Cinco de Mayo is annually celebrated every May 5th to honour the Mexican army victory over the French empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 05th, 1862. However, Cinco de Mayo’s significance reaches beyond Mexico and is celebrated widely throughout North America. These celebrations first began in California in 1863 and pay homage to the coming together of Mexican-American culture.
The classic drink of choice to commemorate the occasion? Tequila, of course!
Agave-based drinks go back over 1000 years with the drinking of pulque, the fermented sap of the maguey agave plant. This milky white liquid was originally used as a ritualistic drink consumed by priests and sacrificial victims. Today it is making somewhat of a comeback (though with no ritualistic sacrifice needed).
Pulque transformed into Tequila and Mezcal when the Spanish brought over distillation techniques in the 16th century. Today, there are more than 100 distilleries in Mexico that proudly create over 900 brands of Tequila - much to the delight of margarita-lovers and spirit-sippers!
Preparing for Tuesday’s upcoming celebrations? Here are some fun facts to assist you:
Fun Facts about Tequila:
Produced using a minimum of 51% blue agave - no other agave species may be used
Agave is not related to cactus in any way, it is from the succulent family of plants
Tequila may only be produced in 5 designated regions; Jalisco being the largest region and home to the town of Tequila
Tequila is a Mezcal but not all Mezcals are Tequila
Fun Facts about Mezcal:
Mezcal can use other agave species
Most Mezcal is produced in Oaxaca
Mezcal is more of a small batch and hands-on artisanal spirit; the agave piñas are roasted in fire pits giving Mezcal a smoky character
Many Mezcals are unaged
The worm is just a marketing gimmick (it’s actually moth larva!)
Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favourites at JAK’S to help get you into that fiesta spirit. Salud!
Cazadores Mr. Cartoon Blanco Tequila – $31.98 (on special for May!)
This hand-crafted bottle from the artist, Mr. Cartoon is designed to give a symbolic nod to the Mexican culture. Produced from 100% agave, this Tequila is bottled directly after distillation to preserve the pure character of the agave showing an essence of apple and citrus combined with a slight herbal nuance and a touch of pepper. The palate is smooth showing a trace of sweet spice followed by a fresh yet warming finish.
Mezcal Union Uno - $89.99
Founded in 2011 by a group of four friends in the entertainment industry. Their key pursuit is to honour the artisanal production of Mezcal while creating a union of producers that ensure quality with respecting sustainability. This Mezcal has a distinctive sweet and smooth finish with hints of char and earth mingled with a touch of citrus.
Siempre Anejo Tequila - $108.99
This small boutique award winning producer takes no short-cuts when it comes to quality. They slow bake the agave piñas in brick ovens to caramelize the sugars, then double-distill in pot stills before resting the Tequila in ex-Bourbon barrels for 2 years. The result is an ultrasmooth complex spirit showing rich flavours of sweet oak spice, cocoa, caramel and peppery notes. Best served neat for ultimate sipping enjoyment.