— With exclusive insights from the F&B Team at Four Seasons Mexico City

Tequila, deeply ingrained in the Mexican culture, is more than just a distilled beverage; it is a symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and a celebration in itself. Originating from the blue agave plant, tequila boasts a rich history that intertwines with the heritage of the Mexican people. From the ancient techniques of indigenous civilizations to the meticulous distillation processes refined over centuries, this fine spirit encapsulates the essence of a nation's pride and passion.

We chat with the F&B team at the Four Seasons Mexico City to guide you through the intricate details, from understanding the diverse types of tequila to mastering the art of tasting it in a way that elevates your experience. Curious about the brands that Mexicans swear by? We've got the inside scoop on the favourites, ensuring that your palate is treated to the very best.

On Tequila's Boom in the Premium Spirits Market

FS Mexico: The enormous variety of Mexican spirits has increased its distribution thanks to the growth of the country and the increase in cultural tourism. In this generation, knowledge and experiences are valued more than just obtaining high-value objects that communicate status. The Mexican has learned that what is made locally and in an artisanal way has greater value than industrialized products, this causes him to return to his roots and proudly want to share them with the rest of the world in the immediacy of a click. 

On Unique and Lesser-Known Tequila Brands Worth Tasting

FS Mexico: We are surrounded by big brands that just by saying their name, regardless of where they are in the world, anyone could recognize that it is a tequila, for example.  “Don Julio”, “Patrón”, “Maestro Tequilero”, “Classa Azul”. But these are not the only jewels in the crown, we have “El Ocho” belonging to the “La Alteña”  distillery, they are 100% artisanal, fermented in wooden jars and double distilled in steel stills and small copper stills. Taking care of every detail, listing bottles, listing the ranch they belong to and harvest date as if it were a good wine. We also have “Fortaleza” with agaves harvested on the slopes of the tequila volcano with a family heirloom production grinding in a Tahona, distillation in a copper still and water from a nearby spring. This causes it to have more mineral notes than we are used to in commercial tequilas. 

One last brand that we could mention and that is no less important would be “Siete  Leguas” named in honour of “Pancho Villa”’s horse. In this case, we try to extract as much juice as possible from the pineapples despite their small batches. Having a  double grinding by a bakery and a mechanical mill, in this way, we obtain more sugars and the result is a silkier tequila with sweeter notes with a citrus finish. 

On Suggestions for Travelers Eager to Explore Tequila Culture in Mexico

FS Mexico: In the well-known Garibaldi area we will not only find the best mariachis in  Mexico City, but we also have the tequila and mezcal museum, this could help satisfy your curiosity and if we want a more private and personalized option we have tequila tastings and mezcal at the Four Seasons hotel always accompanied by delicious dishes offered by our chefs that help enhance the notes of our exceptional quality products. 

On What Sets Mexican Tequila Apart

FS Mexico: Tequila will always be the guest of honour at all Mexican celebrations, there is blood and tequila inside us, it is a distillate full of culture, history and festivities. In all countries to celebrate, a shot of tequila is ordered and that is the image that we hope to have for posterity, it is a piece of our charm and joy of Mexico for the world.

On the best way to drink Tequila 

FS Mexico: There are different ways to drink tequila, as we know in some long drinks or sophisticated cocktails, however, in Mexico, there are two very traditional and most common ways to drink tequila. The first is alone, serving it in a small tequila glass and enjoying each sip, allowing you to feel the smell and flavour in your mouth. The other way is with salt and lemon, this is the most common in Mexico, the tequila is served in a frosted shot with salt and a lemon, you take a sip and immediately afterwards squeeze a few drops of the lemon directly into your mouth.

⁠On must-have tequila experience at Four Seasons Mexico

FS Mexico: The best idea to enjoy tequila traditionally is in a cantina, it could be compared a little with the tradition of Spanish tapas since for each drink a snack is offered. A very classic one visited by compatriots is “El Gallo de Oro” located in the historic centre. If we also want to listen to mariachi, the best option is “Salón  Tenampa” it has a unique charm and any inhabitant of this city has visited this historic place at least once.

On Recommended Events, Tastings, and Unique Pairings

FS Mexico: We have some fairs such as “Agave Fest” which is celebrated in September for  3 days, Agave Festival, fiesta and are where tequila, mezcal and the drink of the gods “pulque” are exalted in the month of July two days in the roman colony. In short, tequila is one of our letters of introduction to the world and it is something that we are proud of for sharing something of excellent quality.

On the Finest Tequila Spots in Mexico City for Drinks

FS Mexico: Our iconic bar, Fifty Mils, world-renowned for its mixology and creations, offers sophisticated, sexy and delicious drinks. Our version of the daisy will be your favourite. We also offer different tequilas of the highest quality for the most demanding palates.

Are you ready to dive head-first into a world of the finest, choicest tequilas? Take a trip to Mexico with us to get the most authentic experience. Contact us to know more.