5 Fun Facts About Tequila

Go beyond the salt and lime ritual. Learn about its origins, the myth of the worm, and the right way to enjoy Mexico's most famous spirit.

Tell the truth: when you think of tequila, what's the first image that comes to mind? Probably a shot, salt, lime, and maybe a grimace afterward, right? The drink is synonymous with parties and lively nights out, but there's a whole universe behind that golden (or silver) liquid that many people don't know about.

How about going beyond the obvious and discovering some facts that will make you appreciate your next sip in a whole new way? After all, understanding what you're drinking is the first step to truly enjoying it.

 

Prepare your glass and come with us.

1 - The name comes from a real (and protected) place

For starters, the name isn't a coincidence. The drink was named after the city of Tequila, located in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It's the birthplace of everything. And not just anywhere can produce it and call it tequila. The drink has a Denomination of Origin, which means that, by law, it can only be made in Jalisco and a few cities in four other Mexican states. If it doesn't come from there, you can call it an agave distillate, but not Tequila.

2 - It's made from agave, not cactus!

Let's dispel one of the biggest bar myths: tequila isn't made from cactus. The spirit comes from the heart of the Blue Agave, a towering plant that takes, on average, 7 to 10 years to mature enough to be harvested. Think about it: almost a decade of cultivation to produce the spirit in your glass. You can almost taste the passage of time, can't you?

3 - The worm in the bottle? It's an urban legend (about another drink)

And the famous worm at the bottom of the bottle? Forget it. This is a tradition (and, in fact, a marketing ploy) of Mezcal, a "cousin" of tequila. The idea that the worm proved purity or brought luck was never part of the world of authentic tequila. A good 100% agave tequila is clean, pure, and doesn't need any "bugs" to prove its worth.

4 - Not all tequila is made to "turn" once and for all

The shot ritual is fun, but be aware that you might be missing out on the best part of the party. High-quality tequilas, especially the Reposado (rested) and Añejo (aged) types, are matured in oak barrels and acquire an incredible complexity of flavors. They're made to be savored slowly, like a fine whiskey or a special wine. Serve in a short glass, savor the aromas, and sip. It's a whole other level.

5 -  Salt and lemon: A "makeup" for low-quality tequilas


We know, it's a classic. But the truth is, the ritual of licking salt and sucking lime was created for one purpose: to mask the flavor of simpler, more aggressive tequilas. The salt lessens the alcohol's burn, and the lime masks the aftertaste. If you have a good 100% agave tequila on hand, try drinking it neat. If it's quality, it will go down smoothly and reveal sweet and herbal notes you'd never noticed before.


There you go! The next time tequila enters the scene, you're no longer just a drinker, but a connoisseur. Someone who appreciates the details and history behind one of the world's most famous spirits.

Cheers to that!