five things you should know about Tequila
July 24th is National Tequila Day! Tequila is the primary ingredient in every Margarita–the alcoholic beverage that can be flavoured with any number of ingredients such as lime (the traditional and original flavour of the Margarita), peach, mango, banana chocolate, and more! (We celebrate National Margarita Day on February 22nd.) In this post, we celebrate the town of Tequila, Mexico, the place where tequila is made.
5 things you should know about Tequila in Mexico
- Tequila is not just the name of an alcoholic beverage! Tequila is also the name of a pueblo (small city) of 25-30,000 inhabitants–depending on who you ask–located 56 kms/35 miles northwest of Guadalajara and 147 kms/92 miles northeast of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Tequila (the place) has been made famous by claiming creation of Tequila (the liquor) made from the agave plant and establishing a patent on the name of its namesake product just as the town of Champagne has done in France with respect to the bubbly wine that must be called Sparkling Wine or some other name if it is made anywhere other than in Champagne. Tequila is a historic colonial town with a UNESCO World Heritage site designation. A beautiful cathedral and plaza mark the centre of town, and a trendy new hotel overlooks the goings on, enabling you to discover this Pueblo Magico (magical town) in style.
The central plaza in Tequila, Mexico, boasts a lovely church, market, and gathering place for people.
We stayed at the Solar de Las Animas, a new luxury travel boutique hotel in Tequila that is owned by the Jose Cuervo Company. The hotel has a beautiful roof-top dining area that overlooks the town square and cathedral.
more about Tequila in Mexico
2. All Tequilas are not created equal. Jose Cuervo is the largest Tequila company in Mexico, boasting a 30% market share of tequila shares. They make several kinds of Tequila to fit every budget: Clasico (the cheapest grade that is generally under two months old), Silver/Blancho (Tequila that is two months old), Tradicional/Especial (two-months to one-year-old Tequila that is generally used in the making of cocktails), and the Reserva (considered to be the best grade, is amber brown in colour, has been aged for three to seven years, and very smooth as it goes down and warms your throat.) Don’t waste the Reserva in a cocktail. Drink it straight in a shooter glass.
3. Tequila is made from the blue agave agave plant. The agave plant is a perennial succulent that can reach more than two metres (seven feet) in height. Tequila alcohol is only made from the blue agave plant, also known as the agave tequilana variety as it grows primarily in the Jalisco region of Mexico. It takes about six years for the agave plants to get to the size shown in the photo above, when they can then be harvested to make tequila. The pulp of each medium-sized agave pineapple (shown above) will make about seven litre-sized bottles of tequila.
I don’t think there is any other liquor that comes in as many different kinds of bottles than tequila. You can get really ornate mouth-blown glass bottles, and fun ceramic bottles like cowboy boots and Day of the Day statuettes.
Collectors may be interested to learn that Jose Cuervo offers a limited edition special boxed bottle of its finest Reserva de la Familia tequila that is housed is a unique piece of art commissioned each year. Have fun discovering the finest tequila in Mexico.
4. Tequila in Mexico really is a way of life for the average person. Just as in Russia where a good percentage of Russians have a shot of vodka daily and in France or Italy where the daily choice might be red wine, most Mexicans have a daily shot of tequila, whether it comes in the form of a straight shot, a mixed drink, a cocktail like the world-renown Margarita, in cooking, or infused into chocolate.
Yep! That’s me enjoying a tequila in Mexico in the form of a Cazuela–an unsuspecting bowl of chopped fruit with juice and ice that you pour a shot of straight tequila into. It was delicioso!
5. But for most of us gringos/gringas, tequila can make us do pretty crazy things. Think of the songs, “You and Tequila Make Me Crazy” by Kenny Chesney, “Wasting Away in Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffet, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” by Joe Nichols, “Jose Cuervo” by Shelly West, and “It’s Another Tequila Sunrise” by the Eagles as just a few tunes of the great tunes that have immortalized tequila. There are actually 35 songs about tequila listed here.
Do you have any of your own special tequila moments that you’d care to share? We all know it’s not polite to drink alone, so let’s indulge together. Happy National Margarita Day!
haha. Still not a tequila fan except when it’s in a margarita and I’m under a beach umbrella—gosh, I think I need to be in a place like that just so I can properly celebrate today!
I hear you, RoseMary! I, too, would love to be under a palm tree on a warm sunny beach right now–sipping a margarita. 🙂 To compensate for that, you will be the first to know that I am in the planning stages of a group Chocolatour to Costa Rica. Stay tuned! 🙂
Those are some really interesting facts about Tequila! Till now, I just knew that it gets me high 🙂
Hi Umang and thanks for stopping by. Yes, tequila is the source of many wild nights! But there’s a great story behind the town, and the blue agave that it takes to make the tequila. 🙂
Aaah tequila, the more exotic version of shots to vodka! I’d love to visit Tequila (the city itself), both to learn and enjoy the culture, architecture and food, and of course to try their locally made tequila! I’d also love to see it being made, from harvest through the rest of the process.
Thanks for your enthusiastic comment, Kavita. I hope you get to visit tequila. It is quite the place!
Woow! This post came as a revelation to me. I never knew there was a place by name Tequila, and that it was produced from the blue agave plant. Moreover, there were so many varieties of the drink. Totally enjoyed reading your post.
Thanks very much, Sindhu. I’d go back to Tequila at the drop of a hat. 🙂
It was fascinating to read about Tequila, the drink as well as Tequila the town. Though we are teetotallers we definitely are familiar with Tequila as it is a ‘household’ name of sorts. Never knew that Tequila was derived from a plant source- agave plant. Absorbing stuff.
Thx so much for your comment, Sandy. I really enjoyed the learning experience of visiting Tequila.
Never knew there is celebration for Margarita also. That sounds so different and so much fun. This is like a complete dictionary for Tequila. I an completely non-alcoholic and have never even tried Tequila. But this is like so much information to take in for one drink. Haha
Never realized that there was something called the Margarita day. Come to think of it, Margaritas do deserve their own day!
I’ve been a fan of Jose Cuervo Reserva for a long time now and do appreciate this ode to my favorite brand.
Hi Denny! Thanks for your visit and sharing your love for Jose Cuervo with us. I hope to see you here again. 🙂
Woah, now I know so much more about Tequila! Thanks fot sharing!! 🙂
You’re very welcome, Claire. I really enjoyed my time in Tequila, and certainly learned a lot about how tequila is made and the various kinds to enjoy. Cheers!
Thumbs up! Thanks, for sharing the amazing facts! Love Tequila
Thanks for exploring my site, Sushmita. Yes, both the town of Tequila and its namesake liquor are worth exploring! Cheers!
Fingers crossed! Hopefully will explore someday!
I love tequila. Cool facts 🙂
Interesting read, Doreen. I had no idea Tequila was a pueblo, but I am not surprised. I already knew some of the other facts you mentioned in your article, but having so many songs about Tequila seems hilarious. I imagine they must have been composed ‘under the influence’ of this beverage.
Hi Anda, and thx for your comment. I bet you’re right in the magical powers of tequila having a role in the writing of all those songs!
Such interesting facts! I love the background story and found this fascinating. I will never look at margaritas the same way again! 🙂
It’s funny because I only thought of tequila really as an alcoholic beverage before I read your article! Thanks so much for all of the interesting insights 🙂 I like tequila in beverages but i’m not one to do a shot of it!
Hi Lauren. Yes, I’d not realized it was the originating place where tequila was first made until I visited there last May. The things we learn when we travel!
We hoped that we’d like the good quality Tequila from Tequila a little more than the stuff we appreciate back home.
Turns out we didn’t… LOL
To be a little more specific from your excellent rundown, it is in fact only the Blue Agave that is used for Tequila, otherwise it is just Mezcal.
Another thing to remember is all Tequila is technically Mezcal, but not all Mezcal is Tequila! 😉
Indeed, Chris. I do mention in point 3 that tequila is made from the blue agave. In addition to Mezcal being made from other varietals of agave, I learned about Raicia, which is another liquor made from agave that is much like tequila. Sorry you didn’t find a tequila you liked. The really high-end stuff is quite palatable, but not too affordable. I was lucky to try it, but couldn’t afford to buy it. Cheers!
We tried the really high end stuff as well, and still didn’t care for it! 🙂
Oh wow! Never tried Tequila before. I will give it a try next time we are out. I will let u know x
Thanks for your comment. I think that tequila is an acquired taste. Drinking it straight is not for the faint-at-heart. But in cocktails like a Margarita or Tequila Sunrise, you can still appreciate the unique flavour without it knocking you over. Enjoy!
Doreen — I do have a tequila story. Many years ago when I was a lot younger and more foolish I visited Mexico with a girlfriend. We met some Mexicans who showed us the fine art of drinking shots of tequila. As I recall, (and I may have these in the wrong order), you shake some salt on the back of your hand, then you suck a piece of lime, lick the salt from your hand and down the shot of tequila. We had more than a few to our regret. Tequila packs quite a wallop!
Absolutely, Jeannette! I think quite a few of us have similar recollections of being indoctrinated into the world of tequila in Mexico! I think that now, at this stage of life, we are appreciating that moderation is the key to enjoyment, and that quality of flavour and ingredients is key to enjoy vs quantity! Thx for stopping by and sharing your memories with us.
Thanks Doreen 🙂 – I’m a fan of tequila. I attended a tequila tasting party a while back with some 50 brands – i think after the 10th shot I couldn’t tell what I was tasting anymore 🙂
So true! Tequila kind of sneaks up on you! And then it knocks you over! I think moderation is definitely the key to enjoyment. Cheers!
I do love a strawberry margarita in the summer and I loved those bottles it came in!! Some of the song choices are also special and remembered. Enjoyed your article.
Thanks, Pat, and thanks for stopping by. I think a lot of us have some special tequila memories from our wilder days. I seem to remember some wild pic of you at Senior Frog’s in Mexico quite some time ago …
It’s really been a long time since I had tequila or even a marguarita. Interesting to know that Tequila is a pueblo in Mexico. Have to admit I didn’t know that.
I didn’t know that either, Catarina! The things one learns from travel! Thx for stopping by.
Hi Doreen, I’m sure there are a plethora of tequila stories people could share, but probably choose not to. Lol. I thought the tequila infused chocolate sounded interesting (of course). Would like to sample that. 🙂
Hi Susan. Well, you’re not too far from Mignon Chicolates in Glendale. Go and meet Joe! I think you’ll be impressed by their chocolate.
Wow! What an interesting article. It makes me want to have a margarita right now. Also, what a beautiful part of the world that part of Mexico is. Thanks for showing it to us, Doreen.
Thanks, Beverly, I’m really glad you enjoyed the post. I am so thrilled that I finally got to the interior of Mexico, and am really grateful for the amazing experiences I had while in Tequila.
Tequila was my drink of choice in my younger days – specifically shots of Reserva with a Dos Equis back. But that was at home. We also used to spend a lot of time racing our Hobie Cat down in Baha and down there it was mescal with that stupid worm in the bottle. Ah, the memories! Ugh, the hangovers!!!
Hi Marty and thanks for sharing your tequila memories! I love how tequila seems to strike quite an emotional connection with so many people. No wonder there are more than 35 songs that have been written about tequila!
First of all, I LOVE that I now know it is National Margarita Day! Even though it’s getting late here in Austria, I’m tempted to run out just to grab tequila – gotta celebrate right? Secondly, that Cazuela looks absolutely delicious! I would love to make that at home during the summer – seems like the perfect drink! What a great post – loved learning so many fun facts about tequila. Cheers!
Thanks, Erin, and welcome to my blog! I’m glad you enjoyed the post about tequila, and hope you are able to end your day with a magnifico Margarita!
OoooH I want to go there!! It looks fantastic Doreen. Sounds like a great place to visit. Thanks for a great post with great photos.
Thanks so much, Kathy! Yes, I’m THRILLED that I finally got into the interior of Mexico. Much more to come, so please stay tuned! 🙂
Great post on my next favorite beverage after wine. I’ve been gradually getting into learning more about tequila, and it’s good to see you’ve covered the basics here. I think just might have to make a margarita to go with dinner tonight 😉
Right on, Jeri! There’s nothing better than a good Margarita! Enjoy!
I had no clue about these things. I mean, I knew that tequila (for them) is like water but the other topics are pretty amazing. Have a good National Margarita Day 🙂
Thanks for dropping by my site, Marta. I have learned so much from my recent travels to Mexico. Stay tuned for much more!
Wow! This is amazing! Never knew tequila was made of Agave (well, I new it was some kind of cactus, but still). This post goes to my “today I learned” section, definitely!
Thanks for your comment, Nastia, and welcome to my blog. The agave plant is known to be a succulent rather than a cactus. There is nothing prickly on the plant, but it reminded me of the aloe vera plant but in a much larger and hardier version.
Wow–quite the fact-finding mission you’ve been on, and it looks like you enjoyed it! I love blue agave syrup as an alternative to honey or maple syrup, and never knew that the tequila came from the same plant. Just shows that you learn something new everyday.
Hi Christine. Yes, we are so lucky in our roles are journalists that we get to learn something new everyday indeed. I do like the agave syrup, and had the pleasure of sucking on the agave pulp when I was at the Cuervo plant. It is lovely and sweet, and reminded me of the sugar cane plant.
I knew you’d get to the chocolate part. Tequila infused chocolate? Served best, I’m sure, with spicy Mexican chocolate.
Hi Ken. There are a number of fine chocolatiers who are making truffles infused with tequila. Roselen of Lima, Peru, and Mignon of Glendale, California, are two that come to mind who do it well. Jose Cuervo does sell chocolate filled with their tequila at their store at the distillery in Tequila, but it is not quite of the connoisseur grade. Either way, it’s all good! 🙂
Hi Doreen, Thanks for thinking of us! We make our tequila infused truffles as part of our Summer Collection. If interested in them, please check out our new redesigned website http://www.MignonChocolate.com and/or like us on Facebook and twitter for updates and availability.
Thanks for stopping by my blog. Joe! I do recommend to readers that if you haven’t tried Mignon Chocolates, you might want to check them out. Very creative and very delicious!
I love tequila in just about any way I’ve ever had it. Straight up, without the stupid lime and salt tongue deadeners thank you, or in a drink like ‘rita or T. Sunrise. Yummy. As much as I love the beverage, I knew very little about how Agave grows or is harvested. This was a delightful post! Thanks for the education.
Thanks so much for your comment, Linda. Glad you enjoyed the post, and I am not surprised in the least that you are a tequila connoisseur. Cheers, and Happy National Margarita Day!
Very cool Tequila trivia. I especially loved your list of Tequila-related songs.
Thanks, Suzanne. Some of those tunes are definitely on my (PWAC) Top 500 List! Cheers!
I tend to steer clear clear of mixed drinks as they have the most effect on you. I have heard many a story about those who mixed their drinks – none are pretty. I ocassionally drink red and white wine over a meal.
Cocktails always look rather chic when presented in pretty glassware. A definite female drink!
Hi Phoenicia. Generally, the cocktails are safe, as they have lots of juice or other ingredients in them. It’s the drinks that are just the liquor and a small amount of mixer (pop) that can send you under (or on top of!) the table. Cheers!
I’m not a tequila fan other than in a margarita. That said, some years ago my husband came across an aged tequila–totally different taste and I like sipping it once in a while. Sounds like another great trip.
Hi Rose and thanks for stopping by. Yes, I think that sipping a really good quality tequila can be comparable to enjoying a single malt scotch. And yes, this really was a great trip. I finally made it to the interior of Mexico. Stay tuned for more!
Maybe someday I’ll give tequila another try. I had a taste some years back in Mexico, and I recall something about salt, lime, and a worm…? But lately I have problems dealing with a half glass of wine. *sigh*
But, this is a great story, Doreen. Sounds like you enjoyed another awesome adventure.
Hi Esther and thanks for your comment. Yes, it’s interesting how out taste buds and our tolerance to difference foods and drinks changes over time, isn’t it? And yes, there are giant worms that make their way into some types of tequila. I actually ate a few of those while in Tlaquepaque. Stay tuned for that!
How fortunate we were to visit Tequila and have such different experiences. I hope to raise a glass in a toast with you one day.
That would be awesome, Elaine! I regret we didn’t have more time to share experiences while in Mexico. Hopefully, on another trip sometime soon. 🙂
Doreen, I love tequila! My favorite is Silver which was an aged tequila. It is so smooth. I am not a big drinker because it upsets my stomach but because tequila is made with Agave, it doesn’t bother me as much. I found this out a few years ago. My brother bought me a more popular brand and it was hard to drink. I am going to stick with my aged one. =)
Hi Sabrina. Indeed, quality and aging make a huge difference in the palatability of spirits such as tequila. I hope you have some Silver left so that you can enjoy a shot in honour of National Margarita Day!
Doreen, that last picture of you enjoying the cazuela is wonderful – it looks really delicious. I have never tasted tequila which is probably just as well since I can get pretty giggly on just on white wine spritzer – hate to think what tequila could do.
This was a fascinating history that I had never heard before. I really do enjoy your stories.
Thx so much, Lenie. It’s great having you here for the virtual journeys. Would love to enjoy a white wine spritzer with you one day. It’s one of my favourite summer drinks!
Other than in a margarita, I’ve never particularly cared for tequila. While that may be partly because of fear of the crazy things it makes us gringas do, I suspect it may also be because I haven’t sampled some of the higher quality tequilas. The central plaza area in Tequila looks charming and I love the varied bottles. “It’s Another Tequila Sunrise” is playing in my head right now and making me feel almost as if I am somewhere hot.
Hi Donna, and thanks for your comment. Indeed, the quality of the tequila makes a huge impact in the taste. Think about the cheap rye vs Crown Royal and you get the picture. I’m glad I’ve put Tequila Sunrise in your head. It’s one of my favourite songs. Cheers!