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<h3>Tequila rises to the top shelf&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>Tequila is finally commanding the respect it deserves.&nbsp;Once the preferred party drink, the national beverage of Mexico is taking its place on the top shelf as consumers seek increasingly premium drinking experiences. A recent poll found that 64% of U.S. consumers ages 21-34 and 52% overall are willing to pay extra for higher-quality drinks like tequila.&nbsp;With handmade heritage, deep cultural roots and incredible versatility, high-end tequilas are quickly amassing a huge following. The global tequila market is projected to grow from $9.89 billion in 2021 to $14.70 billion in 2028, at a CAGR of 5.8% from 2021-2028, according to Fortune Business Insights.&nbsp;Today’s tequila drinker is more sophisticated than ever, interested in discovering new brands and inspired cocktails. Expanding your tequila selection can help your bar or restaurant stay on top of the trend and introduce guests to a wide range of tequila styles and flavors.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you’re serving tequila on its own or as the foundation for cocktails like the classic margarita, Libbey glassware can help you create signature presentations worthy of this signature spirit.&nbsp; How to serve it&nbsp;There’s no wrong way to enjoy tequila. Here are just a few ways to introduce this handcrafted spirit to your guests.&nbsp;

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How to share it&nbsp;To best serve your guests, it’s important for you and your staff to learn about the rich history of tequila – especially if the bottle in your hand is good quality.&nbsp;Officially, tequila must be produced in one of five Mexican states (Jalisco, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit or Tamaulipas) from the blue agave plant. Though any spirit made with at least 51% blue agave is considered tequila, the best tequilas are 100% blue agave.&nbsp;&nbsp;To find out if your tequila is the real deal, look for the “NOM” – or Norma Oficial Mexicana – on the bottle. This number (assigned by the Mexican government) certifies that it’s authentic Mexican-made tequila.&nbsp;The flavor, color and body of fine tequila comes not only from its ingredients, terroir and production method, but how long it has been aged.&nbsp;Unaged blanco tequilas have a light, citrusy or floral flavor. They can be enjoyed on their own or in mixed drinks. This is tequila in its purest form. Reposado tequilas, aged for just a few months to a year in oak barrels, have a soft but spicy flavor perfect for margaritas.&nbsp;Finally, añejo tequilas are made to savor. The golden-hued añejo tequila has been aged one to three years in oak barrels and has a sweet, oaky finish. The relatively new extra añejo label is given to tequilas aged over three years.&nbsp;Want to know more? Download our new tequila brochure for a complete selection of tasters, cocktail glasses and other tequila-ready glassware.&nbsp;

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Trends in tequila for the foodservice industry

Tequila is finally commanding the respect it deserves. 
Once the preferred party drink, the national beverage of Mexico is taking its place on the top shelf as consumers seek increasingly premium drinking experiences.