red volcanic soils in this region are the best suited for growing blue agave. More than 300 million plants are harvested each year.
Different regions produce different types of Agaves. Blue agaves grown in the valley have an herbaceous flavor and fragrance, while agave grown in the highlands are larger and sweeter in the aroma.
Mexican law states that tequila may on be produced in certain areas. They include the states of Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacan, Tamaulipas and Nayarit.
Tequila must have an alcohol content of between 35% and 55%.
Alcohol Content
Tequila is made from the fermentation of sugars found in the Blue Agave plant. Once it has been cooked the main sugars turn into fructose.
Many factors such as the type of yeast, strain, temperature, and age of the plant contribute to the alcohol content of tequila.
The temperature of the fermentation plays an important part in the alcohol content. A higher temperature is more optical for yeast fermentation.
The older the plant the greater the alcohol production.
Color
The color of tequila ranges from clear distilled to dark amber brown. This mainly depends on the aging process and the wood used for storage.
White tequila is produced by using no or a very short aging process. This produces the purest form of Tequila
Gold tequila is produced by adding grain alcohols and caramel color. Higher-end gold tequilas are produced by aging the tequila in aged wooden barrels. This process can take anything between 2 months and three years.
Different types of tequila
There are four categories of Tequila
- Bianco – This is a white spirit that is either unaged or aged for less than two months in stainless steel barrels
- Reposado – Aged two months to one year in oak barrels
- Anejo – This is aged from one to 3 years in small oak barrels
- Extra Anejo – This was established in March 2006 and requires a minimum of three years in oak barrels.
Brief History of Sauza Tequila
Tequila was first produced near the city of tequila in the 16th Century. Sauza Tequila was officially established in 1666. When Spanish explorers ran out of brandy, they started distilling agave.
Don Cenobio Sauza, founder of Sauza tequila was the first person to export tequila to the United States. He shortened the term from “Tequila extract” to just “Tequila”. In 1873 he bought the “la Antiqua Crus” distillery and renamed it “La Persavercncia”.
At the tender age of 20, His son, Don Eladio, took over the family business in 1903. By 1946 he became the first ambassador for tequila as he introduces the world to Casa Sauza and its tequilas.
By 1974, Don Francisco Javier successfully petitions the Mexican government to declare the town of tequila to be the only source of true Tequila. In 1978 Casa Sauza sells a record-breaking 3 million cases of tequila.
By the year 2000, the United States consumed approximately 14 million gallons of tequila and by 2003 Casa Sauza is the world’s most consumed tequila.
By 2005 Casa Sauza its 15th among the world’s bestselling spirits.
Crafting of Sauza Tequila
The tequila is produced by using a gentle extraction. Nectar of the best blue agave is used. Juices are cooked only after they have been extracted from the Pina. This produces agave flavors that are fresh and pure.
Sauza Tequila Price, Sizes & Variations
| Type | Size | Price |
| Sauza hacienda Silver | 750 ml | $19.99 |
| Sauza hacienda Gold | 750 ml | $19.99 |
| Sauza conmemorativo Anejo | 750 ml | $27.99 |
| Sauza margarita ready to drink | 6 pack | $28.99 |
| Sauza Lime crush cocktail | 12 pack | $19.79 |
| Sauza Tropical twist cocktail | 12 pack | $19.79 |
| Sauza Strawberry breeze cocktail | 12 pack | $19.79 |
| Sauza black cherry smash | 12 pack | $19.79 |
Generally, Sauza tequila is an affordable tequila marketed for the masses.
Competitors’ products and pricing
- 1800 Jalisco – $15.99 – $40.99
- Casamigos – $39.99 – $54.99
- Patron – $21.99 – $499.99
- Don Julio – $19.99 – $419.99
- Jose Cuervo – $13.99 – $199.99
- Avion – $16.99 – $149.99
- Deleon – $27.99 – $699.99
- Hornitos – $12.99 – $43.99
- Herradura – $39.99 – $59.99
- Cabo Wabo – $38.99 – $44.99
- Corralejo – $29.99 – $49.99
Serving
Traditionally in Mexico, tequila is consumed neat without lime and salt. Some Mexican regions drink fine tequila with a side of Sangrita.
Sangrita is a spicy, sweet-sour drink typically made from grenadine, orange juice, and chili. Equal-sized shots of sangrita and tequila are sipped alternatively.
Bandera is another popular way to drink tequila. It consists of three shot glasses and is named after the flag of Mexico which is green, white, and red. Each of the three glasses is filled with lime juice, white tequila, and sangrita.
In the rest of the world, tequila is often served with salt and a slice of lemon or lime. The back of your hand is moistened and covered with salt. The salt is licked off the hand, the tequila is downed, and the fruit slice is quickly eaten. The salt aids to lessen the “burn” of the tequila and the fruit enhances the flavor.
In some countries, tequila is consumed in this fashion, followed by a piece of cinnamon placed on a slice of orange.
Some tequilas state that it should be served ice cold. Chilling alcohol reduces the aroma and flavor, making it more palatable.
Higher-end Tequila can be consumed from a sniffer glass. The tequila is sipped and allows the drinker to taste the subtler flavors and fragrances.
Cocktails
There are many cocktails made from tequila with a margarita being one of the most popular. The traditional Margarita consists of tequila, Cointreau or triple sec, and lime juice, though there are many variations. A margarita can be served frozen or stirred.
Other popular variations include a tequila sunrise and Bloody Mary.
A popular cocktail in Mexico is the Paloma. This drink is prepared by mixing lime juice, grapefruit-flavored soda, and tequila.
Bloody Mary Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 parts Souza Hacienda gold Tequila
- 6 Parts tomato juice
- ½ Part lime juice
- 1 dash of celery salt
- 1 dash of ground black pepper
- 1 dash of tobacco
Add tequila to a tall glass filled with ice. Fill the glass with the remainder of the ingredients and garnish with a celery stick.
Tequila Sunrise Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Parts Souza Hacienda silver tequila
- 1 part lime juice
- 1 part orange juice
- 3 Parts cranberry juice.
Fill a shaker with all the ingredients and shake. Pour into a glass over ice and garnish with orange and lemon wedges.
Conclusion
Tequila is a very versatile alcoholic beverage. There are so many ways to enjoy tequila, whether it is straight-up or in your favorite cocktail. Remember to enjoy responsibly.
