Why do we use salt and lemon when drinking tequila shots?

Question

It certainly doesnt improve the flavour, so why?

Answer 1

The salt opens up the taste buds in your mouth so you get the best taste from the Tequila and the Lemon (Tho Lime is better) is to cleanse your pallete afterwards.

Answer 2

To make the bad tequila taste better. Take shots of Patron and you wont need salt, lemon or lime!

Answer 3

nicer tequilas don't necessarily need the additional flavors, although people may not be able to handle a straight shot, and would like something to absorb the harshness. I personally don't mind a straight shot of something like patron, but having the salt and lime/lemon does taste good, in my opinion.

Answer 4

There's a reason why salt and LIME are called "training wheels". It's for people who can't handle the flavor. Good tequila doesn't need them and shouldn't be taken as a shot.

Answer 5

I use salt and lime but I think there are a couple reasons. Some call them training wheels as they help make taking the shot easier. Others think it is a good accent

Answer 6

to take away the awfull taste of the drink.over xmas we were doing vodka shots(the vodka had a dead scorpion in it) it was horrible so we used salt and lemon to get rid of taste

Answer 7

It is supposed to improve the flavour, it does not work but that is what it is supposed to do.

Answer 8

I think it is a habit of the past in order to avoid poison that might have been poured into the drink.

Answer 9

Yes, it does, it's just for the flavour sake itself!

Answer 10

it kinda neutralizes the taste in your mouth and you can swallow the tequila easier