WHERE DOES TEQUILA COME FROM?
An Agave plant being harvested by a local farmer.
Tequila's origins stretch back to at least 200 A.D., when fermented juice from the agave plant, known as pulque, was produced as a ceremonial wine by the Aztec civilisation and other surrounding cultures. The drink was deemed vital to Aztec religion - in particular, it was tied to Mayhuel, the goddess of the agave plant, and Patecatl, the god of pulque itself. However, distillation of this alcoholic drink did not begin until after the Spanish conquest of Mexico, and the first large-scale distillery was established in the 1600s in Jalisco. By 1758, commercial production of the spirit was widespread, and by the 19th century the name tequila had been adopted far and wide to identify this iconic Mexican drink!
GET TO KNOW YOUR TEQUILAS
Veterans and beginners alike should get to know the three main types of tequila, each of which has its own flavours, uses, and characteristics.
Tequila Añejo
Tequila Añejo
Tequila Añejo is aged in American or European oak barrels for at least a year, and up to three or more (at which point it becomes Extra Añejo!). These tequilas are best when sipped neat, or as a base for cocktails that need brown spirits (similar to whisky).
Tequila Reposado
Tequila Reposado
Tequila Reposado is aged in oak barrels for between two months and up to one year - a shorter timespan than Añejo. Reposado is particularly popular in margaritas, with the shorter ageing period allowing for a more dynamic, and flavourful, cocktail base.
Tequila Blanco
Tequila Blanco
Tequila Blanco, also called silver tequila, is an un-aged variant of the spirit, distilled from the Blue Weber agave plant located in just five western Mexican states. Tequila Blanco is perfect for margaritas as well as for some of the other iconic tequila-based cocktails.
THE TOP TEQUILA COCKTAILS!
Margarita
The classic tequila cocktail! 50ml tequila, 25ml Cointreau, 25ml lime juice, and a salt rim of the glass.
Paloma
This refreshing cocktail is a sweet and tart alternative to the margarita. 50ml tequila, 100ml grapefruit soda, 5ml lime juice, a pinch of salt, and ice.
Mexican Mule
A bold drink and great addition to any party or night out, the Mexican Mule represents the perfect blend of tequila, with its sharp bite, and the spicy zing of ginger and lime. 45ml tequila, 10ml lime juice, 120ml ginger beer, and ice.
Tequila Sunrise
Another iconic tequila cocktail, the vibrant colours in this drink make it an eye-catching and attractive beverage. And, with just a hint of tequila, this is a sweet, refreshing, yet not too strong cocktail. 45ml tequila, 90ml orange juice, 15ml grenadine. Stir gently to create the sunrise effect, with the grenadine sinking to the bottom of the glass.
Bloody Maria
A Mexican take on the well-known Bloody Mary, the Bloody Maria hits all the right notes - tangy and spicy! 45ml tequila, 15ml lemon juice, 90ml tomato juice, a dash of Tabasco sauce, two dashes of Worcestershire sauce, celery, and a pinch of salt.
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By Sasha
November 2, 2022
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