Pink is everywhere, and we mean everywhere. It’s not just rosé that’s pink anymore, the color has extended its reach to liquors. It may sound crazy, but we’re kind of excited about this pink tequila — as if we needed to develop more of a love/hate relationship with it.
Previously nameless and exclusive to Mexico, Código 1530 Rosa is part of a line of tequilas that only recently came to the states. The recipe comes from a small, local family-owned distillery in Amatitán who have used and perfected it over generations. The family honors the codes and customs, los códigos, of producing this exclusive tequila, which is part of what makes it so special.
The Rosa tequila starts out as their blanco tequila which is made from seven-year-old agave that has been cooked, fermented and distilled, but it gets its pink hue from the aging process. After the tequila has been distilled, it is then left to rest in uncharred Napa Cabernet White French Oak barrels for one month. Resting in these barrels that still contain traces of Cab is what contributes the lovely millennial pink color we can’t resist, in addition to lending a slightly floral finish to the agave juice. Floral notes in a tequila are something of a rarity, so be sure to put serious thought into how you wish to consume this unique gem. Might we suggest a little lime juice and club soda? Just keep it simple and try to preserve that color.
The Rosa Tequila isn’t the only liquor going pink. The crew at Wolffer Estate has taken its rosé to the next level and is churning out rosé gin. Although the tequila does have wine to thank for its color, there is no wine present. The gin, on the other hand, is made with rosé.
One of the partners of the winery has been itching to mix his love of distilling and winemaking for some time now and has finally made all his dreams come true. The Wolffer rosé is distilled and used as the foundation for the pink liquor. As is customary with gin, juniper berries (hand-picked from the Estate, no less) are the prominent flavor profile, but anise, cumin, coriander, cardamom and mint (also from the Estate garden) are added as well. To give the gin the slightest tint of pink, a tiny bit of grape seed extract is also added to the mix.
“Using our Rosé wine as the base gives us a clear advantage over grain-based gins. The aroma is much more playful and fruit-driven,” said Roth in a Wolffer press release.
Now that these two liquors have gone pink, it really makes us wonder, what will they turn pink next? Beer? Vodka? Only time will tell.
It sounds delicious and pretty.