Discard that salt pot and lime wedge and read on for other ways to enjoy the national drink of Mexico – Tequila.<\/p>\n
The spirit can only originate from specific areas in Mexico and is made from agave. It takes between five & twelve years to reach maturity. Once ready it’s harvested by hand, ready for distillation. Although it looks like a cactus it’s actually a succulent. There are 166 varieties but only blue agave can be used to make tequila, the rest makes mezcal.<\/p>\n
Tequila can be ‘Blanco’ (clear, after undergoing a second distillation). ‘Reposado’ or ‘Anejo’ (aged in oak to soften the spirit, adding colour and even flavours which can come from the casks previous liquids)<\/p>\n
Tequila is increasing in popularity but other than shots how else can be it be enjoyed?<\/p>\n
In Mexico it is traditionally served at room temp with a chaser of Sangrita (a combination of orange, lime & pomegranate juice with chilli hot sauce). In bars (and on the roadside!) you will find ‘Cantaritos’.\u00a0 Salt, lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit juices, a shot of tequila and a dash of grapefruit soda are served in clay drinking pots help keep the drink cold.<\/p>\n
Margaritas – not a fan of the traditional version? Add some fruit to make flavoured ones, both blood orange and mango make excellent additions.<\/p>\n
Think of yourself as a gin drinker? Try a TnT – tequila and tonic. Switch out the gin and try pairing different tonics with tequila instead to create long, refreshing drinks.<\/p>\n
Paloma – pink grapefruit juice and soda give this long cocktail a kick. Perfect for those who like sour drinks.<\/p>\n