Tequila, National Drink from Mexico

Tequila is probably one of the best known liquors in the world. It is is a tradition in Mexico and you should take advantage of your stay in the country to buy and taste some of the finest tequilas available.

Tequila: Tequila is obtained from the Agave plant root. It takes 12 years for the plant to grow and develop a regular size root (35 to 90 Kilos), it is then harvested and processed through ovens to remove the sap which is then fermented.
The process of aging starts then. There are 3 categories of Tequila, which you can easily recognize by color.

Silver Tequila is transparent and indicates an aging inferior to a couple of months. Then Tequila Reposado (rested) with a light gold color. Reposado is normally aged one year before being sold. The third category is Añejo (Old – vintage) which spends between 1 to 3 years in barrels to get its particular color.
You may find Gold Tequila with a light yellowish color. This tequila is simply Silver but it is colored to make it more appealing. They don´t age it longer than a few months.

For many people, Tequila is the small shot with lemon and salt. But the best way to taste the true flavor of tequila is to try many Tequila Añejo. The shoots are usually done with silver tequila, and not the best brand. Other favorite cocktail made with tequila is the famous Mexican Margarita. Some others include Black Devil, Brave Bull with Kahlua, Tequila Sunrise and many more.

There are several dozens of Tequila Brands on the market. To make sure you are really buying Tequila, simply look on the bottle and you should read the following statements: CRT the seal of the government´s appointment of authenticity and it has to contain at least 51% of Blue Agave. Some premium brands have 100% Agave. Production must come from one of the following States of Mexico: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Tamaulipas and Nayarit.