A Celebration of the Rich Heritage of Tequila

Earlier this year, the Marquis Los Cabos debuted a $1,000 tequila popsicle made from the ultra-exclusive “Tequilas Premium Clase Azul Ultra” and flecked with 24-carat gold. While the jaw-dropping price tag may make you pause before ordering the treat by the pool, Marquis’ special “Distinctive T” designation from the Tequila Regulatory Council of Mexico (the first resort in Baja California to have received the designation) means the resort is exceptionally equipped to help you discover the nuances of this celebrated spirit.

From Blue Agave to Shot Glass

A rich and fascinating history surrounds tequila’s pedigree. Produced from the blue agave plant (also known as maguey) in the Mexican state of Jalisco, tequila has its roots in an ancient fermented Aztec beverage known as “pulque.”

In the 16^th century, the colonizing Spanish began to experiment with distillation of the sugary heart of the plant into something a bit stronger. Tequila production began to reach large-scale volume in the 17^th century, with the renowned “mescal wine” spreading in popularity due to the limited availability of alcohol imports in colonial New Spain. Today, tequila is one of the world’s most popular spirits, whether it’s delivered via a classic margarita or thrown back with lime and salt.

Tequilas can be divided into several categories. The clear, young blanco (“white”) tequila is bottled soon after the distillation process. Reposado is slightly aged, with a beautiful gold hue and mellow flavor. Añejo is best sipped straight up, its complex flavor the result of up to three years of aging in oak barrels. Anything labeled “oro” is a blend (or “mixto”) of reposado and blanco tequilas.

Sampling Mexico’s Favorite Spirit at the Marquis

The captivating culture of tequila is celebrated at the Marquis Los Cabos . The resort’s elite designation requires a thorough educational program for resort restaurants and staff, and the stocking of 65 different varities of authentic, certified tequilas in the resort’s restaurants and lounge. Ella Messerli, the hotel’s General Manager, explains that the Marquis staff “enjoy educating visitors about different types of tequilas and offering unique tequila tastings. We also create new and exciting cocktails to best highlight the unique individual qualities of our exceptional tequilas.”

If you can’t spring for the $1,000 popsicle, you can still experience the magic of tequila at the Marquis. After all, a Cadillac margarita accompanied by a breathtaking view of the Sea of Cortez is a perfect recipe for relaxation.

One of the resort’s newest offerings is the Tequila Experience, overseen by Angeles Sanchez, the Marquis’ sommelier and an officially certified Tequila Expert. This wonderful program takes place Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at the resort’s scenic Suspiro bar. For $48 per person, guests have the chance to sample four different styles of tequila and one mezcal, enjoy signature ceviche and guacamole appetizers, learn how to prepare a perfect margarita and discover interesting facts about the spirit’s cultural heritage.

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