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The Olmecs -

We may have the Olmecs to thank for what we know today as tequila. The earliest known major Mesoamerican civilization, based in the lowlands of Mexico, the Olmecs are believed to have used the sap of the maguey plant to produce a boozy milk-like liquid as far back as 1000 BCE.

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The Aztecs -

Later, the Aztecs refined the process. They called their fermented tipple pulque, and worshipped two gods associated with the concoction—Mayahuel, the goddess of the maguey, and her husband Patecatl (pictured), the god of pulque.

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The conquistadors -

Primitive maguey distillation began in earnest with the arrival of the Spanish in present-day Mexico in 1519. The thirsty conquistadors figured out a way of creating a crude colorless liquor called mezcal, the forerunner of tequila, by refining the methods used by the Aztecs.

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Mezcal export -

The potent shot caught on, and the Spanish started exporting mezcal to lands as far away as the Philippines. In 1600, the Marquis of Altamira built the first large-scale distillery in what is now Tequila, in the modern-day territory of Jalisco.

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Blue agave -

By the mid-18th century, the production of the drink renamed tequila was thriving. The Cuervo family began commercially distilling tequila in 1758, but it was members of the Sauza family that identified the blue agave plant as the best for producing the liquor. Incidentally, Cuervo today is the world's best-selling brand of tequila.

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Tequila, Jalisco -

The city of Tequila lies 65 km (40 mi) northwest of Guadalajara, tucked away in the Jaliscan Highlands. The blue agave cultivated here are larger and sweeter in aroma and taste, making them a prized commodity.

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Tequila's cultural impact -

Tequila was founded in 1539. Historical buildings worth noting include the 18th-century Church of Our Lady of the Purísima Concepción.

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La Perserverancia distillery -

The La Perserverancia distillery, which was built in 1873, is worth exploring on a guided tour for its ancient copper stills and small museum devoted to regional crafts.

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National Museum of Tequila -

For a more detailed history of tequila, spend an hour or so in the National Museum of Tequila. The facility, which also serves as an engaging cultural center, is the first of its kind in the world dedicated to the liquor.

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UNESCO World Heritage Site -

In 1974, the Mexican government declared the term "tequila" as its intellectual property. It is illegal for other countries to produce or sell their own "tequila." The town and the vast carpets of agave fields surrounding it were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

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Tequila Express -

Also in 2006 the Tequila Route was established. Facilitating the initiative is the Tequila Express, a tourist train that follows a meandering track through tequila country.

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The Tequila Route -

The Tequila Route meanwhile affords tourists the opportunity to witness first hand various aspects of tequila making, such as the cutting of spines off the agave plant. Several haciendas and distilleries welcome visitors with tequila-tasting tours.

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100% tequila -

There are now four types of 100% agave tequila: Silver, Reposado (pictured) Anejo, and Super Anejo. Silver isn't aged, while the others are stored in oak barrels for periods ranging from two months to three years.

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Margarita cocktail -

The margarita was invented in 1936, a cocktail of tequila, orange liqueur, and lime juice, often served with salt on the rim of the glass. The drink immediately found favor with many Americans, who had been traveling south of the border for years during the Prohibition era to knock back cheap and legal tequila.

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Prohibition -

In fact, Prohibition in the United States saw an influx of illegal tequila smuggled into the country. Pictured are California Prohibition agents with a vehicle fuel tank and 250 bottles of tequila, which were hidden in it and smuggled into the US from Mexico, around 1930.

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Tequila sunrise -

The Eagles famously sung about it, and in 1988 Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Kurt Russell starred in a film named after it. So, what is it about tequila sunrise? Containing tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, the cocktail is so named for its appearance when served—with gradations of color resembling a sunrise.

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Tequila in cooking -

There are several ways to cook with tequila. It works wonders in a marinade for shrimp or steak, and makes a great finger-licking barbecue glaze. Tequila-lime chicken thighs, anyone?

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Go traditional -

For those with a more adventurous palate, how about a bowl of crunchy grasshoppers chapulines with a guacamole dip washed down with  tequila and lime?

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Gran Patrón Platinum Silver Tequila -

And to round off any evening in style, indulge in a shot or two of Gran Patrón Platinum Silver Tequila, triple distilled and oak rested for a super smooth and full-bodied flavor. Enjoy!

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World' most expensive tequila -

Guinness World Records lists the most expensive bottle of tequila ever sold as ".925," priced at a wallet-melting US$225,000. The bottle is made of platinum and includes two grams of pure gold.

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Celebrity tequila drinkers -

At that price it's perhaps no wonder that the finest tequila enjoys A-list celebrity patronage. George Clooney got together with a couple of buddies to create Casamigos, made to drink neat without salt or lemon/lime.

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Exclusive drink -

Clooney and company produce three varieties of tequila and one mezcal (all tequilas are technically mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas). Each bottle is individually numbered and carries the actor's signature.

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Film star status -

Clooney's name alone afforded the brand film star status when it was the liquor of choice at the 18th Annual Hollywood Film Awards.

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Carlos Santana -

Carlos Santana is another celebrity tequila aficionado. The legendary guitarist has in the past autographed bottles of Casa Noble Tequila for auction.

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Halle Berry -

Halle Berry is seen here leaving an InStyle magazine event in Beverly Hills carrying a little bottle of Don Julio Blanco tequila.

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Rita Ora -

British singer Rita Ora is well known for her love of tequila. Here she is promoting Próspero Tequila at a 2020 brand launch in London.

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Howlin' Wolf (1910–1976) -

Blues musician Howlin' Wolf striking the right note in 1968, with a bottle of Jose Cuervo tequila close at hand.

Sources: (Tequila Unlimited) (Liquor.com)

See also: Delicious cocktails from around the world

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