Guide Note

Tequila is a Mexican distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant, found mostly in the state of Jalisco. Tequila became increasingly popular in the late 20th and 21st centuries, especially in the United States. This may be due to their inclusion in margaritas one of the most popular club and party beverages in America.

Fast Facts

1. Named for town in Mexico
2. Made from Blue Agave
3. First produced: 16th century
4. Tequilero: Tequila expert
5. Most tequilas are 80 proof
6. World's Most Popular Tequila: Jose Cuervo Gold

Tequila can be consumed straight but is most frequently drunk in shots with salt and lime eaten immediately afterwards to dull the harsh taste. Tequila can also be served neat in a snifter, but this is less common in America.

Aside from the margarita, there are hundreds of mixed drinks made using tequila, usually with a fruit juice. The Tequila Sunrise uses tequila, orange juice and grenadine, though the traditional variation uses creme de cassis. A more ambitious tequila drink called the Baja Fog is made with tequila, beer, garnished with lime.