Republic Tequila made by environmentally conscious techniques

The bottles of Republic Tequila might be shaped like the state of Texas, but make no mistake — like any tequila worth its salt, it’s made right in Mexico’s tequila heartland. The three variations of plata, reposado and añejo are also not just available in Texas, but in 9 other states around the U.S., including Florida, Georgia, California and Colorado.

Founded by Austinite John McCollough, Republic is produced in the Leyros Distillery in Jalisco with the goal of combining traditional methods with the distillery’s own innovative, environmentally conscious techniques, such as being the first in the industry to introduce a diffuser to the tequila-making process. Leyros also converts leftover pulp into fuel that powers the distillery and uses 40 percent less water than the traditional methods of making the spirit.

Republic Reposado, aged for 7 months, is a smooth medley of flavors, vanilla and black olive among them. Here’s a cocktail that enhances its slight sweetness.