Discover the Essence of Tequila at Akasa

Elevate Your Palate: Tequila and the Flavour Profile of Akasa

Tequila is a distilled spirit derived from the blue agave plant, primarily crafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Known for its earthy tones, bright citrus layers, and subtle spice, tequila offers a versatile profile that complements the complexity of North Indian cuisine. At Akasa, we embrace this synergy by integrating tequila not just as a standalone drink but as a pairing component that brings out the best in our dishes.

Our open flame cooking techniques—ranging from the slow-charred tandoori meats to smoked vegetable delicacies—are bold and aromatic. These flavours resonate exceptionally well with the smooth bite of Don Julio Blanco or the mature depth of Don Julio Añejo, both carefully selected for our drinks menu. Pairing tequila with a well-crafted beer or white wine can also enhance the richness of the meal.

Featured Tequilas on Our Spirits Menu

Don Julio Blanco – Pure, Crisp, and Vibrant

This unaged tequila, known for its clean and slightly peppery taste, is an ideal entry point for those who are new to tequila. At Akasa, Don Julio Blanco is served neat, over ice, or as a refined base for bespoke cocktails. It’s especially recommended as an accompaniment to dishes like our Ajwaini Jhinga (carom-seed marinated prawns) or Murgh Angaar (fiery chicken tikka), where the zesty agave notes cut through the spice for a well-rounded experience.

• Tasting Notes: Citrus, light pepper, fresh agave

• Pairs Well With: Grilled seafood, spicy kebabs, coriander-forward chutneys

Don Julio Añejo – Aged Elegance with a Toasted Edge

Aged for over a year in American white oak barrels, Don Julio Añejo offers warm notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak. It’s a sipping tequila that lends itself to slow appreciation—much like our Dal Akasa or Lamb Sheekh Kebab, which are built on layers of taste and time-honored techniques.

• Tasting Notes: Oak, dark chocolate, toasted almond

• Pairs Well With: Smoked meats, lentils, and rich gravies

Both tequilas are served in premium glassware that honors the spirit’s origin, with optional citrus zest or salt rim on request. For a different spin, try pairing it with a scotch whisky or rum.

Why Tequila Belongs at Akasa

Tequila has long been associated with celebration and connection. But at Akasa, it serves an even deeper purpose—it complements our bold, earthy food in a way that feels intuitive. Unlike other spirits that may overpower the palate, tequila adds balance, offering contrast without conflict.

Akasa’s signature dishes rely on traditional Indian spices like cumin, coriander, garam masala, and fennel. These ingredients are layered through grilling, smoking, and slow cooking. A carefully selected tequila, when sipped between bites, not only refreshes the palate but elevates the entire culinary moment, similar to enjoying a glass of Hendrick’s gin or Gin Mare.

Tequila in Cocktails – A Modern Touch with Heritage Flavour

Beyond sipping tequilas, our team at Akasa crafts bespoke cocktails using tequila as a base, tailored to your preferences. From a twist on the classic Margarita using house-infused syrups to creations that incorporate Indian herbs like mint, saffron, or even smoked cinnamon, our bartenders reimagine tequila with a touch of heritage.

Here are a few favourites inspired by our guests’ preferences:

• Smoked Masala Margarita – Don Julio Blanco, lime, chili salt rim, cumin-laced agave syrup

• Tequila Saffron Sour – Don Julio Añejo, fresh lemon, saffron honey reduction, egg white

• Charcoal Agave Spritz – Blanco tequila, activated charcoal, soda, burnt rosemary

Ask our team for a recommendation or let us build a drink that perfectly matches your dish and mood.

Pairing Recommendations: Bringing Harmony to Your Table

Here’s how tequila pairs with some of Akasa’s signature dishes:

Dish Recommended Tequila Why It Works

Murgh Malai Tikka Don Julio Blanco Cuts through the creamy richness with crisp citrus

Lamb Rogan Josh Don Julio Añejo Deep, earthy notes blend with slow-cooked spice

Tandoori Broccoli Blanco-based Cocktail Herbaceous and grilled flavors enhanced with citrus

Bhuna Gosht Don Julio Añejo Mature agave tones match with layered masalas

Vegetable Biryani Smoked Tequila Cocktail Spiced rice gains a smokey, cooling counterbalance

Sourced with Integrity, Served with Intention

At Akasa, our tequila offerings reflect the same values we hold across our entire menu: sourcing with care, presenting with dignity, and always placing flavor at the forefront. That’s why we partner with world-renowned producers like Don Julio, whose reputation is built on quality, sustainability, and tradition.

Each bottle we serve is stored and handled with precision to maintain its integrity. Our bartenders and service staff are trained to offer insight into each expression, helping both new and experienced guests make the most of their tequila experience.

Hosting an Event? Add Tequila to Your Celebration

Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering, a dinner party, or a milestone celebration, our events team can incorporate a tequila tasting session or craft a tequila-focused cocktail menu to match your vision.

• Tequila Pairing Dinners: A multi-course journey featuring Akasa’s signature dishes and paired sips of Blanco and Añejo tequilas.

• Cocktail Masterclasses: Learn the craft behind the Margarita and its many offshoots using premium tequila.

• Tasting Flights: Explore tequila styles from blanco to extra añejo, curated for both education and indulgence.

Let us help you design a bespoke event where tequila adds flavor, meaning, and a unique sense of occasion.

A Spirit with Stories: The Tequila Legacy

Though its roots lie in Jalisco, Mexico, the spirit of tequila resonates with Akasa’s broader narrative—tradition meeting contemporary craft. Much like the Indian royal kitchens that inspire our menu, tequila is the result of centuries of refinement, local knowledge, and respect for nature.

By bringing tequila into our drinks menu, we don’t just add a new flavor—we invite a global perspective that harmonizes beautifully with the rich and layered soul of Indian cuisine.

Visit Akasa Today and Rediscover Tequila

Whether you’re a long-time aficionado or exploring the spirit for the first time, tequila at Akasa offers something meaningful: a connection between bold cuisine and smooth sips, a pairing that speaks across cultures and traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions