My collegue asked for my help to make a  presentation titled History of Tequilla as food, which was to be presented during the annual residents meet organised by his residential association. My collegue admitted that, although he has enjoyed his tequilla shots many times, but he was  largely ignorant about the meritorious history of Tequila as food. Like my  colleague there are many others who have gulped down their shots by removing salt shakers and sliced limes, with little realization that there is hardly any other beverage, which has so many meritorious stories to tell. From being a drink for the bandidos and rancheros, tequila has traveled a long way before establishing itself as popular fixture on party scene. This blog invites all the tequila lovers to discover the estimable tales of the drink. 

•  The Aztecs fermented a sort of alcoholic beverage called pulque, from the sap of a plant called agave or maguey. The Spanish conquerors further distilled the pulque into a popular drink called mezcal (mescal). Mezcal is easier to preserve and is twice more potent than the pulque.
• Mezcal wine- the godparent of Tequila was produced around 1521 by the Spaniards. Then, it was known by various names such as agave wine, mezcal brandy, mezcal tequila or tequila- in reference to the small town of Tequila in Jalisco state of Mexico (where the agave plants grew in abundance).
• In 1873, Tequila was imported to US by Don Cenobia Sauza. Later, tequila acquired the status of North America’s first distilled drink and also became its first commercially produced alcohol. It is reported that 1.2 million gallons of the drink was consumed during the Second World War. But, post war the number quickly reduced to 2,500 gallons. Tequila shot back to popularity during 1970’s when three friends, Phil Harris, Bing Crosby and their importer friend started using Herradura and introduced it to the elite class of South California. In the ensuing years, Herradura was the only form of pure tequila available in the United States. But, in the last few years, the demand for blue agave tequilas has multiplied, as growers, producers and drinkers have responded positively towards premium spirits. Herradura is known as the first drink in the league of first aged tequilas. Herradura's famous versions reposado and anejo, were released in 1962, and 1965. Even till date, many tequila drinkers are unaware of the different brands of Herradura such as blanco, reposado and anejo. Most of the diehard tequila fans are only aware of two types of tequila - gold and silver. 
• During the last two decades, as the alcohol craze took over America, several small time and big time entrepreneurs milked huge fortunes out of it. The famous haircare products manufacturer Paul Mitchell coordinated with the growers during the 90s to develop a lead brand called Patron. It is recommended to follow the success story of Patron to master the techniques of smart marketing.

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