By Jalisco Culture
Jalisco Ministry of Tourism
Mural of the Mayahuel Goddess in Tequila (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
Legend has it that a young goddess named Mayahuel, fell in love with Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, and to live their romance without fear of her family, both took the form of the magical Maguey or Agave plant.
Jimador surrounded by agaves (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
The Mayahuel plant was destroyed and Quetzalcoatl, upon recovering his form, watered it every day with his weeping. As time passed, the magical plant resurfaced, and Mayahuel remained forever in the sacred agave.
Agave Jima (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
The agave is a gift that for many years has allowed us to enjoy Mexican spirits such as tequila, raicilla, and mezcal.
Row of agaves (2021-05-25) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
Certainly, the agave, especially the tequilana Weber blue, has given us one of the greatest exports and one of the most emblematic symbols of Mexican culture, tequila.
Tequila bottle mouth (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
In 1974, this beverage became the first Mexican product to obtain the Denomination of Origin to safeguard its title, origin, and prestige.
Agave landscape (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
According to the amount and type of sugars, tequila is divided into two categories: 100% agave tequila and tequila. Both are subdivided into five classes: Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra añejo.
Raicilla cocktail with pomegranate (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
In addition to tequila, there is another distilled spirit with Denomination of Origin, proudly from Jalisco, gaining more and more relevance. Raicilla is considered the cousin of tequila and the most fragrant and floral Mexican spirit.
View of agave from above (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
It can be made from Agave maximiliana, Agave rhodacantha, Agave mnaequidens, Agave Angustifolia, and Agave Valenciana. Its origin is unique since its elaboration is handmade and dates back to the 17th century. Since then, the process has been the same.
Cooking of the agave heart in a traditional oven (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
The process takes about 30 days. It begins with the jima when the unusable part of the agave spiky leaves is cut; it continues with the cooking, when the agave pineapple is heated for 10 hours. The cooking process takes about 72 hours.
Heart of the agave (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
We continue with the molienda stage; the agave heads are placed in wooden canoes to be crushed. The process continues with fermentation and ends with distillation. Raicilla is currently produced in 16 municipalities in Jalisco, including the Magical Towns of Mascota and San Sebastián del Oeste.
Tejuino on a colorful handmade placemat (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
This tour continues with the traditional tejuino, known as the "delicacy of the gods". It is one of the most popular refreshing drinks in Jalisco and Western Mexico; it is made from the fermentation of corn, piloncillo, lemon, salt, and ice.
Serving a tejuino from the barrel (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
This beverage is a reference in our culture since it has existed for thousands of years. In addition, tejuino has beneficial properties for health, such as the high load of lactobacilli that contribute to the balance of the digestive system.
Tejuino with lemon on blue background (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
Although its origin is uncertain, it is known that several pre-Hispanic cultures consumed similar beverages made from corn, a key ingredient in Mexican cuisine.
Raicilla, Mexico´s most fragant distillate (2021-05-21) by Jalisco Ministry of TourismJalisco Culture
The mysticism impregnated in each of these traditional drinks will captivate you and take you through a unique experience.