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24/10/2023

What is tequila made with?

What is tequila made with?
Tequila is a type of alcoholic beverage that comes from Mexico. In general terms, we can say that is obtained from the blue agave distillate, a plant native to this country and which has been cultivated there for centuries. Regarding its origins, we can say that the production of tequila dates back to the beginning of the 16th century, and that it has become, since then, one of the most recognized drinks in Mexico. However, is currently consumed in all corners of the world, including in Spain, both in bars and cocktail bars, pubs and nightclubs.  Similarly, it must also be emphasized that tequila is a strong drink with a very peculiar spicy flavor and aroma, which are unmistakable. Its alcohol content is usually around between 38º and 55º, so it is a drink that has a high proportion of alcohol in its composition. We can also say that tequila can be found in different varieties with different degrees of strength, and with unique aromatic characteristics.  Its flavor and alcohol content are the result of the fermentation process to which it is subjected applied to each of the varieties. For example, blanco tequila usually has a lower alcohol content and a lower aroma, but it is more used to prepare cocktails. Añejo, for its part, has much higher alcohol content, therefore which usually has an intense flavor and aroma, so it is usually reserved for drinking alone, normally in the form of shots or shots, accompanied by lemon and salt. This is because, in this way, you can appreciate its flavor and aroma much better. Therefore, in this article we are going to explain in general terms how tequila is made, so, if you are interested, we recommend that you continue reading this article. 

What is tequila made of?

As we mentioned above, tequila is a distilled drink originally from Mexico. It is made from the fermentation and distillation of the juice obtained after cooking the blue agave, a wild plant that only grows in the state of Jalisco, in Mexico. It is a mixture of different components, which is obtained from the fermentation and distillation of the agave, but which also contains different mixers and ageers that give it its characteristic flavor and aroma.  That is, tequila contains the original components for the production of this drink, such as blue agave, sugar, water and yeast, in addition to alcoholic solutions and different ingredients that are used in the aging process, such as active charcoal, cinnamon, vanilla and, sometimes, caramel and honey. The woods also affect its final flavor, so, usually, it is usually left to age in oak barrels. The mixed and aged products, that is, in different phases, are what give each tequila its characteristic flavor and aroma. Its flavor is usually very intense, so it is usually served with lemon and salt, and it is consumed with these elements as if it were some kind of ritual that we all know. 

What is blue agave?

The blue agave, also known as agave tequilana weber var. blue, is a succulent succulent plant typical of the Mexican area of ​​Jalisco. Being a succulent, it is a plant that is characterized by storing a quantity of water and nutrients inside its leaves and in its woody trunk. For this reason, they are highly appreciated plants from the ornamental point of view, in interior design, as well as from the culinary. That is, is usually used to make sweeteners and syrups, as well as fermented drinks such as mead and spirits, such as Tequila and Mezcal.  Physically, it is a succulent succulent plant that is composed of numerous thick, fleshy leaves that grow in the shape of a rosette. The tips of them have a needle and serrated edges that give the feeling of arising from the root. However, these are born from a short and woody trunk, reminiscent of the shape of a pineapple. This type of plants usually grow in arid and semi-arid areas and have a lifespan of between seven and twelve years. Likewise, these plants die just after flowering, when they are five meters high. Precisely, to make tequila, the agave is used just before it blooms, in its stage of maturity.  In addition, its juice contains a number of vitamins and minerals and has certain properties that help cleanse, drain and detoxify the veins and arteries, in addition to stimulating the growth of intestinal flora. So, yes You wonder what tequila is made of, now you know that it is made from the juice obtained from boiling this plant that provides so many benefits. 

How is tequila made?

As we mentioned above, tequila is made from blue agave. This plant is harvested once it is in the maturity phase, when it is between seven and twelve years old. At harvest, the leaves are removed and the stems, which are shaped like a pineapple, are obtained. These are boiled and ground to obtain the juice, which is distilled in a double still to remove impurities or unwanted components.  Subsequently, the result is taken to wooden barrels to let it age for a while. This can be variable, depending on the type of tequila we want to obtain. For this reason, it can take from only 14 or 21 days for the whitest ones and with a lower alcohol content to the reserva and gran reserva, which are usually left to mature and rest between one and three years, respectively. We can say that it is, precisely, during the fermentation and aging process when the sugars that tequila naturally contains are transformed into alcohol. Therefore, as time passes, the sugars are transformed and increasing the alcohol content until obtaining some types of reserve and gran reserve tequila.  Subsequently, the mixing process with demineralized water is carried out to adjust the graduation, if it has been excessive and some tests are carried out to ensure its consistency in the profile in accordance with the standards. Finally, we proceed to packaging, where this drink is bottled and labeled to make it ready for marketing. This way, you can buy it in stores or ask to be served a shot of tequila during a night out. 
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