Who doesn’t love a good taco?
A corn or flour tortilla wrapped around succulently grilled meats or vegetables has long proven irresistible to anyone hungry. They’re easy to eat, incredibly customizable, and range in flavor from sizzlingly spicy to seasonally refreshing.
When paired with a tangy margarita, tacos become more than a lunchtime staple. They transcend into a culinary classic that has delighted diners for over a century.
Taco and tequila pairings bring out the best in both—from the smoke of grilled meats to the bright bite of fresh citrus. And while the margarita is the obvious go-to, there’s a whole world of tequila styles and taco combinations worth exploring.
Whether you’re sipping Blanco with fish tacos or matching Añejo to something slow-braised and spicy, the right pour can take your taco night to the next level. Continue reading as we explore a few tips that will help you elevate your taco and tequila pairing skills.
A History of the Taco: A Jobsite Delight
Tacos originated from Mexican silver miners in the 18th century. Known then as “tacos de minero,” or miner’s tacos, they were usually some type of spicy filling wrapped in a corn tortilla and offered a conveniently portable lunchtime option.
The taco was introduced to America in the early 1900s by Mexican migrants working on the railroads, but quickly became a go-to choice for anyone wanting a cheap bite to eat throughout the West.
The taco grew to culinary sensation status when food carts, run by women known as “chili queens, ” opened on the streets of Los Angeles. However, the early street food version of the taco was often incredibly spicy and filled with organ meat, which was at odds with the more delicate American palate, limiting their mass appeal.
By the 1920s, organ meat had been replaced with ground beef and chicken. Spicy salsas and hot peppers had given way to cool lettuce, cheese, and tomato. Now more popular than ever, tacos moved off the streets and onto the menus of Mexican restaurants that offered a more relaxed dining experience than the grab-and-go style of eating offered by food carts.
As tacos found their way into restaurants, diners were no longer limited to quick bites—they had time to slow down, savor the flavors, and start exploring drinks that go with tacos. The margarita became the most popular match, but it didn’t stop there. Tequila and tacos quickly evolved into something far more dynamic.
How Tequila Became the Taco’s Perfect Partner
Once tequila had its place at the table, bartenders and diners began pushing past the classic margarita. They started exploring what happened when different types of tequila met different styles of tacos—and that’s when things got interesting.
Blancos brought brightness to citrusy seafood. Reposados added just the right amount of oak to smoky grilled meats. And Añejo? It turned out to be the perfect match for slow-braised fillings and bold, spicy salsas.
The more tequila aged, the more it opened up possibilities. Suddenly, taco night wasn’t just about topping choices—it was about what to pour alongside.
Taco and Tequila Pairings That Work
The beauty of tacos and tequila is that there’s no single “right” combo—just a lot of really good ones. Here are a few starting points that bring out the best in both:
Fish Tacos + Blanco Tequila
Clean, crisp, and citrusy—Blanco is perfect for anything light and fresh. Pair it with grilled or battered fish, a squeeze of lime, and a little cabbage slaw, and you’ve got a combo that’s effortlessly bright.
Carnitas Tacos + Reposado Tequila
The slow-roasted richness of carnitas calls for something with a little more body. Barrel-aged Reposado adds warm notes of oak and vanilla that complement the savory meat and mellow out any spice.
Barbacoa Tacos + Añejo Tequila
Bold meat deserves bold tequila. Añejo’s deep, smooth character stands up to rich barbacoa, mole-style sauces, or anything that’s been cooking low and slow. It’s a pairing that feels like a full-on experience.
Veggie Tacos + Blanco or Reposado
Roasted sweet potato, grilled mushrooms, or charred peppers shine when paired with something that highlights their natural flavors. Go with Blanco for brightness or Reposado for a more grounded finish.
Next time taco night rolls around—at home or on the menu—try matching the pour to the plate. The right combo doesn’t just taste good, it makes the whole dining experience feel intentional and just a touch sensational.
Why Suavecito Belongs at Your Taco Table
Whether you’re stacking carnitas, grilling veggies, or going all in on barbacoa, Suavecito Tequila is the bottle that brings it all together. Crafted from 100% Blue Weber agave and made with only natural ingredients, it’s smooth enough to sip and versatile enough to mix—without overpowering what’s on your plate.
Suavecito Blanco adds a crisp, clean edge to lighter fare. Reposado brings just the right amount of barrel-aged character to grilled meats and savory fillings. And Añejo? It’s your go-to for rich, slow-cooked tacos that call for something bold.
Great tacos deserve a pour that elevates the moment. And Suavecito was made for exactly that.
Make your next taco night one to remember by picking up a bottle of Suavecito Tequila at a Total Wine & More near you or wherever exceptional tequila is sold.
