Things to know before buying tequila: Drinking culture and drinking rituals
Tequila is not only a party classic, but is also enjoyed in different, often traditional ways around the world. When buying tequila, you can find the right variety for every drinking ritual:
- With salt and lemon - The classic: moisten the back of your hand, sprinkle with salt, lick, tequila as a shot and then bite into a slice of lemon. This ritual softens the spicy notes and brings out the flavors.
- Mexico: The “Bandera ” - A trio of lime juice (green), tequila (white) and sangrita (red), symbolizing the Mexican flag. You drink in this order and experience a mixture of acidity, spice and agave aroma.
- With coffee beans - Particularly popular in Sweden, tequila is served with one or two coffee beans, which are lightly chewed. The bitterness of the beans complements the aroma and enhances the taste.
- With tomato juice or sangrita - A popular variation in Mexico is tequila with sangrita, a spicy, hot tomato juice. The sangrita adds an aromatic spiciness and enhances the taste experience.
Whether you want to enjoy tequila neat, as a shot or after one of these international rituals, when buying tequila you can find the right variety for every occasion and taste.
The cultural significance of tequila
Tequila is much more than a drink - it is a symbol of Mexican identity and pride. As an important part of traditional festivals and rituals, tequila accompanies celebrations such as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and other family celebrations, where it is enjoyed as a sign of community and togetherness.
Tequila is also deeply rooted in Mexican myths: the legend of Mayahuel, the Aztec goddess of fertility, says that she transformed herself into the first agave plant to give people the agave drink. According to another legend, lightning struck an agave plant and, through divine intervention, produced the first fermented agave drink. These stories and the spiritual connection to the agave fields - which are said to be guarded by the chaneques, small forest spirits - give tequila a symbolic depth and make it a living expression of Mexican cultural heritage.