Reviewed by Mathew Benoit, COO of Learn Brands · October 2026
Tequila 101: A Complete Introduction to Tequila
Tequila is one of the most recognized spirits in the world, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood. PKGD University's Tequila 101 is a free, self-paced course that builds real confidence and literacy around tequila for bartenders, retail staff, hospitality professionals, distributors, and curious consumers.
What You Will Learn
This course covers tequila from the ground up across four modules. You will learn how tequila originated from ancient agave fermentation through Spanish colonial distillation, how blue agave is cultivated, harvested by jimadores, cooked, fermented, and double-distilled into a finished spirit, and why each step in the tequila production process directly shapes flavor, aroma, and quality.
Tequila Classifications and Label Literacy
The course breaks down every tequila classification you need to know: 100% agave vs. mixto, and the full aging spectrum from blanco and joven through reposado, anejo, extra anejo, and cristalino. You will also learn how to read a tequila label, including agave statements, NOM numbers, origin designations, and alcohol content, so you can assess any bottle before it is opened.
Culture, Tasting, and Responsible Service
Tequila 101 also covers how tequila is traditionally enjoyed in Mexico (sipped neat, not shot with salt and lime), how to pair tequila with sangrita, and how to recommend the right tequila style for sipping vs. cocktails. Each module includes knowledge checks, followed by a comprehensive 19-question final quiz. By the end of this course, you will be able to explain tequila clearly, make informed purchasing decisions, and guide others with accuracy and confidence.
Tequila 101 FAQ
Is Tequila 101 free?
Yes. Tequila 101 is part of the free Core Education Suite, free to take and free to assign to your team. No cost, no subscription, no card required.
How is the course structured?
Four modules, each with knowledge checks, followed by a comprehensive 19-question final quiz.
What is the difference between 100% agave and mixto?
The course covers this directly, along with the full aging spectrum from blanco and joven through reposado, anejo, extra anejo, and cristalino, and how to read agave statements and NOM numbers on a label.
Who produces this course?
It is a PKGD University course hosted on Learn Brands. Continue through the agave family with Mezcal Fundamentals and Raicilla 101.
Can I enroll my whole team?
Yes. Create a free company account, assign the course, and track who has started and finished from the Learn Brands dashboard.
Related agave courses
Continue through the agave family with Mezcal Fundamentals and Raicilla 101, both from PKGD University. The written companion is blanco vs reposado vs añejo. Browse the free Core Education Suite.
Get certified
Browse the on-demand certifications, from state-approved seller-server training to category credentials like AFNA and Hemp Bev Certified. Buying for a team? Register your business free and assign seats across your whole staff.
Blanco tequila is the base of the Margarita and the Paloma. Get both specs in our guide to the 25 classic cocktails every bartender should know.
Related courses
Tequila's best-known cocktails, the Margarita and the Paloma, are taught step by step in Mixology 101, our free bartending course. For the wider agave family, see Mezcal Fundamentals. Browse the free Core Education Suite.
About the reviewer
Mathew Benoit is COO of Learn Brands. He has a family liquor store background, spent more than eight years as Marketing Director at the distributor Vinocopia, and has represented brands nationally. Read Mathew's full bio.
