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Tequila is a popular alcoholic drink made from the blue agave plant. It is primarily produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco, and is enjoyed in different parts of the world. However, many people wonder whether Tequila is the only spirit made from the blue agave plant. In this blog post, we will explore the uniqueness of Tequila’s main ingredient and discover other famous drinks made from the blue agave plant.
Firstly, let’s understand what the blue agave plant is. The blue agave plant is a type of succulent that is native to Mexico. It is grown in different parts of the country, primarily in the Jalisco region. The robust plant grows up to 6 feet in height and takes around 8-10 years to mature. The plant is characterized by its thick, fleshy leaves that are blue-gray in color and have sharp spines at their tips.
The blue agave plant is used to make Tequila, a drink that has become synonymous with Mexico. Tequila is made from the heart of the blue agave plant, which is known as the piña. The piña is harvested, roasted, crushed and fermented to make Tequila. The drink is then aged in oak barrels to give it its unique flavor.
However, Tequila is not the only drink that is made from the blue agave plant. Here are some other famous spirits made from the blue agave plant.
1. Mezcal
Mezcal is a drink that is similar to Tequila but is made from a different type of agave plant. It is primarily produced in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Mezcal is made from the piña of the maguey plant, which is a different type of agave plant. The piña is cooked in an underground pit oven, which gives the drink a smoky flavor. Mezcal can be aged or unaged, and is often served with a slice of orange and a sprinkling of salt.
2. Sotol
Sotol is a drink that is made from the Desert Spoon plant, which is a type of agave plant. It is primarily produced in the Mexican states of Chihuahua, Durango and Coahuila. Sotol is made from the piña of the Desert Spoon plant, which is cooked and fermented to make the drink. It has a taste that is similar to Tequila but has its unique flavor.
3. Raicilla
Raicilla is a drink that is made from a wild variety of agave plant that is found in the Jalisco region of Mexico. It is similar to Mezcal in that it is cooked in underground ovens, but it is distinguished by its earthy and grassy flavor. Raicilla is primarily produced in the small town of Mascota, and is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
4. Bacanora
Bacanora is a drink that is made from the Agave Pacifica plant, which is a type of agave plant that is found in the Sonora region of Mexico. Bacanora is cooked, fermented and distilled to make a drink that has a smooth and fruity flavor. It is similar to Tequila in that it can be aged or unaged, and is often served with a slice of lime.
5. Pulque
Pulque is a drink that is made from the sap of the maguey plant, which is a different type of agave plant. It is a milky, viscous liquid that has a slightly sour taste. Pulque is unaged and is primarily consumed in Mexico City, where it is often mixed with different fruit juices.
In conclusion, while Tequila is the most popular drink made from the blue agave plant, it is not the only one. Other drinks such as Mezcal, Sotol, Raicilla, Bacanora and Pulque are also made from different types of agave plants. These drinks have their unique flavors and are enjoyed in different parts of Mexico and the world. So, the next time you’re in Mexico, be sure to try these other agave-based spirits and discover their unique taste!
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