Tequila Drinks Page Tequila Drinks Page Tequila Probably Mexico's most famous export, tequila is produced in only two designated regions in the country, one near the town of Tequila, the other near Tepatitlan. Tequila is distilled from the sap of the mature blue agave plant also called the century plant. There are other varieties of agave, from which mezcal is produced, but by Mexican law, only blue agave can be used for tequila.
White tequila is ready for export immediately after distillation, requiring no aging.
Gold tequila is usually aged in white oak casks for 2 to 4 years, although Mexican regulations do not stipulate a minimum aging period. Tequila anejo, however, must be aged at least 1 year. Tequila's popularity has exploded in the last few years and the Margarita is, without question, the most popular way tequila is consumed. Fueled by Americans' ever-growing taste for Mexican and southwestern cuisine, the Margarita is the specialty drink most often ordered in bars and restaurants across the country. Plain, salted, or sugared, straight up, on the rocks, or frozen, Margaritas are now made in a mind-boggling array of flavors and colors.