Tequila, as many well know, originated from and is produced in Mexico. Tequila is a national favorite and many people will celebrate special events and or occasions with this spirit. Tequila has a long and interesting history and many fun facts that most people do not know. Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant would like to share a brief history on tequila and some of the many fun and interesting facts behind this popular spirit.

How Old is Tequila?

Most people that know anything about tequila will claim that tequila was invented in the 1600’s. True, the modern tequila that we know today has changed very little since the 1600’s. However, its origins go back much further than that. Tequila is a spirit that is fermented from the Agave plant and undergoes a long process to create the modern day tequila. However, recent discoveries show that ancient Aztecs were fermenting Agave plants as far back as 200 A.D. Back then the fermented Agave spirit was known as “Pulque”. Pulque was made from the fermented sap of the Agave and was highly prized. Essentially, fermented Agave spirits have been around for a very long time. It wasn’t until the Spanish arrived that they introduced distillers which was in the 1500’s. Over the next century the distilling of the Agave plant was modified and perfected. In the early 1600’s, the first distiller and mass production of the agave based spirits was built in Tequila, Jalisco which gave us the tequila as we know it today.

How Much Agave Plant is in Tequila?

Fun fact about tequila; when you drink tequila, 51% of the drink is blue agave. If there is anything less than 51% of agave in the drink it is not considered tequila. However, some tequilas can have 100% agave. The higher the agave content, typically the more bitter it will become. However, due to the bitterness of stronger tequila many people will use them in sweetened drinks such as Margaritas.

Can Tequila Be Drank Straight as a Shot?

Many people will take shots of tequila. However it was never intended to be taken in a shot glass. Tequila is meant to be a slow sipping drink, much like scotch. However, due to the bitter taste most people want to get it down as fast as they can, hence they are often drunk in a shot glass. To get any effect out of drinking tequila as a shot, it is best to go for the stronger tequilas.

How is Tequila Made?

Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Las Vegas, Nevada (Just Minutes from Summerlin, North LV, Paradise, Lone Mountain & Henderson, NV

Tequila is a drink, highly in demand, that can be enjoyed in many different ways. Next time you want to enjoy some tequila, come and join us at Eddie’s Mexican Restaurant!