If you’re a tried-and-true fan of tequila, chances are good you’d like to expand your accessories collection and stock up on items you need to further enjoy your favorite liquor. And if you know someone who enjoys tequila-based cocktails on a regular basis, then you’re sure to be on the lookout for gift ideas for that special someone in your life, too. Whether you love tequila or know someone else who does, be sure to check out our list of must-have tequila accessories and items below. These items will make your tequila experience better than ever before, and you’ll wonder how you ever did without them.
Margarita Glasses
No tequila lover’s cabinet is complete without a set of margarita glasses. There are several different variations on the margarita glass, but they all have a few things in common. They are shaped a bit like a champagne coupe, with some changes. These glasses tend to have a large bowl at the top that tapers into a smaller secondary bowl before the beginning of the stem. They have long stems that allow the drinker to hold the glass without having to warm up the drink inside too quickly—making it ideal for frozen, blended drinks and those on the rocks too.
These glasses may sometimes be replaced with a more traditional triangular-shaped cocktail glass or martini glass, depending on the setting. In more casual situations, margaritas might be served in an Old Fashioned glass instead, with no stem. This is especially true of margaritas that are served on the rocks. A true tequila fan who enjoys margaritas regularly should have at least a couple of each of these styles of glasses on hand for serving margaritas in the appropriate settings.
Salt Shot Glasses
Salt shot glasses are made of pink Himalayan sea salt. Their marbled design makes them look like they’re made of a gemstone, but in actuality, they are completely edible. They can be used for serving tequila shots. These glasses make everything have a slightly salty taste, so they’re ideal for offering guests tequila with a squeeze of lime. They do not have a lot of reusable value, however, so you may want to consider them only for a novelty gift or a one-time use item. They are not washable and should not be shared between party guests.
Flavored Rim Salt
Another must-have for the margarita fan, flavored rim salt is a great way to add different flavors to your margaritas. Instead of dipping your glass in traditional salt, try dipping it in lime-flavored or chili-flavored salt instead. Many of these flavored salts are also colored, so you might find lime flavored and bright green salt as an option, for example. There are also several similar sugar products available, too, for those who prefer a little bit of a sweet taste with every sip of their favorite tequila-based cocktails. These salts and sugars make great stocking stuffers for tequila fans and are a fun way to spice up just about any party.
Cocktail Seasoning Blends
Much like the flavored salt and sugar mentioned above, cocktail seasoning blends can also be used on the rims of your margarita glasses to make your tequila cocktails a little more unique. However, they can also be added to the drink itself for even more bold flavor and original taste with each sip. These cocktail blends are usually spicy in nature, but not always. Some of them may simply be lime flavored.
The spicier variations of this type of cocktail blend usually include orange, black pepper, Serrano or other spicy pepper, and turmeric, although there are dozens of other styles out there too. They make for a great brunchtime Bloody Mary as well as an excellent pre-dinner margarita, depending on your specific needs. Don’t be afraid to get creative with the way you season your tequila-based cocktails!
Tequila Shooter Tray
If you prefer to serve your tequila in traditional shots without the mess and hassle of tequila-based cocktails, then you definitely need to be sure to keep a tequila shooter tray on hand. These trays include space to hold several shot glasses—usually four to six, depending on the set—as well as a small tray for limes and salt. You can then set out these trays at your next party or serve them directly to your guests. Think of them as an opportunity to serve a tequila flight by offering samples of several varieties of tequila, or use them to serve shots to many party guests at the same time.
Cocktail Shaker & Strainer
Last but not least, if you’ll be making several cocktails with a tequila base, chances are good you’ll need a cocktail shaker and a strainer too. A cocktail shaker may be made of glass or aluminum, although many are made of both. These shakers come in two sections that twist together to form a seal, allowing you to shake the cocktail with ice and other ingredients until it is combined.
From there, you can use the strainer to strain your drink into the proper glass of your choice. You may not always want to strain every drink you make, but many tequila cocktails do call for this step.
As an added bonus, you might also want to purchase a juicer so you can get fresh lemon and lime juice for your favorite tequila-based cocktails as well. This isn’t a necessity, but it is a nice addition to your mixology accessories and can ramp up your tequila game even further.
Now that you’ve had a chance to look over our list of top picks for tequila-themed accessories, be sure to stock up on your favorites. Don’t forget to buy some of these items for your tequila-loving friends and family members as well. With the right supplies and accessories to help out along the way, you’re sure to enjoy your tequila cocktails and shots time and time again.