Clean Co Tequila Non Alc

Tequila Non Alc from CLEAN CO is a non-alcoholic alternative to tequila, so it sits outside the Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo categories. Those names describe aging rules for distilled agave spirit. The closest comparison is an unaged Blanco, since products in this style usually aim at the bright, peppery, citrus-and-green-herb profile of a silver tequila. Expect that general direction rather than the weight of an oak-aged bottle. The vanilla, caramel and baking-spice character that barrel time adds to Reposado and Añejo is not what this style targets. The label doesn't give a precise flavor breakdown, so judge the exact balance of vegetal, citrus and spice by tasting it. A spirit-free bottle has no alcohol burn to carry the flavor, which makes it better suited to mixing than to sipping neat. A small pour over a large ice cube in a rocks glass, or a chilled caballito, is a fair way to learn what it tastes like before building drinks. Chilling helps. Cold temperatures soften sharp edges, and a wedge of lime on the side lets you adjust brightness as you go. Cocktails are where it will probably earn its place. In a Margarita, shake it with fresh lime juice and a little agave syrup or orange liqueur alternative, then strain over ice into a salt-rimmed rocks glass. Start with less sweetener than you'd use for a regular Margarita and adjust to taste. A Paloma is the easiest and most forgiving option: pour over ice in a tall glass, add grapefruit soda or fresh grapefruit juice with soda water, and finish with a pinch of salt and a lime squeeze. For a Ranch Water, use a highball glass with plenty of ice, a generous squeeze of lime and cold sparkling mineral water. This is the lightest way to drink it, and the clean, dry result lets whatever agave-style character the product has come through. For food, anything that suits a tequila drink works well here: tacos, ceviche, grilled shrimp, fresh salsas and citrus-dressed salads.