Bottles of Tequila for sale
For those of us in Texas, we’re all pretty familiar with tequila, or at least drinking it. Margaritas, frozen or on the rocks, salted or not, is one of the most popular cocktails in the United States, especially come summer time. We write songs about it (Margaritaville anyone?), create popular cocktails with it, and even cook with it. However, even though we might be pro’s at consuming tequila, and dealing with the morning after, not many of us are familiar with tequila’s production or history. So here’s a couple things you might not have known about your favorite drink.
Tequila was first exported to the US by Jose Cuervo, when in 1873 three barrels were shipped to El Paso, Texas, a number that rapidly increased throughout time. Similar to Champagne, Tequila has denomination of origin, meaning that under regulations and laws, tequila can only be produced in certain areas of Mexico. The most popular area being Jalisco. Mexico takes their tequila seriously, so it comes as no surprise that it is the country’s national drink. It is created from the blue agave plant, and unlike many liquors, is primarily aged within the plant, and not in casks. The plant takes around 8 to 12 years to mature before being harvested, and if the tequila is aged, anything beyond 4 years can lessen the quality of it.
Blue agave plant (left) Blue agave painting (right)
In Texas, one of the most popular tequila drinks is the Texan Martini (also known as the Mexican Martini). The cocktail was actually created here in Austin, at The Cedar Door Bar and Grill, some twenty years ago. Now, this strong drink can be found pretty much everywhere in Austin, with some of our favorites being at the Cedar Door, Trudy’s, and Baby Acapulco. For those that want to make this drink at home, try this tasty recipe:
Ingredients:
Servings: 1
2 fluid ounces tequila
1 fluid ounce Cointreau liqueur
1 -2 fluid ounce Sprite
1 fluid ounce orange juice
1/2 lime juice
Directions:
Shake all ingredients and strain into glass rimmed with salt; add stuffed olives, enjoy!
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Just remember to always look for “100% agave” in the label, otherwise you’re drinking an inferior product that will likely give you a nasty hangover. 🙂
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So much sugar with only a scarce quantity of lime to balance it. I think you would be much happier with this drink if you skipped the sprite all together, but if nothing else, at LEAST don’t shake the sprite with the other ingredients. That will remove all the fizz. Here, you really need this: http://measureandstir.com/2012/07/06/how-to-make-better-drinks-and-the-naughty-housewife/
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