Tequila seems to be everyone’s favorite spirit. It’s liquid gold at the club, the star of a margarita and the reason everyone is holidaying in Mexico! Let’s get to know this delicious liquor, and it will be your new favorite too.
Where does tequila originate from? Tequila is the most well-known alcohol to come from Central America. This spirit originates in its namesake region of Tequila, a volcanic area in the Jaliscan highlands of Mexico. It is made using the native plant of this region, the blue agave plant, which is said to be much larger and sweeter than blue agave found in other parts of the world. Tequila was originally made by cooking vats of blue agave syrup in a wood fired oven, a process known as horno. In modern days, however, Tequila is usually made in industrial steel pots.
For tequila to legally be called by its name, it must meet three requirements: that it is made in one of five specific Mexican states, that it is made of a form of blue agave, and that it has been given permission by the Mexican Tequila regulatory council, the CRT (Consejo Regulador del Tequila) to be sold. To know if your Tequila meets these requirements, and is therefore a legal Tequila, check the label on the back of your bottle.
Tequila was popular in the 1950s, most likely as a way for young people to rebel against some of the more classic western liquors that the older generation drank, such as whiskey and rum. However, a resurgence in its popularity seems to have occurred in recent years for a number of reasons.
Firstly, tequila has a pleasant taste; much sweeter and smoother than some other hard liquors. Unaged Tequila, known as Blanco, can taste more citrusy and floral, whilst a longer aged Tequila, or Reposado, can taste more spicy, with hints of caramel. These floral notes make for a perfect margarita, or -when paired with a lime and some salt- for an easy shot.
Secondly, a rise in celebrity Tequila brands can be seen on the market. Celebrities, George Clooney and Michael Jordan, have both released successful tequila brands in the past decade. In more recent years, the establishment of Kendall Jenner’s tequila business, 818 Tequila, has made it popular among the (legal) Gen-Z and also Millennials.
Other factors also come into play. Tequila comes in varieties based on age, place of origin and color. This makes for new experiences within the umbrella of Tequila that keeps customers coming back for more. As well as this, an increase in the market for foreign and international spirits has also occurred in recent years, as Japanese Sake and Korean Soju are also seeing a rise in popularity. Lastly, the familiarity of a good old margarita and a classic shot of Tequila keeps people tied to this wonderful spirit. In fact, margaritas are said to be the best-selling cocktail in the world!
Now that you know that the recent popularity of Tequila might not just be an overrated Instagram trend, you should definitely begin opening your palate to a wide range of Tequilas. Whether it be a classic Blanco or a richer Reposado, get trying this sweet and citrusy Mexican spirit by exploring our wide range of brands at minuman.com.