Article content provided by Larry Freeman.
Today, July 24, is National Tequila Day in the USA. In honor of the occasion, we’ve rounded up some food and drink recipes featuring the popular Mexican spirit. You’ll find links to those recipes below.
But first, a little background info.
The origins of tequila are deeply rooted in Mexican culture dating back to the age of the Aztecs—some two thousand years ago.
The Spaniards later introduced them to distillation, and the resulting elixir, which at first was referred to as Mezcal Wine. It wasn’t until recently (in terms of centuries) that tequila became tequila. It was a source-of-origin kind of thing. Tequila and Mezcal are effectively the same thing. Tequila is made from only Weber Azul Agave plants, commonly called Blue Agave, and it comes only from the state of Jalisco, where the town of Tequila is located.
Tequila has the complexity of character of a great cognac, with even more subtle flavor notes and nuances than more socially accepted red wines. Unlike grapes, agave plants take 8–10 years to mature, and are spent when harvested. Crop planning is essential to the supply. When tequila first started becoming really trendy in the 1990s, many producers ran out. Patron was one such example—it sold like crazy and then they ran out for a couple of years—at least supply was not sufficient to supply the growing U.S. market. Patron even launched an apologetic ad campaign when the company reintroduced it.
The name ‘Tequila’ has been protected by the Mexican government since 1974 and its use is limited to products distilled from agave grown only in certain regions of Mexico.
Here is a trio of other Tequila factoids.
– The name of “tequila” comes from the town close to where drink originated.
– Regardless of what you may have heard, tequila does not come from a cactus. Cacti and agaves are not relatives.
– There is usually no worm in tequila. The worm is found in some mezcal and this tradition was only begun in the 1940s as a marketing ploy. Mezcals are related to tequila.
– Tequila was once known as mezcal wine or mezcal brandy. Today, they are considered two distinct beverages.
To learn more about tequila and National Tequila Day, visit hubpages.com.
Tequila Grilled Shrimp & Mango Skewers
The Recipes
Here, in time to celebrate National Tequila Day, is a collection of recipes, each of which includes a splash or three of that fine Mexican liquor. You’ll find several variations of that old favorite, la Margarita. Enjoy the holiday!
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| Basilica Mexicana Cocktail |
