In the movies Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, there is an imaginary tequila called Zafiro Añejo Tequila. It was substituted for real alcoholic drinks because producers were reluctant to involve their brands in the film because of the negative implications associated with the setting.
The bottle of tequila used in the narrative was made especially for the movie and is not available for purchase. You can’t buy a bottle of Zafiro Añejo, but you can get your hands on a unique bottle stopper. An antique spirits bottle topped with a bottle stopper made of copper-plated sterling silver has mysterious connotations. The name “Zafiro Añejo” refers to the tequila’s age and means “sapphire” in Spanish. As a result of the program’s marketing, Zafiro Añejo is positioned as a premium brand of tequila with a hefty price tag to match.
What Is the Concept of Zafiro Añejo Tequila?
Because other tequila brands were protesting the show’s use, Zafiro Añejo was used as a substitute. A character in the show poisoned a bottle of the drink and gave it to a criminal organisation. Because of this, the show’s authors had to invent a drink because no sponsors were interested in having their products associated with the show.
The production team had to design a bottle and stopper that would seamlessly fit into the well-crafted narratives of both series, bringing to life a fictional product that could easily be perceived as real, premium tequila.
The design of the bottle had to carry forward this narrative of luxury. The production team opted for a sleek, elegant bottle that would hold its ground among real premium tequilas. The bottle stopper, as noted to be a standout feature, is a copper-plated sterling silver piece that not only screams luxury but also carries a shroud of mystery, adding to the tequila’s fictional background story rich with exclusivity and criminal intrigue.
An essential part of this design was also ensuring that the prop fit seamlessly into the world of the series, integrating naturally with the storyline and the characters’ interactions with it. Given the criminal narratives surrounding this fictional tequila, the design had to reflect a product that could believably be involved in high-stakes, criminal activities, yet be sophisticated enough to be associated with luxury and exclusivity.
A Unique Production Process
The unique process by which Añejo tequila is produced is what gives it its own category and niche market. Añejo refers to the amount of time the tequila has been aged. The average aging time in oak barrels is between one and three years, which develops flavor and color.
Aged in oak barrels, the flavor of Añejo tequilas is frequently complex, with hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and sweet spice. Extra Añejo tequila is aged for at least three years in oak casks, far longer than the standard tequila. There are no carbs in Añejo tequila, and it has about 69 calories per ounce. This tequila is best enjoyed neat, but it also makes a great foundation for some sophisticated cocktails.
What’s The Price of Zafiro Añejo Tequila?
A bottle of Zafiro Añejo tequila can cost anywhere from $30 to $100 or more. The regular Añejo will likely set you back more than $50. When shopping for tequila, it’s important to do it within one’s financial means. The price of this bottle of tequila is more than that of mass-produced tequila.
4 Similar Alternatives to Tequilas to Zafiro Añejo
There are a wide variety of excellent Añejo tequilas to choose from:
1. Olmeca Altos Añejo Tequila
100% agave is used in the production of Olmeca Altos Anejo Tequila. It lingers on the palate with aromas of herbs and black pepper spice.
- Price: Generally ranges from $35 to $45 per bottle.
- Availability: This tequila is widely accessible and can be found in regular liquor supermarkets, offering a high-quality option for those shopping on a budget.
2. Komos Tequila Añejo Cristalino
Before aging, Komos Tequila Añejo Cristalino undergoes a charcoal filtering process to remove any traces of color. Although visually comparable to Blanco (white or silver) tequilas, this drink’s flavor is the result of extensive aging in charred oak barrels.
- Price: Its price can be a bit steeper, hovering between $60 and $80 per bottle, reflecting its labor-intensive production process.
- Availability: Given its premium pricing and unique production process, it is more likely to be stocked in high-end luxury stores, catering to individuals seeking a refined choice.
3. Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila
This is priced somewhere in the middle of the aforementioned tequilas. This drink is more nuanced than your standard Añejo because it is created with a blend of Añejo, extra Añejo, and reposado tequilas. The agave-based drink is flavored with vanilla, almonds, and caramel, and it’s produced from scratch.
- Price: Positioned mid-range, this option can be procured for around $50 to $70 per bottle, presenting a balanced blend of price and quality.
- Availability: Its versatile price point allows it to be available in both regular liquor supermarkets and high-end luxury stores, providing convenience for a wide array of consumers.
4. Casamigos Añejo Tequila
George Clooney owns this tequila brand. The oak, caramel, and spice flavors are bold and the mouthfeel is rich and smooth. Although its flavor is best showcased in mixed drinks, this tequila can be savored on its own.
Price: Sharing a similar price range with Maestro Dobel Diamante, it costs about $50 to $70 for a bottle.
Availability: While it can be found in standard liquor stores, its celebrity ownership and rich flavor profile also make it a staple in luxury liquor stores, appealing to fans of George Clooney and lovers of premium tequilas alike.
How to Enjoy a Glass of Zafiro Añejo Tequila
Tequila can be enjoyed either “straight” (i.e., without ice) or “on the rocks” (with ice). However, the high alcohol content and distinctive flavor of select tequilas make them a viable alternative as a cocktail foundation. A popular tequila beverage, the Margarita calls for just three simple ingredients. A salt-rimmed cocktail glass is the first step. The combination of sweet and sour flavors in the drink will benefit from this:
- Shake 4 ice cubes, 1 ounce of Cointreau or triple sec, 3/4 of an ounce of lime juice, and 1.5 ounces of tequila in a cocktail shaker.
- Pour the drink through a strainer into a cocktail glass and top with ice before serving.
Another simple and delicious cocktail that requires just three components is the Tequila Sunrise:
- In a highball glass filled with ice, combine 2 ounces of tequila and 4 ounces of orange juice and stir.
- The sunrise effect is created by adding 3/4 ounces of grenadine, which will sink to the bottom of the glass.
- This cocktail is light and refreshing, making it a great choice for breakfast or the warm weather.
- If nothing else, tequila makes a great cocktail basis. Add one (a single) or two (a double) shots to your preferred mixer and savor.
Grapefruit juice, pineapple juice, agave syrup, or your favorite soda can be used as mixers.
What Else Should You Know About Zafiro Añejo?
Is Tequila Zafiro Añejo authentic?
The writers of “Breaking Bad” made up the tequila brand “Zafiro Añejo.” The alcohol industry’s reluctance to participate in product placement led to its inception.
What Makes Mexican Tequila So Distinctive?
There has been a shift away from the traditional method of making tequila in favor of large manufacturing technologies. But the finished drink’s flavor suffers as a result of this. Many manufacturers in Mexico still employ time-honored techniques, guaranteeing authentic flavours.
