The Home of Mexico's Spirit
The Home of Mexico's Spirit
The history of tequila often coincides with the history of Mexico. Dating back to the 1500s, the natives of Mexico were well aware of the agave plant, which they considered to be a “gift of the Gods.” Agave fibers had important uses in cooking, household chores, and medicine. Not only that, but agave also wielded alcoholic properties that were also being used at the time.
Around this same time, the Spanish Conquest had begun to take full shape; and while it is still considered one of the most extraordinary events in world-history, for all intents and purposes of tequila, the important result of this historical time was the inter-mingling of native culture and Spanish interest. The Spaniards quickly took to agave and all of its uses, including the partaking of the native drink of choice, pulque. But the Spaniards wanted more, without having to face the relentless taxes from importing alcohol. It is estimated to be around this time that distillation was introduced into the country, and from there, the rest is, well, tequila history (although in actuality, the evolution to what we consider tequila today was gradual).
The “birth” of tequila is a shaky and fragile history much like the rest of Mexican history. Caught between military camps and gunfire were mezcal barrels that would ultimately lead to great conflict between various groups who essentially wanted the money and power associated with the alcohol. Seeing the value of this mezcal, many societies tried to adapt and produce their own version of this spirit, but it wouldn’t be until the early 1900s, as distillation was spreading throughout the country, that the right agave plant was tested and proven successful.
Credit for being the “founder” of tequila is given to don Cenobio Suaza. Suez was the one who finally determined that the blue agave was the best plant for tequila in the late 1890s, but in 1873 is known to have exported the first barrels of tequila. Years later, in 1903, the first tequila bottling plant was built and tequila began to be sold.
Fast forward to the birth of the margarita—what we have all come to know and love about tequila. Long before Jimmy Buffet took us all to “Margaritaville,” the margarita had already begun to make an appearance in everyday life, replacing popular drinks like the martini and the sidecar (one of the rumored drinks to have inspired the margarita). The widely accepted beginning of the margarita is said to be in the 1930s-1940s, although the place of origin will vary.
Today, the growth of tequila has taken us through an expansive evolution of margaritas, to rich cocktails, and back to straight tequila, served neat. Tequila is a fundamental drink by itself, but has proven itself to be more intricate and complex throughout its own history. Understanding the different types of tequila, knowing how to pair and serve tequila, has created an up and coming sub-culture. The popularity of tequila has expanded in the number of ways that the spirit is enjoyed, the latest trend being tequila infused with coffee, cocoa, fruits, and even ice cream.
From its growth and production in Mexico to its consumption around the world, there is no doubt that tequila is not only unique in make and flavor, but also widely popularized by that very uniqueness.
Cheers!