TEQUILA CONSUMPTION
IN BRAZIL:
Are we doing it right?
It's common to see people taking shots of tequila, swallowing them quickly and, of course, making a funny face afterward. Some people find the taste unpleasant and the burn in the drink, but it's a quick (and, let's face it, stylish) way to get drunk. This happens all over the world, popularized by American movies, and in Brazil, we continue to follow the same drinking habits.
In Mexico, there has been a great deal of work in recent decades to improve the quality and diversity of tequila, a drink seen as noble, worthy of being savored and appreciated. Come discover why we continue to consume the drink incorrectly and how to improve this unfair tequila habit.
X-RAY OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONSUMPTION IN BRAZIL
Beer is by far the most consumed alcoholic beverage in Brazil, followed by cachaça and wine. Spirits in general were not part of our consumption because they were more expensive, less well-known, and had a reputation for strong flavors. This perception gradually changed with the increase in Brazilians traveling abroad and the greater variety of imported beverages, which increased the visibility of this type of product, and the appreciation for quality spirits grew significantly in the country.
A recent report in the newspaper O Globo indicated that spirits consumption in Brazil grew by 62% in 2021. Cocktail culture has grown significantly, the report says, as has the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led people to seek out cocktails at home, using quality ingredients. Who hasn't transformed their home into a bar during the pandemic and ventured into classic cocktails worthy of famous bars? 
WHAT ABOUT TEQUILA?
In general, tequila consumption in our country is still done in the old-fashioned way, with the famous shot, salt, and lime. Many people also view the drink as a necessary evil to get drunk quickly—using the brilliant analogy of master tequila maker Enrique de Colsa, "people drink tequila as if it were a bad-tasting medicine." This is a Mexican tradition from about 50 years ago, because tequila was consumed for the so-called party mood (read: getting drunk!). The flavor wasn't necessarily good, as the product wasn't as refined as those made today. This is also where the use of lime and salt comes from, to soften the drink's unpleasant taste. Another interesting historical fact is that there was a popular legend in Mexico about tequila being a remedy for the infamous Spanish flu, a pandemic that terrorized the world in the early 20th century. With these factors, there you have it: drinking the drink became unfairly associated with something unpleasant.
HOW HISTORY HAS AFFECTED TEQUILA CULTURE
Mexico was ruled for 35 years by dictator Porfirio Diaz, until 1911. This period was marked by poverty and exclusion of the majority of the population, which awakened a revolutionary sentiment demanding better living conditions. It was in this context that the entire country mobilized in the early 20th century to create its own national identity, and a cultural boom ensued, with Mexican literature, cinema, and cuisine on the rise (interested in this topic? Learn more by reading our article on the History of Tequila ). Tequila was then exalted as the national drink by the Mexican government itself, incorporating elements of local ancestry and folklore, and was perfected, as was the culture of drinking it.
The belief that tequila is a "medicine," bad-tasting and intended solely for intoxication, has been dispelled. Mexico offers a wide variety of quality tequilas, made to be enjoyed. Mexican sommeliers like to say they "sell pleasure." Nothing is more fitting than consuming a well-made drink, savoring and enjoying every flavor and aroma it offers. Keeping the necessary differences in mind, tequila is like wine: there are different types, with the flavor varying according to the region produced. Some products have a sweeter flavor, typically from higher-lying regions, and others with a drier flavor, typically from valleys. There are barrel-aged drinks, others younger, each with a different pairing, and production processes that also produce distinct flavor profiles. Interested in all this diversity? Then check out our tips for enjoying your tequila like a true professional.
HOW TO ENJOY TEQUILA
LIKE A PROFESSIONAL
01.
You can skip the shot glasses: tequila should be served in medium-sized glasses, like white wine. Don't pour the drink all the way to the top; serve in small amounts. This will ensure it stays at a good temperature and oxygenated.
02.
In fact, oxygenation is a very important process when tasting a drink, as it enhances its aromas and flavors. Swirl the glass as if to stir the liquid, so that it comes into contact with the air.
03.
Prepare your palate: always take a small first sip, when the flavor usually hits your mouth more strongly. Then, take a deep breath, take another sip (this time to savor it), and exhale. This exhalation after swallowing the drink amplifies the flavor, making it more pleasant and smooth.
04.
If you read our article "Tequila in Mexico - History, Tourism, and How to Buy ," you already know there are five types of tequila. But did you know there are also some tips for pairing these types with different dishes? Blanca tequila, for example, pairs well with seafood, salads, and cold soups. Reposado tequila, with its more caramelized and woody flavor, pairs well with stronger flavors, such as creamy soups or tacos. Añejo tequila pairs well with spicy dishes, while extra-añejo tequila pairs well with dark chocolate and desserts in general. If you liked the pairing idea, why not check out
What dishes does Quetzalli go well with?
05.
Lime and salt can also be used if you like, but there's a more appropriate way to use them: sprinkle salt over the lime slices, put a slice in your mouth, squeeze the juice, and don't swallow. Then, put the tequila in your mouth and mix everything together like mouthwash. This way, you'll be able to appreciate the drink with a more conscious understanding of its flavors.
Now that you know a little more about how to properly consume a good drink, be sure to try Quetzalli. Our drink is made with real tequila imported from Mexico and is free of chemical additives, preservatives, and colorings. It's made to be savored and enjoyed, like any quality drink!
Flavia Godoy
Former tour guide passionate about travel, culture, exciting conversations and good drinks!
