This strong, well-known Mexican liquor is made by fermenting and distilling the sweet sap of the blue agave plant, a member of the lily family. Clear to light golden brown in color, tequila's flavor ranges from fresh and fruity to earthy and rich depending on its age.
Tequila is best known for its mixer role in margarita cocktails, but finer varieties can be elegantly enjoyed as an after-dinner drink or used to prepare a variety of recipes from savory sauces and marinades to carne asada and ceviche.
Tequila is named for the central Mexican town of Tequila, Jalisco where the liquor originated and is still produced today. It's closely guarded by a Mexican Denomination of Origin law, and only distilled spirits made from blue agave plants in specifically designated areas may be classified as true tequila. The private, nonprofit Tequila Regulatory Council oversees every aspect of production, from agave cultivation to labeling and bottling.
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