No drink makes guests' eyes light up with devilish glee like tequila. Join us for a long, tastebud-tingling journey through the wide world of tequilas and mezcals available today, and delve into the fascinating history and the time-honored processes that transform the humble agave plant into the fiery liquid we love. We'll also introduce you to a treasure trove of tequila-based cocktails—from new twists on classic margaritas and palomas to all-new concoctions made possible by today's craft cocktail culture. This issue will build your repertoire, quench your thirst for knowledge and inspire you to host your own tequila tasting party. ¡Arriba!
The Taste of Danger • Exploring the nuanced, deliciously complex world of Mexico’s top spirit
Tequila’s Storied History • The complex and winding saga that brought us this modern-day indulgence
The Birth of a Bad, Bad Idea • The magic potion enjoyed by ancient civilizations and used in ritual sacrifices
Tequila Gets Civilized • An iconic spirit’s journey from prohibition-era smuggling to modern-day mixology
From Agave to Shot Glass • How a humble succulent becomes a bold, barrel-aged beauty
Tequila vs. Mezcal • Similarities and differences, myths and misconceptions clarified
The Tequila Tapestry • There’s a bevy of beverage options to tempt your palate. Here’s a guide.
Puro vs. Mixto • Let’s start with purity: Is your tequila pure blue agave or a blend of sugars?
Mezcal Mania • All tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Here’s your guide.
Regional Flavors • Mapping the diverse terroirs of Mexico’s five legal tequila-producing regions
Organic Offerings • How greener spirits are redefining tequila consumption for a new generation
Celebrity Sippers • Reposados on the red carpets: Hollywood discovers the tequila scene
Aged to Perfection • The intricate art and science of barrel aging—how time and wood type yield flavor
A Timeline of Color
The Top Shelf Lowdown • Exploring the luxurious world of high-end, premium sipping tequilas
Small-Batch Productions • The rise of artisanal tequilas in a mass-produced world
The Art of Tequila Collecting • How scarcity and bottle design can turn that shelf into a showcase
Crafting Tequila Concoctions • Everything you need to shake, stir, sip, and savor like a pro
Cocktail Classics • Fan favorites made easy: margaritas, palomas, and the beloved tequila sunrise
Modern Mixology • Siestas, Bloody Marias, and Colletti Royales will elevate your cocktail game for serious sipping.
Mexican Inspirations • A smoky Oaxaca Old-Fashioned, a traditional Cantarito, and a lively Mexican Mule
How To Shoot a Shot • Expert tips for optimizing the lick-slam-bite tequila shot experience
Living the Loco Lifestyle • From tourism to pop culture appearances to curious health implications
Tequila Tourism • Mapping out the must-visit hotspots in Mexico and beyond
Great Moments in Mezcal • Iconic moments when this iconic drink was the star in music, film, and television
Tequila’s Social Impact • How this productive plant supports jobs, heritage, and economic growth
Tequila and Your Health • The spirit’s effects on weight, digestive health, wellness, and more
A Parting Shot • Tequila is all about living in the moment—and looking forward to the future
Credits
Tequila Lover’s Guide
Dangerously Satisfying • The secret life of the world’s most dastardly drink