Tequila's Transformation

By Janine S. Pouliot

Previously associated with partying too hard, tequila has come of age — and turned into a sophisticated libation fit for refined palates.

Not so long ago, tequila had a reputation. It was a symbol of frat-boy, lamp-shade-on-your-head drunkenness. Taking a swig from a bottle of rotgut wrapped in a brown paper bag was about the only thing tequila was good for... that, and a major hangover the next day.

Fast-forward a few decades, and suddenly tequila finds itself in the limelight of chic connoisseurs around the world. Today tequila is the symbol of something entirely different. It represents the good life, much akin to a fine wine or cognac. No longer is tequila considered a cheap way to simply get smashed. It's regarded as the sipping drink of choice among the most well-heeled and sophisticated travelers. And the price of a superior tequila does much to enhance this image. A single shot can cost $60!

So what happened to catapult this once wretched liquor into the stratosphere of luxury and style? A lot has to do with the change in American travel habits. As Mexico became an increasingly popular vacation destination, more and more Americans became exposed to the treasures of this exotic locale.

Soon visitors began to recognize the complexity of tequila. It ceased being rotgut, and transformed into an intricately distilled, refined, carefully controlled spirit proudly produced in Mexico. Tequila isn't only an intoxicant, writes Alberto Ruy-Sánchez Lacy, Ph.D., in his book Guía del Tequila (Guide to Tequila). It's a distillation of Mexican history, pain and pride. Sipping a fine tequila is tasting the essence of Mexican culture.

There are three types of tequila. Blanco or white, which is clear as water, is often preferred by knowledgeable drinkers because of its pure flavor. Reposado or rested tequila is aged in oak barrels for at least two months, tends to have a somewhat woody color and is slightly smoother. It's often recommended for first time tequila drinkers. Finally, there's añejo or aged tequila, which sits for at least a year in the barrel. The longer the aging process, the fuller the flavor, just like with fine wine.

To guarantee the authenticity of genuine 100 percent blue agave tequila, the Consejo Regulador del Tequila, A. C. (the Mexican Tequila Regulatory Council) was established in 1993. Its role is to assure compliance with stringent standards that safeguard the official designation or appellation of origin indicated on the bottle's label. This is evidence of just how far tequila has come from its early days of the cheap drunk.

Today tequila is not only a high-end drink; it's a way of life. It conforms perfectly with the ultradeluxe lifestyle visitors experience in Los Cabos. Upscale bars offer hundreds of varieties. A fun way to get acquainted with the ins and outs of tequila is to attend a Tequila Tasting sponsored by the Cabo Wine Club. Held at assorted venues, these events showcase some of the best of the best, while a speaker provides a brief background and is on hand to answer questions.

Come and experience Mexico's fiery liquid emblem — so representative of exclusivity and indulgence in Los Cabos.

Click here for a quick list of bars and restaurants in Los Cabos to help you plan where to eat, dine, party and drink.