Surely, many connoisseurs, amateurs, or even simple lay people at least once in their lives, but wonder why they drink tequila with salt and lemon (lime). Consider the history of the drink and how to use it under a magnifying glass.
Where does tradition come from?
The parent country of tequila is, of course, Mexico. This drink is often called a peculiar Mexican attraction, a curiosity. Unusual alcohol is made from the juice of a plant popular there - agave.
By its appearance, agave resembles a cactus, hence the numerous misconceptions that this plant belongs to the cactus family. However, in accordance with all biological laws, it belongs to the lily family. And its prickly appearance, like many other plants growing in Mexico, developed due to the sultry climate.
Actually, when talking about how to drink tequila with salt and lemon, first of all, it is worth remembering that this is a fermented plant juice. There are several versions regarding the origin of the word agave. There is an opinion that the plant was named after the tribe that once inhabited Mexico. Another version rests on the name of the cliff, on which huge agave fields grew.
Tequila is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Mexico, but in Russia and other countries of the world people also know firsthand why and how to drink tequila with lemon and salt. It is in Russia that it is customary to use lemon, although tradition speaks of the use of lime. Not all Russians favor a drink with an unusual taste and a strange smell. Nevertheless, it cannot be christened unpopular.
True connoisseurs of an alcoholic drink know that according to the European (note - not Mexican, since Mexico does not approve of this tradition, it is considered a sign of an uncouth gringo - English-speaking foreigners, that is, Americans and English), it is customary to drown out tequila with salt and lemon juice.
Why are tequila jammed with salt and lime?
The ritual of seizing tequila with a similar snack, of course, originated in Mexico. But its origin is rather foggy. Tradition is believed to have appeared in the 19th century, during the flu epidemic in Mexico. This combination of alcohol and products was prescribed by doctors as a medicine. It is difficult to say with absolute certainty that it was this fact that served as the origin of such a tradition.
So why should you drink tequila with salt and lime? According to another version, such an appetizer is needed to interrupt the peculiar taste and smell of an alcoholic drink. The theory, in fact, is the most appropriate reality. This is hard to deny.
How to drink tequila with salt and lemon (lime)?
Surprisingly, this ritual of drinking tequila does not cause much delight among the Mexicans themselves. But Europeans are simply obsessed with how to drink tequila with salt and lemon (or lime).
For them, this is a business that requires certain knowledge, skills and a special approach.
It is worth considering the ritual of use itself. Let us dwell on the most popular methods. Let's talk about how to drink tequila with salt and lemon in Europe and America. The reader will be able to try all these methods at home, of course, if you have a drink and an appropriate snack.
Ways to use
There are several main ways to consume such a drink:
- In one gulp. Between the thumb and forefinger there is a small hollow where you need to pour a pinch of ordinary salt. Then take a piece of lemon in your hand. Now you can lick the salt, knock over the glass and bite immediately with lemon.
- The Mexican Ruff. To get drunk "in the trash" just right: 35 ml of tequila and 350 ml of beer are mixed in one glass. Then everything is drunk in one gulp. In some countries, such a cocktail is even called “Mist”, as it instantly intoxicates.
- Margarita This is a cocktail that includes tequila. Differs in simplicity in preparation. In a large glass you need to pour 200 ml of tequila and 75 ml of orange liquor and lemon juice. Then mix everything and add ice.
- "Tequila boom". It’s just a “lighter” of night clubs and a favorite of youth. To make a cocktail, you need to mix tequila and sparkling water in equal proportions in one glass, and then cover the dishes with a cup holder and gently hit the bottom of the table. Thanks to these manipulations, we get foamed liquid. It must be drunk in one gulp.
You will be able to truly enjoy drinking an alcoholic beverage by following the above tips and tricks. Just do not forget that tequila is a potent alcoholic drink, so do not use it in excessive quantities.
Some facts about tequila
The mysterious and incendiary drink has received many different names. These include cactus moonshine, Mexican vodka and others. But tequila was and will be the official name for the fermented agave juice. To learn how to drink tequila with salt and lemon, it is not necessary to go to sultry Mexico. It is enough just to delve into the various ways of drinking cactus moonshine.
In total there are five varieties of tequila. This includes silver, gold, rested, seasoned and seasoned high grade. Each species is used in different ways.
How to drink and what will be needed?
For the correct use of tequila you will need the following: tequila, cinnamon, orange, lime, a high stack with a large bottom, salt, sugar.
The first way - tasting the silver variety is as follows: a little tequila is poured into a special pile at room temperature, then lemon or lime is cut into four parts, then a little salt is poured into the dimple between the thumb and forefinger, it is licked and finally the capsule is tipped over in one fell swoop, biting all the lemon.
The second method is traditionally used to consume the golden variety of tequila: pour tequila into a stack, cut the orange into half rings, then add a pinch of cinnamon powder and mix everything thoroughly. The pile is drunk in one gulp and is bitten with an orange, which should first be rolled in a mixture of sugar and cinnamon.
Aged varieties of Mexican moonshine are recommended to be consumed only in their pure form so that you can enjoy the excellent aroma.
Lime cup
The third method is the most interesting, since in this case lime plays the role of both a glass and a snack. To do this, gently cut the lime in half and slowly remove the pulp, then slightly flatten its bottom. So we got two original cups. Next, salt the edges of the edible dishes and pour chilled tequila into it. In one gulp we drink and bite a homemade glass.
Usually people do not limit themselves to one “glass”, so the prospect of overeating with salt does not seem so promising. If you do not want to get alcohol poisoning, take care of a normal snack.
Snacks
Meat may be an ideal option. This is fried lamb, and juicy pork, and meatballs. Among the unusual dishes that can be served with tequila are burrito, tacos, shawarma. Seafood is also great: salted salmon, mussels, fried pollock.
In general, tequila is also advised to drink. Sangrita, a vigorous mixture of pepper, orange and tomato juices, is best suited for this.
Sometimes Mexicans at home like to mix with other alcoholic drinks, for example, scotch tape or cognac. True, even an experienced alcoholic "stoic" can not resist such a "tornado."
Tequila is a universal drink, which, however, can be consumed in different variations without any strict attachment to a specific snack. Only salt and only lemon. This is an unchanging masterpiece.