How to Cook with Tequila

February has been all about tequila. If you missed all the goodness, you can see here what I wrote about this month’s Kindred Spirit and how to mix drinks with tequila. Keep reading to learn how to cook with tequila.

WHAT IT TASTES LIKE

Because of its origins, tequila pairs well with Latin-inspired foods. Recipes that call for citrus are a good opportunity for tequila. Depending on the brand of tequila you choose, it will add a spicy, citrus or floral kick to whatever you add it to. Blanco and reposado tequilas are your best bets for cooking.

TEMPERATURE CONSIDERTIONS

Freezing it: Alcohol has a lower freezing point than water, which means it might not freeze properly. If you’re making a frozen dessert, too much tequila might kill the ice.

Cooking with it: When you cook with any alcohol, the heat makes the alcohol evaporate. Depending on the cooking method and temperature, the alcohol won’t burn off entirely, but your dish won’t be as potent as drinking straight alcohol. In general, the longer you cook something with alcohol, the more it will evaporate.

WHAT TO MAKE WITH IT

Savory dishes: Tequila has a great place in meats, such as in glazes, sauces or salad dressings. All you need is a splash of tequila for that extra little kick.

Sweet dishes:  And of course you can make dessert boozy. Add a teaspoon or tablespoon to icing, pudding, cake. Anything, really.

Infusions: Flavor your tequila by letting it infuse with fresh produce over time. You can add in berries or citrus juices, even spicy jalapeno peppers, for new flavors to use in cooking and cocktails.

RECIPES

I rounded up eight tequila food recipes to try. There are sweet ones and savory ones alike. If you’re after a cocktail to go with it, look here. You could also try any of the tequila cocktails I made this month, including:

• Paloma
• Sweet Blood Orange Margaritas
• Coffee + Tequila Milkshake
• plus one more this week!

1. Margarita Cake Balls by Butterlust // 2. Honey Lime Tequila Shrimp Tacos with Avocado, Purple Slaw, and Chipotle Crema by Tartine and Apron Strings // 3.  Tequila-Lime Shrimp and Quinoa Salad by Iowa Girl Eats // 4. Tequila-Lime Cheesecake Bars by Sweet Peas & Saffron // 5. Tequila Watermelon Popsicles by Love & Olive Oil // 6. Big Time Jalapeño Lime Black Bean Texas Chili by Half Baked Harvest // 7.  Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate with Tequila by Creative Culinary // 8. Margarita Cookies with Salty Sweet Tequila Glaze by Love from the Oven

Tequila month isn’t quite over. I’ll have one more cocktail for you on Friday, and next week I’ll announce which spirit I’ll be highlighting in March. (Hint: It’s sparkly.) Stay tuned! // susannah