(2 minute read)
Tequila is a drink that seems to show up everywhere: in joyous celebrations and moments of heartbreak, as the first shot that breaks the ice at a party or the last one you swear you didn’t need.
It’s liquid courage for the timid, an emotional release for the brokenhearted, and a reliable co-star in countless blurry tales of wild nights, bold moves, and regretful mornings. For every person who sings its praises, there’s another who’s sworn never to touch it again.
Whenever traveling and introducing Tequila at some point of the conversation or the evening with foreigners in different countries, it was always amusing to me to receive all sorts of comments regarding its effects or its strength or its super powers. Everyone had a story to share about it. Many times, hilarious ones. I was always many times presented with toasts that were allegedly “mexican”, never being the case of course. It was always amusing how sharing a shot with a mexican (one, or many) was always met with enthusiasm and even daring. It’s fun to watch everyone grimace after a shot (except for Eastern Europeans—who seem to drink it with alarming ease).
But tequila is also a drink of patience and care. With roots that go deep into Mexican history, culture, and craft; made from blue agave, a plant that grows stubbornly and beautifully in the unforgiving soil of Jalisco. It takes years for the blue agave to grow, and each plant is nurtured by generations of jimadores, the skilled harvesters who cut the agave with their sharp coas. Each bottle carries generations of tradition and care, a product of artisans.
To truly understand tequila is to understand Mexico. More than just a drink, tequila is a symbol of national pride, a connection to the land and its people. Its origins date back to pre-Hispanic times, when the agave plant was revered by indigenous civilizations for its many uses—food, fibers, and sacred beverages. What began as pulque, a fermented agave drink, evolved over centuries into the distilled spirit we now know as tequila, thanks to the ingenuity of the Spanish settlers.
In Mexico, tequila is not just consumed; it’s celebrated. It’s the first glass raised at a fiesta, a wedding, or a family reunion. It’s the soundtrack to mariachi bands in Jalisco, where the drink was born. It’s a drink that tells stories of resilience, independence, and identity. Shouts of “Viva México!” are met with a resounding chorus of raised glasses every September 15th.
Tequila is both hero and villain, a mischievous accomplice. It makes its entrance with flair and leaves a trail of memories—some glorious, some chaotic, some stitched together only by the stories told the next morning. Maybe it was a moment of heartbreak, a cathartic ritual of salt, shot, and lime that washed away a tear… or at least tried to. Maybe it was a birthday celebration that started with laughter and ended with someone dancing on a table, or a night that somehow began at “just one drink” and spiraled into a full-on adventure.
Its global reputation is complicated, yet iconic. Few spirits hold such a duality: it can be refined and sophisticated, a slow sip of the good stuff that dances on the palate with notes of agave and earth. Or it can be downed recklessly in neon-lit bars, punctuated by a wince and an exaggerated shake of the head. And yet, no matter the setting or quality, tequila delivers. It doesn’t tiptoe into your evening; it kicks open the door and commands attention.
Today, tequila is having its moment on the global stage with a coveted position in premium bars and luxury lounges. Mixologists around the world are showcasing its versatility, crafting cocktails that balance its earthy, bold flavors with everything from citrus to smoky infusions. Avant-garde chefs have embraced tequila as an ingredient, weaving it into sauces, desserts, and even marinades, elevating it to a culinary essential. And with visionary brands leading the charge, tequila has found its way into collaborations that merge tradition with modern artistry, creating bottles that are as stunning as the liquid inside.
I believe Tequila is a best friend to tacos and garnachas. I can confirm it soothes your throat when it feels scratchy, I agree that more than once it’s given me the courage to get into a little mischief, and I confess I’ve drunk it by the liter when nursing a broken heart. I also think it’s one of the most delicious spirits in the world. And when sipped and enjoyed little by little, slowly but surely—like so many things—it tastes even better.
More than just a drink, tequila has become a cultural ambassador. It is one of Mexico’s truest representatives—a reflection of our grit, our passion, and our unapologetic boldness. Like tequila, Mexico has earned its place on the top shelf of the international scene, no longer a hidden gem but a celebrated force.
Salud to all relentless spirits out there. If life gives you lemons, get a bottle of good Tequila for it and sing along.
