Tequila is made from the blue agave plant. There are 136 species of agave, but only the blue agave produces quality tequila. A common misconception is that the agave is from the cactus family; it is actually from the lily (amaryllis) family. The plant takes eight to 10 years to mature, and only the core, referred to as a piña, is used. A mature piña can weigh anywhere from 80 to 300 pounds. About 15 pounds of piña produce one liter of 100-percent agave tequila.

Once the piñas are harvested, they are steam-cooked and then slow-baked for anywhere between 50 and 72 hours. After baking, they are crushed, their juice extracted, and then milled, strained and mixed with natural spring water in large fermentation tanks, to which yeast is added. The mosto, as this mix is called, is left to ferment anywhere from seven to twelve days in special tanks. The longer the fermentation, the more robust the body. The liquid created by fermentation is then distilled twice in pot stills.

When the tequila leaves the still, it is clear as water. Often referred to as blanco (white), this young tequila has a rough taste, with a distinct agave flavor. Reposado (rested) tequila is aged 6 months to a year in oak casks, developing a golden color and a smoother flavor than the blanco. Añejo (aged) tequila is aged for more than a year in the casks to yield a smooth, woody aroma and dark brown color.

More than 55 percent (about 100 million liters) of tequila is produced in the western Mexican state of Jalisco within 35 kilometers of the town of Tequila. The spirit plays such an important role in the area's development that the local university even offers a course in tequila engineering. A strict regulatory body, the Tequila Regulatory Council, (Consejo Regulado de Tequila, CRT) also ensures that any spirit calling itself tequila is produced in Jalisco (just as champagne can only be produced in the region of the same name) and that it obtains at least 51 percent of its fermented sugars from the blue agave plant. All other liquor made from agave must be called mezcal.

The most popular brands of tequila outside Mexico are Cuervo and Sauza, yet there are lesser-known brands highly regarded by Mexicans as being of exceptional quality, some of which are now available in the U.S. and Canada. They include Don Julio, Patron, Herradura and Porfidio.

Skyrocketing international demand for tequila combined with plagues and frosts in recent years that have dramatically reduced the supply of the slow-growing agave plant have forced some distillers to close their doors, others to sacrifice quality by reducing the amount of agave, and all to raise their prices. In recent years, the price of tequila has risen up to 70 percent worldwide, putting the drink at a price-par with scotch and other premium spirits. To learn about tequila's history and production, tourists can take advantage of the tours offered by several leading distilleries. The beautiful hacienda housing the Herradura distillery, for example, boasts the original production facilities. Founded 132 years ago by Aurelio Rosales, Herradura means horseshoe in Spanish and the "lucky" label has stuck with the company throughout its history. Visitors to Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco State and Mexico's second-largest city, can also learn about Mexico's famous spirit by riding on the Tequila Express, a four-car train ferrying passengers northwest 55 miles to the town of Tequila and back the same day. For about US$40 round-trip, passengers learn from guides how tequila is made, and are served all the tequila drinks they desire. For more information on the tours, contact 011-52-33-3880-9099 or www.tequilaexpress.com.mx.

Tequila Drinks and Dishes
Although some Mexicans do consume tequila in one gulp or consume it in a margarita, it is more commonly sipped slowly either alone or alternatively with sangrita, a mix of tomato juice, orange juice, lime juice and chile pequin served in a shot glass alongside it. The recipes for Sangrita vary widely from bar to bar-some versions are sweeter, some spicier-but a basic recipe follows. Tequila also makes for a delightful coffee drink and is commonly used as a cooking ingredient, much like brandy or wine.

Sangrita
1 cup tomato juice
1 cup fresh orange juice
½ cup fresh lime juice
3 teaspoons grenadine
Chile powder to taste

Blend well together and serve with a shot of tequila.

Tequila Lime Shrimp
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons tequila
Juice of one lime
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Add shrimp and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Stir in tequila, lime juice and pepper flakes. Cook 2 minutes or until about half the liquid evaporates and shrimp are pink and glazed.

Tequila Steaks
4 8-oz. New York steaks, about 1 inch thick
1/2 cup tequila
1 tablespoon pepper
2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt

Mix tequila, pepper, lemon peel and garlic in a heavy plastic bag. Add steaks and rotate to distribute mixture evenly over steaks. Let sit in refrigerator over night. Preheat grill. Cook, brushing with remaining marinade until done. Turn once during cooking time, about 12 minutes. Season with additional salt if desired and serve.