Quebec “Tequilas”: The Essentials
As Quebec products continue to proliferate on SAQ shelves, it’s nearly impossible to taste them all. One article at a time, I’ve decided to explore the world of each spirit from a local perspective to help you make an informed and thoughtful choice. Since this summer, my mission has been to find the best Quebec margarita recipe, so this time I’ve chosen to delve into the realm of agave spirits.
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Why the “quotation marks”?
The term “tequila” is a controlled designation, exclusive to Mexico and regulated by the government. The term “mezcal” is also a controlled designation in Mexico. It’s important to understand that tequila is a specific category of mezcal, made exclusively from Blue Weber agave in the state of Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be produced in other states of Mexico and can be made from various types of agave.
So, even if a Quebec agave spirit contains Mexican agave, even if it is made from 100% Blue Weber agave, it cannot be labeled as “tequila” or “mezcal” because it is produced outside of Mexico. That doesn’t mean these products aren’t sensational and delicious; they simply don’t carry the official label.
The Spirits Tested
1. Tequila Silver – Cherry River
Cherry River’s words: “If you want to make the best margarita, you also need the best orange liqueur in Quebec—ours.”
Cherry River’s tequila is indeed tequila, not an agave spirit. Now, you might be a little confused because earlier, I clearly mentioned that a spirit cannot be called tequila if it’s not produced in Mexico. Well… Tequila Silver is produced in Mexico in collaboration with Cherry River and imported here. The distillery worked very hard with Mexico to ensure they could legally use the Mexican label. I can’t claim to know the full extent of the requirements, but I imagine the process is quite complex.
Plus, at $40.50, the price is downright incredible—it’s worth a try.
To create the best Quebec margarita recipe, I decided to start with a clear guideline: the basic recipe. Since Cherry River is the only Quebec distillery to offer real tequila, I chose their product as the foundation for developing my base recipe—the ultimate benchmark for comparison.
(Classic) Margarita
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz Cherry River orange liqueur
- 1 ½ oz Cherry River Tequila Silver
Lavender Margarita
- ½ oz Maison Lavande syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz Cherry River orange liqueur
- 1 ½ oz Cherry River Tequila Silver
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2. Agave Spirit – Comont
Festive and bold, this agave spirit had been on my radar for quite some time. It features a beautiful saline finish that instantly makes you crave a fresh margarita. This product is crafted from Blue Agave syrup directly imported from Jalisco, Mexico.
Did you know that the base recipe for Comont’s agave spirit has slightly changed since their very first batch? The process has been improved to achieve better flavor extraction. They now use double distillation instead of a single one.
Watermelon Margarita
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 1 ½ oz Comont Agave Spirit
- 1 oz watermelon juice
3. Aged Agave Spirit – Comont
With unmatched power. I find that the aged version closely resembles an añejo tequila, as it is very woody, full-bodied, and delicately smoky. The distillery doesn’t buy neutral alcohol from an outside supplier; it produces the base for its Agave spirit aged in Bedford with blue agave syrup. This version is aged in two types of barrels: new French oak barrels for woody notes and ex-bourbon barrels for sweet, caramelized, and vanilla notes.
I found this version more refined, with saltier and woodier notes, which inspired me to create a “dirtier” version of the classic margarita. With its perfect balance of salty, tangy, and alcoholic flavors, it will appeal to cocktail lovers who enjoy stepping off the beaten path.
Dirty margarita
- ¼ oz simple syrup
- ¾ oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz olive brine
- 1 ½ oz Comont Aged Agave Spirit
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4. Coconut Flavored Agave Spirit – Comont
This version is stunning with its fresh, toasted coconut notes. It’s a bit lower in alcohol (35% ABV), sweeter, and smoother. I love it just as much in the summer with a splash of pineapple juice and a pinch of Tajín spices, as in winter, in a more sophisticated cocktail.
With this exceptional spirit, I may have found the best margarita recipe! Be warned, the recipe I’m sharing below is even better with some autumn raspberries, but it’s definitely addictive. I highly recommend it.
Coconut & Autumn Raspberry Margarita
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 handful of raspberries
- ½ oz orange liqueur
- 1 ½ oz Coconut Flavored Agave Spirit
5. El Chapleau – Rosemont
El Chapleau is named after Chapleau Street, where the Montreal Distillery is located. This agave spirit is made from organic Blue Agave from the Oaxaca region. It is both smooth and warm, with a beautiful creaminess and lovely saline notes. Whether as shots or in a margarita, El Chapleau is truly a must-have behind bars in Quebec.
Blue Margarita
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ½ oz Humble curaçao liqueur
- 1 ½ oz El Chapleau
- 1 oz Mr Bubble Tea blueberry flavor
6. Aged Agave – Rosemont
I’ve fallen in love with this spirit. Even though it’s a bit more expensive at the SAQ, it’s worth every dollar spent—it’s truly a gem. This aged version is one of my favorites of 2024. I suggest you grab a bottle quickly if you spot it at the SAQ.
Passion Margarita
- ½ oz simple syrup
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 1 ½ oz Comont Agave Spirit
- 1 ½ oz Cirka Passion Liqueur
- 1 ½ oz tropical passion fruit juice
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7. HP Agave (The “Tequila” without Alcohol)
Sold in grocery stores, this product is truly surprising. In my opinion, it’s the best product in the wave of non-alcoholic spirits. It’s flavorful, spicy, and tangy all at once. HP Agave is made with agave imported from Mexico and distilled without alcohol in a copper still.
In conclusion, dear friend and explorer of Quebec flavors, I now invite you to let agave flow into your glass. Whether you’re the type to sip a classic margarita or experiment with fruity, salty, or even “dirty” versions, one thing is certain: tequila and mezcal don’t have a monopoly on fun.
In Quebec, we may not make “real” tequila on every street corner, but we sure know how to turn agave into liquid joy. So grab your shakers, frost your glasses, and remember:
The only limit to a perfect margarita is your imagination… or your agave stash!
For even more cocktail recipes to enjoy at happy hour, come follow me on Instagram: Sarah Apéro
Cheers! 🍹