A gift from the Aztec gods
Mexico’s most renowned liquor, Tequila. It’s a representation of our heritage and history, from the early days when the Aztecs transformed blue-agave juice into “pulque” (a sweet juice from the agave plant) consumed at religious ceremonies and sacred rites, to the modernization of industry and achieving the protected designation of origin. Thus, it has a great significance in Mexican Society.
Tequila is a distilled beverage which is made from the blue agave plant, grown primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila, 40 miles Northwest of the metropolitan city of Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, and it can only be named “tequila” if it originates from Jalisco or other qualifying states like Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, or Nayarit.
To qualify as “tequila,” at least 51% of the product must be derived from the blue agave plant. However, many manufacturers nowadays have much higher standards and will make it from a full 100% blue agave.
These and many other interesting facts can be learned in a one-of-a-kind experience called Tequila Express. The Tequila Express is a tour on a train that starts in Guadalajara and takes you to the region where the agave is grown, also known by locals as “Los Altos de Jalisco.” In this experience, you will be able to plant your own agave, appreciate the properties of Tequila with a tasting, and take a guided tour to the magical town of Tequila. Which besides being the town with the major agave crops, it is also a sanctuary for preserving its history and secrets. In other terms, this is a huge museum for tequila lovers.
There are many types of Tequilas with different colors, flavors, and textures that give it the denomination, such as “blanco” (white) or “plata” (silver), “joven” (young) or “oro” (gold), “reposado” (rested), “añejo” (aged), and “extra añejo” (extra aged).
In Mexico, the most traditional way to drink Tequila is neat at room temperature without fruit slices or salt, in a narrow shot glass called a “caballito”.
But if you want to celebrate National Tequila Day (July 24th) with a cocktail, try out our Fairmont Margarita Habanero. For this recipe you will need:
1oz. 100% Agave Tequila Reposado
1oz. 100% Agave Tequila Reposado Habanero Infused
1oz. Fresh Lime Juice
.075oz. Agave Nectar
Garnish: Orange Peel & Half Salted Rim
Glassware: Double Old Fashioned 12oz