subject: The Long And Short Of Tequila [print this page] Nowhere in the running with Mexico, when it comes to the popularity of tequila, the United States still manages to holds its own. A favorite drink that is often consumed next to pitchers of icy sangria, tequila is one of Mexico's official drinks, and is always in demand. It's a stiff drink that packs a punch, and that can really bring life to a party -- while some people claim that it also has curative powers. For those imbibers not well versed in the beverage's more interesting aspects, read on.
There is no worm.
The notion of there being a worm at the bottom of tequila bottles is not an accurate representation of the brand. First of all, it's not a worm: the itty-bitty creeping critters are actually larva. It's a species of moth that infests agave plants, and finding one during the distillation process is often a bad sign that the product will be of a lower quality. Mescal, and then only certain types of the alcohol, ever include the insect within the bottle. It's thought that the fad was a marketing gimmick in the 1940s, and the trend has continued to this day.
It's only tequila if it comes from Mexico.
The word 'tequila' is heavily regulated and trademarked, even though blue agave can grow all over Mexico and even grows in other countries. Tequila city in the area of Jalisco, is the only place it ever applies to the beverage; there and at limited spits in Nayarit, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, and Michoacan. Anything else using that name may very well be threatened with a lawsuit.
Tequila isn't made from cacti
The agave plant is often identified as a type of cactus. It seems logical: Both types of plants are known as succulents, and cacti are abundant within the tropical/desert environment. This means that they retain water very well which makes them suited for growing in dry climates. They are also spiky, and have varieties that grow in small rosettes close to the ground. However, agaves are more closely related to aloe plants.
Tequila doesn't cause hallucinations.
While it's sometimes hinted at in films and comedy, there are no hallucinogens in this liquor. A related agave distilled spirit, mescal, has a name that is similar to mescaline, a potent alkaloid that occurs naturally as peyote and is renowned for its psychedelic effects. However, the two have no compounds in common. While the very strong alcohol content of tequila and its cousins will cause rapid intoxication, there are no other drugs in them.
Most mass-produced tequila isn't pure.
If you've ever gone to the bar for a quick tequila shot, you likely haven't had a taste of real, 100% pure agave liquor. A lot of mass-produced varieties of the drink are mixed with other sugars, though must always contain at least 51% agave. According to experts, purchasing the pure product is worth every peso.
