How to drink tequila

Drink from blue agave did not immediately gain strength and popularity. For a long time it was produced and consumed only in Mexico, but then quickly gained worldwide fame. Famous brands of tequila appeared, original marketing moves were invented to raise the level of sales, which led to a victorious procession of the drink in the bars of European countries.

What is tequila

If you adhere to a strict definition, tequila has the right to be called only a strong alcoholic drink. It is made from blue agave juice by fermentation and distillation in one of the 5 states of Mexico. Other types of tequila are not recognized, which is fixed by the corresponding set of standards.

Drink history

Initially, the name sounded like offspring, then mezcal, but not one of the species liked the conquistadors who arrived in the country. They got used to much stronger drinks and applied their distillation system to the local variety, which significantly increased the alcohol degree. But even this option was ignored. It was produced in small quantities, it was impossible to buy it outside of Mexico. This continued until the XVII century, when the first factory was opened, and production took on an industrial scale. Agave drink is gradually becoming an export product.

In 1758, the Cuervo family acquired land for growing agave. The choice fell on the town of Tequila. For 30 years, the family launched production on local raw materials from its plantation and received permission to trade in beverages. The name was given by the name of the city and successfully took root.

Residents of other countries did not like the specific taste, the sales volume remained very small. The export batch of tequila was met with indifference by the Americans. This situation persisted until the beginning of the XIX century, when the drink received a special prize at the world exhibition.

The next step was truly brilliant. To attract buyers' attention to the alcoholic novelty, manufacturers placed a worm in each bottle, but not a simple one, but living only in agave. They achieved 2 goals: they created a recognizable brand and got rid of a fair share of pests that spoil the crop. This supplement also served as an indicator of the quality of the drink. In the original forms, the worm remained intact, and in fakes or a low-quality drink it began to dissolve.

Real world fame came to tequila in the middle of the 20th century. In 1978, Mexico legislated the name as intellectual property and began to zealously monitor the quality of the drink, severely punishing imitators of the brand.

Kinds

The main division is divided into 2 groups. Species produced only from agave juice without additives fall into one, drinks with the presence of cane sugars and corn syrup fall into the other. The following gradation provides for the exposure time. On this basis, tequila of the following types is determined:

• white, not aged, only produced;
• young, which give color special dyes;
• gold, which is also tinted, giving a resemblance to older versions;
• rested, past exposure from 2 to 1 year;
• ancient, which is from 12 to 36 months;
• extra-aged, made from 100% juice, the age of which exceeds 3 years.

Famous brands

Real tequila is made only in 5 states of Mexico, while each brand has its own manufacturing features.

South

It has a soft caramel flavor with a long multi-faceted finish, it is considered one of the most popular for making cocktails and drinking it in its pure form. It has 6 varieties, characterized by aging and taste.

Sierra

A feature of production is the use of raw agave cones. The production started in 1982, the recipe is unique, double and triple distillation are used to improve the quality and strength. Has 4 grades. The most seasoned, Milenario, is divided into 6 varieties. The price for a 0.7 liter bottle ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 rubles, depending on the strength and aging time.

Leyenda del Milagro

Includes 7 varieties with a vivid taste personality:

1. Silver is distinguished by transparency and a delicate taste, bottled immediately after production, is not aged.
2. Reposado surprises with walnut-honey notes with a touch of exotic fruits, vanilla and cinnamon are felt in the aftertaste.
3. Anejo, after 2 years of aging in oak barrels, acquires an exquisitely golden color, it is recommended for use in its pure form in order to fully enjoy the combination of chocolate, coconut and a noble tobacco plume.
4. Reserve Siler flaunts an ideal ratio of agave and lemon with a hint of spicy herbs; it is aged for 30 days.
5. Reserve Reposado is aged longer, up to 6 months, acquiring the aroma of vanilla and cognac.
6. Reserve Anejo, after distillation, rests for up to 2 years, it has a dark deep color and a complex mixture of tobacco and vanilla flavors.
7. Unico II is a blend of several varieties, appreciated for the complex taste and lasting aroma of fruits and spices.

Agavita

It has a light shade, in the taste of any variety there are pepper notes with a long warm wave of aftertaste. It is considered an example of a traditional drink. Recognized Brand Leaders:

• Blanco;
• Gold
• Anejo;
• Platinum.

The average price per bottle is 2000–3800 rubles.

Tequila 1921

Created in honor of the Mexican revolution. It has 3 varieties by exposure time. It is made according to old technologies using only natural ingredients. There is a legend that the reason for creating the recipe was the discovery of barrels of tequila, whose age exceeded 60 years. Taste characteristics of the found drink have become the standard.

Interesting: 3 creamy liqueurs are produced on the basis of this brand.

Tres Sombreros

The brand is made in the state of Jalisco, has many awards, the label depicts an eagle and 3 national headdresses, sombrero. The indicator of alcohol from agave in the drink is 81%. There are 5 varieties with an alcohol level of 38%. The cost of a bottle reaches 3500 rubles. The brand is officially registered in 1974.

Cartridge

The brand is distinguished by a large number of varieties, manual production method, high quality and the same value. The price of a bottle of 4,000 rubles for a regular unrestrained variety is considered quite acceptable. The elite view of Gran Burdeos, resting in wine barrels, is put up for sale for 65 thousand. Despite the high price bar, demand often exceeds supply.

Viejo Ranch

There are 2 types of drink. The younger Silver has a bright tart taste. Gold acquired a golden color and soft warm shades on the palate, which was especially appreciated by the ladies, saving a slice of orange, slightly sprinkled with cinnamon, for the drink.

Alegre Ranch

The recipe was made only 20 years ago, but has already earned the love and respect of connoisseurs. The production technology provides for the exposure of raw materials for at least 2 days in an autoclave with a fixed temperature of 70–80 degrees. The resulting juice ferments for 10 days, turning into wine, from which tequila is obtained after double distillation. She necessarily goes through a period of rest in barrels for at least a year. The strength is reduced from 50% to 38. The liquid is bottled with a characteristic label with a seal of the quality standard and an indication of the place of production.

Jose Cuervo

The most famous and oldest brand, winner of many exhibitions of international and world class. It has a particularly mild flavor, made from 2 varieties of agave in compliance with ancient technologies. The first bottle of this recipe was put up for sale in 1800. To this day, the brand is synonymous with the quality of the drink.

Also well known and recognizable brands:

• Casadores;
• Messicano Alteno;
• Camino Real;
• Olmeca;
• Lokita;
• Espolon;
• Herradura
• Lei 925;
• Aztec.

Composition and calorie content

Tequila is made from agave juice, it has specific sugars. During fermentation, only a part is converted, and in mixed types, syrups of other types are added specially. So carbohydrates in a small amount, up to 17.02%, are available in the drink. Calorie content per 100 g is 231 kcal. With weight control programs, you should consider whether it is worth enjoying a drink of retreating from the chosen course or is it better to allow yourself only 1 serving for an aesthetic and taste holiday.

How to drink tequila

This type of alcohol is quite young in comparison with respected and old cognacs, wine or moonshine, beloved by the people. Nevertheless, the Mexicans for the traditional look got too big and not only put the worm in the bottles, raising consumer interest and demand, but also developed a whole system of rules for using tequila. And in the bars of other countries they were supplemented.

Tequila is mixed in cocktails, drunk in one gulp without a snack or additives, or slowly sipped in the manner of expensive whiskey. The method of use depends on the type and quality level of the drink. Low-grade ones have a sharp taste and give a severe hangover. Do not bite them, but the result will not be the best. Aged elite varieties are another matter. There it is worth considering all the subtleties of use for the full disclosure of taste.

Classic method

He is well known for films and implies the obligatory presence on the table of salt and lime slices. This method balances the taste, often used in youth circles, where participants are limited in means and choose an average level of quality drinks. Procedure:

• pour a little salt on the outside of the palm near the thumb;
• sharply lick it;
• to drink tequila in one gulp;
• enjoy licking juicy lime;
• enjoy the aftertaste.

Mexican tequila

Only 100% of agave juice is recognized in the country with an extract of at least 6 months. It has a golden amber hue, the taste has already opened and gained depth. They serve it in tall thin glasses. You need to drink quite a bit and trace the path of fluid through the esophagus, following the gradually increasing heat. If you want, you can salt a piece of small yellow lime and put it on your tongue for a few moments.

What to cook for a snack

To enjoy the drink, third-party products are not required, but rarely during a feast is it possible to limit themselves to one glass of 50 ml. Therefore, the issue of snacks rises to its full height. For strong alcohol of any kind, hearty meat cuts from beef, pork are recommended, mutton is less often used. Smoked chicken and turkey breasts, hard cheeses and uncooked smoked sausages go well with aperitifs. For a party to become truly Mexican, you should pay attention to traditional sauces.

1. Guacamole. The composition includes the pulp of avocado, tomato, onion, black pepper, cilantro. A homogeneous mass is prepared from the ingredients, which has a sharp specific taste, successfully complementing grilled meat.
2. Salsa. The sauce is also famous far beyond Mexico. The composition is more complex, it includes feta, olives, olive oil, garlic, salt, lemon juice and chopped greens. Usually paired with buritos. The dish is a mixture of several varieties of meat wrapped in pita bread, supplemented with beans, garlic and hot pepper.

To comply with traditions, it is necessary to put salt and lime sliced ​​in translucent circles on the table.

How to drink tequila in Mexico

Aged grades of pure juice enjoy special respect in the country. They are usually drunk undiluted.

Tequila cocktails: recipes

Tequila Sunrise

The drink consists of orange juice, red grenadine syrup, silver tequila and plenty of ice. All ingredients are simply mixed, except for ice cubes, which are added immediately to the glass. The decoration is half a circle of orange. Served in a tall glass with a straw.

Tequila boom

Prepare at lightning speed, drink the same way. Consists of 50 ml of silver tequila and 100 ml of sprite. Both components are poured into a tall glass with a thick bottom. Cover with a napkin or palm from above, shake it sharply and lower it with a knock on the countertop. The trick is to gulp a frothy drink.

Margarita

Information about which woman was dedicated to the cocktail has long been lost, but the celebration in honor of the drink still exists and falls on February 22. It is better to entrust the preparation to an experienced bartender, scrupulously observing the proportion of ingredients. Young tequila, sugar syrup, orange liquor, crushed ice are poured into the shaker, a few drops of lime and a little salt are added. The mixture is vigorously mixed and poured into a container with a rim of salt. Most often, they use wide curly glasses or martins.

The benefits and harms of tequila

Unexpected conclusions were made by scientists when studying the properties of tequila. It turned out that it contains special fructans that increase the number of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria in the intestine, creating an optimal habitat for them. Agave juice, even when fermented, contains inulin, which activates the intestines and increases appetite.

In favor of the drink, the fact is considered that the sugars in its composition are not absorbed by the body, but are excreted unchanged. Substances contained in agave and its juice are able to slow down the loss of calcium from bone tissue and maintain its density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

We are talking about therapeutic doses not exceeding 50 ml several times a week. With the reckless use of the drink, all the positive qualities acquire a huge minus and hit hard on well-being, and considering the price of high-quality alcohol, it can afford it.

According to legend, tequila has become a gift of the gods for the inhabitants of Mexico. Divine gifts should be respected and paid tribute to, enjoying the taste and process of drinking in good company.

Tequila Photo