July 24 is Tequila Day.

July 24 is Tequila Day.
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Why Tequila Day is a holiday in its own right in Mexico

Spirits

Tequila is much more than just a drink in Mexico; it is a symbol of Mexican culture and identity. The tradition of tequila goes back centuries and is deeply rooted in the country's history.

On July 24, lovers around the world celebrate Tequila Day – an opportunity to honor Mexico's most famous and popular export. But what makes tequila so special and why does it deserve its own holiday? This article delves into the history, production and variety of tequila and provides a refreshing recipe for the perfect tequila treat.

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The history of tequila

Tequila has a rich and fascinating history that is closely linked to the culture and traditions of Mexico. The origins of the drink go back to the pre-Columbian peoples, who were already using agave plants to produce a fermented drink called pulque. It was not until the 16th century, after the arrival of the Spanish, that distillation was introduced and led to the development of today's tequila. The name tequila comes from the town of the same name in the Jalisco region, where the drink originated. UNESCO has even recognized the tequila region as a World Heritage Site, which underlines the cultural and historical significance of the drink. The tequila industry plays an important role in the Mexican economy. It creates jobs and promotes tourism in regions such as Jalisco, where the majority of tequila is produced – a reason to establish the day as a public holiday.

A work of art of nature

Tequila is made exclusively from the blue Weber agave, which grows in the Tequila region and some surrounding areas. The production is a complex process that begins with the harvesting of the agave hearts, the so-called piñas. These are first boiled to extract the sugars before being fermented and finally distilled. There are various types of tequila, which differ in terms of how they are stored and matured:

  • Blanco: Clear and unaged, bottled directly after distillation.
  • Reposado: Matured in oak barrels for at least two months, but less than a year.
  • Añejo: Matured for at least one year, but less than three years in small oak barrels.
  • Extra Añejo: Matured for at least three years in oak barrels, which gives it a particularly rich and complex taste.

Recipe: The classic margarita

One of the best known and most popular uses of tequila is the margarita. Here is a simple recipe for a classic margarita that will refresh you on a hot summer's day: Ingredients:

  • 50 ml Blanco tequila
  • 25 ml triple sec (orange liqueur)
  • 20 ml freshly squeezed lime juice
  • Salt for the rim of the glass
  • Ice cubes
  • Slice of lime to garnish

Preparation:

  1. Moisten the rim of the glass with lime juice and dip it in salt.
  2. Pour the tequila, triple sec and lime juice into a shaker and shake vigorously with ice cubes.
  3. Pour the mixture through a sieve into the prepared glass.
  4. Garnish with a slice of lime and serve immediately.

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Kristina Mitrovic
Kristina Mitrovic
Author
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