It's common to have doubts about where tequila comes from and how it came about, because the drink is still full of myths and mysteries.

Anyone who sees tequila ready on the shelf or in a drink can't even imagine the work, cultivation, and regulations that go into its production. Centuries of history have gone into shaping the product into what it is today!

The distilled spirit undergoes a rigorous production process and uses a raw material little known in Brazil: blue agave. This plant undergoes several processes until it produces the drink we love so much.

If you want to learn more about these processes and also clear up any doubts you may have about the origins of tequila, follow us!

What is the origin of tequila?

For those wondering where tequila comes from, this story is incredibly interesting and involves different Mexican civilizations and historical periods, legends, and mysticism.

Legend has it that tequila was born from the fire atop the "Tequila Volcano," which is exactly what it sounds like: a volcano in the city of Tequila, the name that gave rise to the famous drink . This city is in the Mexican state of Jalisco, the native region of the blue agave plant and where tequila comes from.

According to legend, the blue agave tree was struck by lightning and exploded. This led to the local Nahuatl tribe tasting the plant's sweet nectar and their first taste of what would become tequila.

There are also different versions of the legend of the agave plant's origin. One claims that the agave grew where the bones of Mayahuel , the goddess of fertility in Aztec mythology , were buried . Therefore, the plant's sweet sap is believed to be the goddess's blood.

This is actually our favorite version and you can check it out in detail in our very complete post about the history of tequila .

For those who prefer to answer the question "where does tequila come from" with historical facts, we have a real treat for you: the drink is derived from a very old production, from before the colonization of the Americas.

The local natives used the plant to be fermented, resulting in sugar and an alcoholic drink known as Pulque, the distant precursor of tequila.

Later, after the Spanish conquest of Mexico in 1519, distillation was introduced to the drink. At this time, the Spanish began making mezcal wine from local agave as an alternative to classic European wine.

Mezcal wine definitely plays a very important role in understanding where tequila comes from, as it is considered its direct precursor, or its grandfather!

This new distilled spirit gradually won over locals, becoming more popular than pulque. By the 18th century, there were already records of a few families producing its traditional recipes, and the drink as we know it today began to take shape.

But it wasn't until 1902 that tequila acquired its official definition, when a change in Mexican laws forced producers to use only blue agave as the raw material for tequila. From then on, the drink became standardized and has been continually refined.

What is the raw material of tequila?

For those wondering where tequila comes from, here's the answer: it comes from a plant called Agave tequilana weber , or blue agave, as it's more commonly known. But don't think you can make tequila in your own garden, okay? The plant only grows in arid climates or volcanic soil, and it takes many years to fully mature.

Is there blue agave in Brazil?

In general, agave plants are cultivated in Brazil for a variety of purposes, from hedgerow formation to export.

Despite this, blue agave prefers high-altitude regions, such as the highlands of its native Jalisco, Mexico. Humidity and cold also severely hinder the plant's growth.

That's why we don't usually find it in Brazil.

How is tequila produced?

Want to learn more about where tequila comes from, from the plant's harvest to the moment it hits the shelves ? Check out this step-by-step guide:

1. Agave cultivation and harvesting

You already know that tequila is made from the blue agave. It's harvested by professionals called jimadores , who cut and remove the agave's leaves and roots. What's left of the plant is the piña , its stem that resembles a huge pineapple.

2. Hydrolysis

The phase in which the plant's carbohydrates are broken down (or hydrolyzed) into a simpler, more fermentable type of sugar. The process can be performed thermally or enzymatically.

3. Extraction

Time to extract the sugar, when the agave piña is crushed and rinsed to separate the sugar from the fibers.

4. Fermentation

The sweet liquid extracted from the agave is called aguamiel, which is diluted and pumped into vats or tanks. There, yeast begins to ferment the sugar and transform it into the alcohol in the drink.

5. Distillation

This process separates ethyl alcohol from water, solids, and other unwanted elements. Tequila can be distilled in stills (like cachaça) or in modern distillation columns.

6. Aging

To make aged tequilas, you need oak barrels. These barrels impart notes like vanilla and caramel to the final flavor. The longer the tequila is aged, the more flavor and color it acquires!

To read the entire process in detail, visit our article on the tequila production process .

Types of tequilas

Silver (Plata) or White
This version is usually bottled immediately after distillation, without undergoing an aging process. However, it can remain in contact with oak barrels for up to two months.

Gold (Oro) or Young
In this category, silver drinks can have caramel flavoring and coloring added. When made with 100% agave, they're a blend of silver and another drink that has already acquired a woody color.

Reposed
It rests in oak barrels for a period between 61 days and 12 months.

Añejo
Drink aged for at least 1 year, usually made from 100% agave.

Extra Añejo
Aged for at least 3 years in oak barrels.

Crystalline

A category where the beverage, after aging, is filtered to remove color, resulting in a crystal clear appearance, but maintaining the flavor of aging.

Now that you know where tequila comes from, take the opportunity to try our tequila, passion fruit, lime and agave syrup drink !

Why is tequila expensive?

Tequila can be expensive for a variety of reasons, from the production process to market demand. Here are some key reasons:

1. Raw material : Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which takes between 7 and 10 years to reach maturity and be harvested. The limited production and long growth cycle of the agave directly influence the cost of the drink, as demand can exceed supply during periods of peak demand.

2. Production process : Producing high-quality tequila, especially 100% agave, requires manual and artisanal techniques, such as cutting and cooking the piñas (agave hearts). Smaller distilleries, which focus on more traditional processes, generally produce more expensive tequila.

3. Aging : The most aged tequilas, such as Añejo and Extra Añejo, require long periods in oak barrels, which increases costs. The longer storage time and the use of quality wooden barrels increase the value of the final product.

4. Quality and purity : Higher-quality tequilas are made from 100% agave, which makes production more expensive compared to tequilas made from other sugar sources. Purity and the absence of additives or blends increase the price.

5. Taxes and Regulation : Tequila is a regulated beverage, especially in Mexico, where there are strict regulations governing its production. Furthermore, taxes on alcoholic beverages in many countries increase the price to the end consumer.

6. Brand and marketing : Premium brands invest heavily in marketing, packaging, and market positioning, which also increases costs. Certain labels are marketed as luxury products, which can justify higher prices.

7. Supply and demand : The growing popularity of tequila in international markets, especially in the United States and Europe, has increased demand, which puts pressure on prices, especially for exclusive brands and bottles.

These factors combined contribute to some tequilas being more expensive, especially high-quality ones and special editions.

Conclusion

As you've seen, behind this wonderful Mexican drink there's a lot of history and a lot of work to get it to your glass.

Blue agave, the raw material for tequila, must be cultivated, harvested, and undergo a rigorous production process. This entire process was established after centuries of cultivation and consumption by the primitive peoples of Mexico, until production was perfected. That's why the drink is in the country's culture and blood.

For those who wondered where tequila comes from, all this knowledge helps when enjoying a good drink.

After all, few products in the world have this blend of history and mythology, which gives a special touch to our favorite distillate!

Flavia Godoy

Former tour guide passionate about travel, culture, exciting conversations and good drinks!