Take Home an Original

What's a visit to Mexico without a taste of what is probably its most famous libation? A true Mexican tradition, tequila's roots date back to the days of conquistadors, when the Spanish adopted the Aztec liquor mescal (which is itself an offshoot of an earlier drink, pulque). Over the years, a type of mescal evolved into its own beverage — tequila — and started being commercially produced in the 1600s. Tequila is, in fact, the first distinctly North American distilled spirit.

Long stereotyped as the drink of bandidos, guerrilleros and vigilantes (not to mention rambunctious frat boys and rowdy sorority girls), tequila is now experiencing a renaissance, being heralded as a drink of sophistication and class. This flavorful liquor produced from the blue agave plant boasts as many different flavors, grades and aromas as even the finest of whiskeys and cognacs. Depending on the grade, tequila can be aged anywhere from one month to 10 years. The longer the age, the darker the color and the smoother the taste, with those older grades having an "oaky" sensation due to their storage in oak casks.

Although tequila is produced mainly in the state of Jalisco, Los Cabos has a very strong and loyal tequila tradition, with many bars and shops offering wide selections. No trip to Baja is complete without a tasting of this legendary spirit. Just ask the Red Rocker himself, Sammy Hagar: He developed the brand Cabo Wabo Tequila in 1996 expressly to complement his world-famous cantina, Cabo Wabo. Since then, the brand has transformed into a celebrated, prize-winning label of this potent potable. Stop by the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas and give it a shot!

Another Cabo resident with a deep admiration of tequila is the owner and operator of Pancho's Restaurant and Tequila Bar, John Bragg. A native Californian, Bragg has collected tequilas from all over Mexico for more than 10 years. His bar now prides itself in hosting the largest selection of tequilas in the world — with more than 500 labels available. If you're a newcomer to the world of tequila and wish to graduate to "Señor" status, Pancho's is a must-visit for you. In addition to the unbelievable variety of tequilas, the bar holds informative tequila tastings conducted by Pancho's master tequileros (certified tequila experts). In these mini-seminars, you'll enjoy a lively discussion of the history and production of tequila, discard the myths you may have heard (there are no worms in tequila) and learn what makes a good tequila. And, as part of the course, you'll receive four generous caballitos (shots) of fine and exotic tequilas representing the different levels of aging, plus one jarrito (clay drinking jar) of mescal. When all is said and done, you'll be much more knowledgeable, much happier and you'll even get a Master of Tequilas diploma.

With your newfound connoisseurship of all things tequila, you should have no trouble picking a bottle or two (or more) to take home and bring a little bit of that Los Cabos Mexican charm back with you.

Click here to browse the shops in Cabo and other areas of Baja, Mexico.