The Book of Tequila

Although familiar as the most distinctive ingredient of the Margarita, tequila is also a rich source of legend, mystery, and misinformation. The history of tequila is interwoven with the history of Mexico, and may be a window into the soul of the nation. This is a guide to the spirit which in origin, manufacture and flavour is strikingly different from such liquors as whiskey, rum or vodka. Tequila is made, not from a fruit or a grain, but from a large plant (technically not a cactus), the blue agave. The guide assembles all the information needed to become an expert on tequila, with an explanation of the two basic kinds and the seven broad categories of the drink, a list of the 40 distilleries in production with notes on their histories and peculiarities, tasting notes, 20 recipes for drinks and dishes and the true story behind the Margarita. The history of tequila presented as part of the history of Mexico, explains the relationship between tequila and other Mexican drinks derived from the agave, such as mezcal (the one with the worm), and pulque.
A report on the harvesting of the agave reveals the various stages of the manufacture of tequila and information is provided on the regulations governing what may legally be called "tequila".