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Zafiro Añejo Tequila is a fictional tequila created for the films Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul. It was used in place of existing alcoholic beverages as companies did not want to use their products given the connotations of the scene that they would be used in.
The bottle of tequila was designed specifically for the plot and is not sold commercially. However, custom bottle stoppers can be ordered so that you can own a ‘bottle’ of Zafiro Añejo. The bottle stopper is copper-plated sterling silver and is used atop an antique liquor bottle giving it some mystical qualities.
Zafiro translates to sapphire with Añejo referencing the age of the tequila. Therefore, Zafiro Añejo is seen as a quality tequila in the branding of the shows, making it an expensive beverage.
A Brief History of Zafiro Añejo Tequila
In Breaking Bad, Zafiro Añejo was used as a tequila option as sponsors did not like the idea of their drinks being used in the show.
The beverage was used in the show by a character who poisoned a bottle of it to give to a cartel. For this reason, no sponsors wanted their beverages used so the show writers used a fictitious beverage instead.
Añejo tequila is made in an interesting fashion that gives it its classification and specialty. Añejo means old which is a reference to the time it takes for the tequila to age. It typically spends one to three years in oak barrels, aging and getting its flavor and color.
Due to Añejo tequilas aging in oak barrels, the resulting flavor is often rich with notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet spice. Extra Añejo tequila spends even longer in the aging process, with a minimum of 3 years aging in oak barrels.
Añejo tequila contains no carbohydrates and has approximately 69 calories per ounce of the beverage. It is a type of tequila that is usually sipped but can make a base for a rich and flavorful drink, as discussed below.
Zafiro Añejo Tequila Price
Zafiro Añejo tequila can cost anywhere between $30 to more than $100 per bottle. The ordinary Añejo will most likely cost more than $50. Tequila should be bought within your financial means so look for a price point that does not break the bank. Obviously for a tequila that is not mass produced it will cost more to get a bottle like this.
In Better Call Saul, a shot of Zafiro Añejo costs $50. The characters Jimmy McGill and Kim Wexler convince another character to buy them shots of this tequila and end up drinking an entire bottle of the beverage. They leave before the bill comes and the buyer can figure out just how much they drank.
A shot is usually between 1 and 1 ½ US fluid ounces of tequila. If a standard bottle size of the beverage is 750 milliliters, then there are approximately 17 to 25 shots in the bottle. The bottle of Zafiro Añejo would have cost approximately $833 to $1250.
4 Alternatives and Comparisons to Zafiro Añejo Tequila
If you are looking for an Añejo tequila to enjoy, there are many options available. Olmeca Altos Anejo Tequila is made from 100% agave. It has a long and warm finish of herbs with notes of spicy black pepper.
Komos Tequila AnejoCristalino is filtered through charcoal to remove any color before it is aged. The look of the beverage puts it on par with Blanco (white or silver) tequilas, however, the flavor of the beverage comes entirely from the time spent aging in old oak barrels.
A bottle of this tequila runs a little higher than Olmeca, however, the extensive production process is the reason for this price point.
Somewhat between the prices of the aforementioned tequilas is Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila. This beverage is made with a combination of Añejo, extra Añejo, and reposado tequilas making it more complex than the average Añejo on the market. the beverage has notes of vanilla, nuts, and caramel, and is made with 100% pure agave.
Finally, Casamigos Añejo tequila is owned by George Clooney. It has strong flavors of oak, caramel, and spice with a smooth and full body.
This tequila is used primarily in cocktails, however, its flavor of it can be enjoyed neat as well. Casamigos is priced similarly to Maestro tequila.
How to Drink Zafiro Añejo Tequila
Tequila is usually drunk straight (meaning without ice) or on the rocks with some ice. However, tequila can be a good option to use as the base of a cocktail due to the strength of the alcohol and the unique flavor of some tequilas.
A Margarita with tequila is a classic cocktail and can be made with only 3 ingredients. First, you want to rim a cocktail glass with salt. This will enhance the flavors of the drink, both sweet and sour.
Next, combine 1,5 ounces of tequila, 1 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec, and ¾ ounce of lime juice in a cocktail shaker and shake with 4 ice cubes. Strain the beverage into the cocktail glass and add ice to serve.
Tequila Sunrises are another good cocktail recipe and again, only use 3 ingredients. Stir 2 ounces of tequila and 4 ounces of orange juice in a highball glass with ice.
Follow up with ¾ ounce of grenadine which will settle at the bottom of the glass creating the sunrise effect. This drink is a good option for brunch or a refreshing summertime drink.
Otherwise, tequila is good to use as a base for a mixed drink. Combine a shot (a single) or two (a double) to a mixer of your choice and enjoy.
The different mixers you can use include grapefruit or pineapple juice, agave syrup, or a soda of your choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Zafiro Añejo tequila real?
Zafiro Añejo is a fictitious tequila brand that was created by the writers of breaking bad. It was created after alcohol companies did not want to use their products in product placement.
2. Why does tequila taste different in Mexico?
The traditional method for producing tequila has been abandoned for mass production systems which allows more of the product to be produced. However, this reduces the quality of the taste of the final beverage.
In Mexico, many producers still use the traditional production method, meaning the flavors are preserved.
3. How do Mexicans drink tequila?
In Mexico, most people do not order shots of tequila. Rather, the beverage is sipped on and enjoyed. The beverage is served in shot glasses with small sips being taken from it.
Some people choose to have some salt and lime between every few sips to further enhance the flavor.