Every Glass Of The World's Most Famous Cocktail Contains A Piece Of Mexican Volcano!
Tequila is quite popular among alcohol enthusiasts, but most people don't know its fascinating history and cultural significance. This distinctive spirit, known for its sharp taste and unique heritage, is an integral part of Mexican culture that has captivated millions worldwide.
Interestingly, during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, doctors actually recommended tequila as a remedy. They believed that consuming tequila with salt and lemon could reduce flu symptoms—a testament to its long-standing reputation as more than just a party drink.
The Ancient Origins of Tequila
Tequila is a distilled spirit made exclusively from the blue agave plant, a member of the lily family that resembles a giant aloe vera plant with sharp thorns. This drink has been evolving for centuries, and its production process remains largely unchanged from its ancient origins.
The story begins with the Aztecs, who first created a fermented beverage called pulque from agave sap. This sacred drink played a crucial role in religious and ceremonial practices. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they adapted this indigenous beverage, creating their own distilled version called mezcal.
Many people confuse tequila and mezcal, but understanding their relationship is key to appreciating both spirits. Mezcal is the umbrella term for any distilled spirit made from the maguey (agave) plant. Technically, tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequilas—similar to how bourbon and Scotch are both types of whiskey.
Both spirits are governed by strict production laws. While mezcal can be made from various agave species grown across nine Mexican states, the production must still occur within designated regions. The most significant difference lies in preparation methods: traditional mezcal distillers cook agave in earthen pits, creating that distinctive smoky flavour that sets it apart from tequila.
Other agave spirits include pulque, sotol, raicilla, and bacanora—all technically classified as mezcal varieties, each with unique characteristics and production methods. However, only tequila and mezcal are widely available outside Mexico.
The Birth of Tequila
Tequila takes its name from the town of Tequila in Jalisco state, where it was first produced in the 16th century. The Marquis of Altamira established the first tequila distillery, using blue Weber agave (Agave azul)—the same variety that remains the exclusive source for authentic tequila today.
The Heart of Tequila: Blue Weber Agave
Blue Weber agave thrives in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, where the climate and volcanic soil create ideal growing conditions. These remarkable plants grow in silicate-rich red volcanic soil, with over 300 million harvested annually for tequila production.
The cultivation process requires extraordinary patience—blue agave takes 8-10 years to mature. During this time, the plant develops a large underground bulb called a piña, which resembles a giant white pineapple. After carefully removing the leaves, harvesters extract this piña and transport it to distilleries for processing.
The Art of Tequila Production
The tequila-making process is a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern technique. In the distillery, piñas are roasted in ovens or ground into pulp, then mixed with water and yeast for fermentation in large vessels over two to three weeks.
The fermentation process differs notably from other spirits. First, blue agave piñas are cooked in steam pressure autoclaves, breaking down carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. The cooked agave is then crushed and mixed with water to create a mash, which ferments in tanks with added yeast over several days.
The fermented liquid, called 'Mosto,' undergoes double distillation. The first distillation produces 'Ordinario,' a raw spirit containing about 20% alcohol. The second distillation creates the final tequila product with approximately 40% alcohol content.
While Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Nayarit are the primary production states in Mexico, small producers in Texas and California also contribute to the market.
The Five Types of Tequila
Understanding tequila types enhances appreciation for this complex spirit:
Blanco Tequila (Silver/White): Clear and unaged, or aged no more than 60 days in stainless steel or oak tanks. This affordable, versatile option works perfectly for cocktails, mixed drinks, and shots.
Joven Tequila (Young/Gold): A blend of white and aged tequilas. Many cheaper 'gold" tequilas are mixto varieties with added caramel or similar flavouring. Joven tequila tends to be quite potent.
Reposado Tequila: Aged in oak casks for 2-9 months, these tequilas develop a mellow flavour profile with subtle oak notes and light brown colouring. Many distilleries use bourbon barrels, adding unique flavour dimensions. Excellent for sipping straight or in premium cocktails.
Añejo Tequila (Aged): Aged in French oak or bourbon barrels for at least one year, often 18 months to three years. These darker, more robust spirits offer smooth complexity with balanced agave and oak flavours, featuring butterscotch and caramel notes.
Extra-Añejo Tequila: Created as a category in 2006, these premium tequilas age in barrels for over three years, developing profiles that rival the world's finest whiskies.
Tequila's Gift to the World: The Margarita
Tequila's most famous contribution to cocktail culture is undoubtedly the Margarita. This beloved drink, combining tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur served in a salt-rimmed glass, emerged in 1930s Mexico as tequila gained popularity in the United States. Today, the Margarita ranks among the world's most popular cocktails, with countless variations celebrating its versatility.
The Tequila Tasting Experience
Tequila offers a unique tasting profile characterized by earthy flavours and a distinctive alcohol aroma. The taste varies significantly based on agave cultivation location and style:
top videos
View all
Blanco tequilas deliver the purest agave experience with earthy, semi-sweet, and distinctively agave-forward flavours
Lowland tequilas typically express fruity and earthy characteristics
Highland tequilas showcase green and bright flavour profiles
Aged tequilas develop varying degrees of oak influence, creating complex flavour layers
Each sip tells the story of its terroir, production methods, and aging process, making tequila one of the world's most expressive spirits.
About the Author
Nitya Thirumalai
Nitya Thirumalai, News Editor at News18.com, writes on Indian and global politics as well as Formula 1. She was Google News Initiative-Columbia Journalism School Fellow in the inaugural Newsroom Leadership Prog...Read More
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated!
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First Published:
August 15, 2025, 15:42 IST
News viral Every Glass Of The World's Most Famous Cocktail Contains A Piece Of Mexican Volcano!
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Every Glass Of The World's Most Famous Cocktail Contains A Piece Of Mexican Volcano!
This distinctive spirit, known for its sharp taste and unique heritage, is an integral part of Mexican culture that has captivated millions worldwide Tequila is quite popular among alcohol enthusiasts, but most people don't know its fascinating history and cultural significance. This distinctive spirit, known for its sharp taste and unique heritage, is an integral part of Mexican culture that has captivated millions worldwide. Interestingly, during the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic, doctors actually recommended tequila as a remedy. They believed that consuming tequila with salt and lemon could reduce flu symptoms—a testament to its long-standing reputation as more than just a party drink. The Ancient Origins of Tequila Tequila is a distilled spirit made exclusively from the blue agave plant, a member of the lily family that resembles a giant aloe vera plant with sharp thorns. This drink has been evolving for centuries, and its production process remains largely unchanged from its ancient origins. The story begins with the Aztecs, who first created a fermented beverage called pulque from agave sap. This sacred drink played a crucial role in religious and ceremonial practices. When Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico, they adapted this indigenous beverage, creating their own distilled version called mezcal. Many people confuse tequila and mezcal, but understanding their relationship is key to appreciating both spirits. Mezcal is the umbrella term for any distilled spirit made from the maguey (agave) plant. Technically, tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcals are tequilas—similar to how bourbon and Scotch are both types of whiskey. Both spirits are governed by strict production laws. While mezcal can be made from various agave species grown across nine Mexican states, the production must still occur within designated regions. The most significant difference lies in preparation methods: traditional mezcal distillers cook agave in earthen pits, creating that distinctive smoky flavour that sets it apart from tequila. Other agave spirits include pulque, sotol, raicilla, and bacanora—all technically classified as mezcal varieties, each with unique characteristics and production methods. However, only tequila and mezcal are widely available outside Mexico. The Birth of Tequila Tequila takes its name from the town of Tequila in Jalisco state, where it was first produced in the 16th century. The Marquis of Altamira established the first tequila distillery, using blue Weber agave (Agave azul)—the same variety that remains the exclusive source for authentic tequila today. The Heart of Tequila: Blue Weber Agave Blue Weber agave thrives in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico, where the climate and volcanic soil create ideal growing conditions. These remarkable plants grow in silicate-rich red volcanic soil, with over 300 million harvested annually for tequila production. The cultivation process requires extraordinary patience—blue agave takes 8-10 years to mature. During this time, the plant develops a large underground bulb called a piña, which resembles a giant white pineapple. After carefully removing the leaves, harvesters extract this piña and transport it to distilleries for processing. The Art of Tequila Production The tequila-making process is a fascinating blend of ancient tradition and modern technique. In the distillery, piñas are roasted in ovens or ground into pulp, then mixed with water and yeast for fermentation in large vessels over two to three weeks. The fermentation process differs notably from other spirits. First, blue agave piñas are cooked in steam pressure autoclaves, breaking down carbohydrates into fermentable sugars. The cooked agave is then crushed and mixed with water to create a mash, which ferments in tanks with added yeast over several days. The fermented liquid, called 'Mosto,' undergoes double distillation. The first distillation produces 'Ordinario,' a raw spirit containing about 20% alcohol. The second distillation creates the final tequila product with approximately 40% alcohol content. While Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Nayarit are the primary production states in Mexico, small producers in Texas and California also contribute to the market. The Five Types of Tequila Understanding tequila types enhances appreciation for this complex spirit: Blanco Tequila (Silver/White): Clear and unaged, or aged no more than 60 days in stainless steel or oak tanks. This affordable, versatile option works perfectly for cocktails, mixed drinks, and shots. Joven Tequila (Young/Gold): A blend of white and aged tequilas. Many cheaper 'gold" tequilas are mixto varieties with added caramel or similar flavouring. Joven tequila tends to be quite potent. Reposado Tequila: Aged in oak casks for 2-9 months, these tequilas develop a mellow flavour profile with subtle oak notes and light brown colouring. Many distilleries use bourbon barrels, adding unique flavour dimensions. Excellent for sipping straight or in premium cocktails. Añejo Tequila (Aged): Aged in French oak or bourbon barrels for at least one year, often 18 months to three years. These darker, more robust spirits offer smooth complexity with balanced agave and oak flavours, featuring butterscotch and caramel notes. Extra-Añejo Tequila: Created as a category in 2006, these premium tequilas age in barrels for over three years, developing profiles that rival the world's finest whiskies. Tequila's Gift to the World: The Margarita Tequila's most famous contribution to cocktail culture is undoubtedly the Margarita. This beloved drink, combining tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur served in a salt-rimmed glass, emerged in 1930s Mexico as tequila gained popularity in the United States. Today, the Margarita ranks among the world's most popular cocktails, with countless variations celebrating its versatility. The Tequila Tasting Experience Tequila offers a unique tasting profile characterized by earthy flavours and a distinctive alcohol aroma. The taste varies significantly based on agave cultivation location and style: top videos View all Blanco tequilas deliver the purest agave experience with earthy, semi-sweet, and distinctively agave-forward flavours Lowland tequilas typically express fruity and earthy characteristics Highland tequilas showcase green and bright flavour profiles Aged tequilas develop varying degrees of oak influence, creating complex flavour layers Each sip tells the story of its terroir, production methods, and aging process, making tequila one of the world's most expressive spirits. About the Author Nitya Thirumalai Nitya Thirumalai, News Editor at writes on Indian and global politics as well as Formula 1. She was Google News Initiative-Columbia Journalism School Fellow in the inaugural Newsroom Leadership More Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google, News18's viral page features trending stories, videos, and memes, covering quirky incidents, social media buzz from india and around the world, Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : margarita Mexico tequila volcano view comments Location : Mexico First Published: August 15, 2025, 15:42 IST News viral Every Glass Of The World's Most Famous Cocktail Contains A Piece Of Mexican Volcano! Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
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