Tequila in the UK is almost unrecognisable from the “holy elixir” of Mexico. Cheap imitations, full of artificial additives, mean that over here tequila is more frequently “shot” than savoured – with doses of salt and lemon to mask impurities.

“Real” tequila, made from the blue agave plant, originates from the state of Jalisco, Mexico. Both the plant and Tequila region are so revered that UNESCO declared the area a world heritage site. The agave plant is only mature enough for tequila production after 7-10 years and strict regulations govern the process. To earn the name, tequilas must contain at least 51% blue agave.


Mescal

Distilled from the fermented juice of the spiky-leaved agave plant, mescal is a close relation of Mexican staple tequila, and is mostly produced in
the states of Oaxaca and Guerrero. But where the production of tequila has industrialised to meet demand, mescal is still largely crafted by small producers using traditional methods.

Wahaca serves only double distilled, 100% blue agave tequila, the purest and most delicious, in three styles:

- Blanco (white, served cold, a great appetizer)

- Reposado (rested, served ambient, perfect with food)

- Añejo (aged, served ambient, enjoy like a malt whiskey).

We recommend sipping it with sangrita, a delicious, traditional orange, pomegranate & tomato based accompaniment.







Varieties to try include: joven (young), reposado (aged for two months to a year) and a–ejo (aged for more than one year). Although served in shot glasses (caballitos), mescal should be sipped and is often accompanied by sal de gusano (worm salt) and orange slices.

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