The ABC of tequila and its most famous cocktails

Discover the origin, characteristics, and benefits of tequila, one of the most recognized Mexican spirits worldwide, as well as the most famous cocktails made with tequila: Every July 24th, the International Day of Tequila is celebrated. This date commemorates UNESCO's declaration of the agave landscape and the ancient facilities of tequila production in Jalisco as a World Heritage Site.Tequila is a symbol of identity, culture, and pride in Mexico, and it was the first Mexican product to receive a Denomination of Origin (DO). It is a spirit obtained from the fermentation of the juice of the Agave Tequilana Weber Azul, in the states that hold the DO tequila, which are the following: Jalisco, the state with the highest tequila production, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.According to the NOM, there are 5 types of tequila: blanco or silver tequila, joven or gold tequila; reposado tequila, añejo, and extra añejo.How is tequila made?It all starts in the plantation of the Agave Tequilana Weber and, subsequently, the harvesting of the plant. Once extracted from the ground, the leaves are cut until only the piñas remain. Then, it is taken to the distillery where it is baked, in a masonry oven or an autoclave.Once the piñas are ready, they undergo milling and juice extraction, which can be done using a tahona, automatic mill, or diffuser. Then comes the magic of fermentation and, finally, distillation in a pot still or continuous column still! When this process is complete, the tequila is placed in containers or wooden barrels, which impart complementary flavors and aromas.Finally, it is bottled or packaged. The packaging of a 100% agave tequila must be done in a plant or distillery located within the Denomination of Origin territory.Benefits of tequilaThe agave extract contains a type of sugar known as agavins, which can act as dietary fiber, meaning the body does not digest or absorb them like most sugars. Thus, moderate consumption of tequila is allowed by some health specialists for those looking to control their weight or blood sugar levels.It may help strengthen immune function, as agave contains a significant amount of antioxidants compared to other natural sweeteners.This spirit also aids digestive health, thanks to the compounds in agave, which can act as prebiotics, fibers that nourish the bacteria that benefit the gut.Another benefit of this Mexican spirit is its ability to reduce pain, as well as functioning as an anti-inflammatory. This is due to its saponin content, which can potentially reduce pain associated with inflammation. Additionally, due to its high pure alcohol content, it can act as a wound disinfectant, and it is also consumed for its relaxing effects that promote sleep.Most famous tequila cocktailsNow that you know the history of tequila, its production process, and the benefits of its moderate consumption, we recommend celebrating the International Day of Tequila and national festivities with three iconic cocktails in Mexico: two types of margaritas and the classic paloma.Perfect Margarita(Recipe from Tequila Patrón)Ingredients:45 ml of Tequila Patrón Reposado 30 ml of Patrón Citronge Orange 22.5 ml of lime juice 7.5 ml of simple syrup Lime slice for garnish Salt for rimming (optional) Procedure:Combine the ingredients in a shaker and shake with ice to chill. Serve in a salt-rimmed martini glass or low glass and garnish with a lime slice.Cucumber Margarita(Recipe from Tequila Volcán)Ingredients: 50 ml of Tequila Volcán Blanco 15 ml of lime 15 ml of agave syrup 90 ml of pineapple juice 2 slices of cucumber 5 mint leaves Rimmed with chapulín salt Procedure:In a shaker, muddle two slices of cucumber with the agave syrup, lime, and mint, then add the tequila and pineapple juice. Shake well for 15 seconds and strain the drink into an Old Fashioned glass with ice and rimmed with chapulín salt. Finally, garnish with a cucumber slice and mint leaves.PalomaIngredients:60 ml of blanco tequila 15 ml of lime juice 90 ml of grapefruit soda Salt, to taste 1 slice of grapefruit for garnish Procedure:Place all ingredients in a highball glass with ice and mix well. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit.Are you ready to celebrate the International Day of Tequila? Share with us what your favorite cocktail is.