Tequila - A Connoisseur's Drink

Once a drink to be had as shots, tequila has since transformed into a connoisseur's drink

- Priyanko Sarkar

Whisky or gin?" was the first question that bartenders would ask me when I frequented food and beverage outlets in Mumbai. Off late, they have started serving either a Paloma in a highball glass or a classic Tequila Sunrise. One can even order from a dedicated tequila menu at fine-dine establishments. I have observed recently that consumers are now enjoying tequila and mezcal, after a long spell of loyalty to vodka and gin which were their favoured drinks for a long time.

Experts in the industry have confirmed that tequila and mezcal are now being appreciated in all kinds of ways on the rocks, with a splash of water or in innovative cocktails. Tequila in the past was treated with negative connotations but has come full circle in India. Today, we have the pleasure of indulging in some extraordinary quality agave spirits in our country.

WHAT BROUGHT ABOUT THE CHANGE

A host of factors from celebrity endorsements in the West to purported health benefits and the overall premiumisation of the liquor industry have all played a major role in making tequila and now mezcal, as the spirit of choice for most alcohol drinkers.

A IS FOR AGAVE

Both tequila and mezcal are made from agave plants. Spirits made using Mexico's agave plants are the only ones that can be called tequila and mezcal, thanks to their GI status. Agave is grown in other countries too and even in India along the Deccan plateau with a different plant called Agave Americana and alcohol made from these are called agave spirits.