10 Dec, 2023
Wine pairings may get all the attention in fine dining, but at Gringos Mexican Smokehouse, we believe Mexico’s agave spirits deserve the same thoughtful consideration when matching drinks to dishes. The complex flavor profiles of premium tequilas and mezcals can elevate your dining experience in ways that even the finest wines cannot when paired with our smoke-infused Mexican cuisine.
“There’s a natural affinity between smoked foods and agave spirits,” explains Sofia Reyes, our beverage director. “Both feature complex flavor development through transformation—agave hearts through roasting and fermentation, and our meats through slow smoking. They’re kindred spirits, if you’ll pardon the pun.”
Working together with our head chef Miguel, Sofia has developed pairing recommendations that highlight this natural harmony. Here’s your guide to experiencing these perfect matches on your next visit.
Before diving into specific pairings, it helps to understand the range of flavors within the tequila and mezcal family:
Blanco/Silver Tequila: Unaged, with bright, peppery agave flavors, herbal notes, and citrus characteristics.
Reposado Tequila: Aged 2-12 months in oak, developing vanilla, caramel, and subtle wood influences while retaining agave character.
Añejo Tequila: Aged 1-3 years, with pronounced oak influence, dried fruit notes, chocolate, and spice.
Extra Añejo Tequila: Aged over 3 years, with rich, dessert-like qualities of butterscotch, toffee, and dark chocolate.
Mezcal: Smokier than tequila due to underground roasting of agave hearts, with varieties ranging from subtly smoky to intensely peaty, often with mineral, earthy, and fruit notes depending on the agave variety and production method.
Ideal Match: Reposado Tequila (particularly: Fortaleza Reposado)
Why It Works: “The subtle oak aging in reposado tequila echoes the wood smoke in the brisket without overwhelming it,” says Sofia. “The vanilla notes complement the rendered fat flavors, while the remaining agave brightness cuts through the richness.”
Alternative: For those who prefer more smoke, a subtle mezcal like Del Maguey Vida provides complementary rather than competing smoke flavors.
Ideal Match: Blanco Tequila (particularly: Ocho Plata)
Why It Works: “The green, herbaceous qualities in unaged tequila mirror the vegetal notes in the poblano peppers,” Miguel explains. “There’s a surprisingly satisfying resonance between high-quality blanco tequila and these peppers—they’re both proudly expressing the Mexican earth they come from.”
Ideal Match: Añejo Tequila (particularly: El Tesoro Añejo)
Why It Works: “The complexity of traditional mole with its chocolate, chile, and spice notes demands a spirit with equal complexity,” says Sofia. “Añejo tequila’s chocolate and dried fruit notes create a beautiful harmony with the mole while standing up to the smoked chicken.”
Ideal Match: Espadín Mezcal (particularly: Nuestra Soledad San Luis del Rio)
Why It Works: “Carnitas have that beautiful balance of crispy exterior and tender interior,” Miguel notes. “A good espadín mezcal has the right amount of smoke to complement without overwhelming the pork, while its mineral qualities cut through the fat.”
Ideal Match: Herbaceous Blanco Tequila (particularly: Tapatio Blanco)
Why It Works: “The grassy, green qualities of blanco tequila make it a natural partner for the unique vegetal character of nopales,” says Sofia. “It’s a refreshing, bright pairing that feels like springtime in Mexico.”
Some of our most memorable pairings break conventional wisdom:
“People expect desserts to pair with sweeter spirits,” says Miguel, “but the rich butterscotch and vanilla notes in extra añejo tequila create a luxurious experience alongside our coconut flan without added sweetness.”
This traditional mezcal distilled with fruits, nuts, and often a suspended chicken breast (pechuga means “breast” in Spanish) has complex fruity notes that Sofia finds “magical” with the bright, spicy flavors of aguachile.
“The earthy, almost truffle-like qualities of wild tobalá mezcal create an umami explosion with our smoked mushrooms,” explains Miguel. “It’s a pairing that highlights how sophisticated vegetarian dishes can be.”
On your next visit, we offer several ways to explore these pairings:
Guided Pairing Menu: Our Thursday night tasting menu includes small pours of matched spirits with each course.
Flight Accompaniments: Order a half-portion of any recommended dish to accompany your mezcal or tequila flight.
Server Recommendations: Our staff is trained to suggest ideal pairings based on your order and preferences.
Chef’s Choice: Simply tell your server you’re interested in a spirits pairing, and Chef Miguel will select a special combination for your meal.
“The beauty of these pairings is that they’re suggestions, not rules,” Sofia emphasizes. “The best pairing is ultimately the one you enjoy most. We encourage exploration and finding your own perfect matches.”
Whether you’re a tequila enthusiast or new to premium agave spirits, these thoughtful combinations offer a window into the remarkable depth of Mexican culinary traditions—and how our smokehouse approach creates new possibilities for appreciation.
Next time you join us, consider skipping the margarita (at least for one round) and trying one of these paired experiences. Your taste buds will thank you for the adventure.
