Have you seen the new pink Tequila? It seems like everyday we see another brand add a Rosa, Rosado, or Rosé Tequila to the market. So what is a Rosa Tequila anyways? While it goes by a few names, this unofficial category of Tequilas is unique in the fact that they are aged in red wine barrels. This is quite different than Añejo or Reposado Tequila, which is typically aged in Oak, or previously used whiskey barrels.

Rosa Tequila tastes similar to Tequila, but can bring some interesting notes from the aging choices. Makers of Rosa Tequila can use a variety of red wines and aging durations to impart floral, fruity, and other expressions from the wine. Some common types of wine used include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux, Port, and more. Due to this, Rosa Tequila doesn't have a standard taste, but instead unique expressions crafted by each brand.

Rosa Tequila is best served neat to fully appreciate the unique expressions imparted from the aging process. While it can be difficult for some to sip on liquor, the aging process of Rosa Tequilas can make the spirit less harsh compared to some other types of Tequilas. Similarly, many will also enjoy the flavors of a Rosa Tequila on the rocks, or over a large ice cube.

For those who aren't as accustomed to sipping on Tequila straight, Rosa Tequila can also be made into a variety of cocktails. The classic margarita can be made into a Rosa Margarita for a vibrant and interesting mix up. For those looking for a low calorie drink, the classic ranch water can be made into a Rosa ranch water for a quick and refreshing beverage. Keep in mind however there are distinct differences in taste between different brand's Rosa or Rosado Tequilas. This can make it difficult to substitute one type of Rosa Tequila for another in a cocktail!

In the beginning of the process, Rosa Tequilas are made just like other types of Tequilas. Blue Weber Agaves from Mexico are harvested and cooked to extract the needed sugars to ferment and distill the sweet agaves into Tequila. After that it's up to the specific brand to choose what type of red wine barrel or cask to use for aging, and how long. Some Rosa Tequila makers even choose to use multiple barrels for aging, making an even more complex spirit. For example, some types like Don Julio's Rosado start as a normally aged Reposado Tequila that is then finished in Ruby Port wine casks.

Rosé Tequila and Rosa Tequila are pretty much the same thing. While neither are an official category of Tequila, the names have been used interchangeably for Tequilas that are aged in red wine barrels. Keep in mind though that different types of Rosa and Rosé Tequilas can be similar, but it all depends on the aging choices and process.

To put it simply, Tequila Rose is not a Rosa or Rosé Tequila. While it can be confusing, Tequila Rose (without the accent on the e) is a specific brand of Strawberry Cream Liqueur, with a splash of Tequila. You'll notice this brand doesn't contain the words 100% agave.

Rosa Tequilas can have additives, but it varies from type to type. If you are looking for additive free Rosa Tequilas, looking for bottles that contain the words '100% agave' is a good place to start. However, even Tequilas that are labeled as 100% agave can still have some small amounts of additives, so it's a good idea to do some additional research to find out if there's any additives, abocantes, flavorings, or dyes used in the process.

For Rosa and Rosado Tequila, the pink color comes from aging in red wine soaked barrels or casks. This aging allows for the spirit to absorb the color and flavor from the previously used red wine cask. Additionally some brands will use additives to achieve a pink color. Additives like fruits, rose petals, and pink peppercorns could also be used to give Tequila a pink color.