This briny liquor, made exclusively in Mexico from the agave plant, gives us the base for a Margarita, the Brave Bull, and, of course, the Tequila Sunrise. It is a romantic, daring drink, which bears a distinctive dry taste that lends itself to producing a strain of cocktails particular to tequila. Tequila acquired a cult status in the 1950s, when the erroneous rumor that it contained mescaline coupled with its romantic rituals made it a favorite with "hip" Californians. The drink was then incorporated into the aforementioned popular cocktails, as well as many others, and the demand for tequila extended throughout the States.
For at least one thousand years before Spain invaded Mexico, the Aztecs were drinking pulque, a low-alcohol wine made from the mezcal plant; it is still consumed in Mexico today. Along came the Spaniards in the early part of the sixteenth century, bringing with them the art of distillation, and tequila was born. Pulque was used by the Aztecs in many rituals, and, indeed, tequila is well known as a drink of ritual, being consumed straight with salt and lime in a ceremony seen in bars throughout the world.
Tequila was first imported legally to the United States in the 1870s. It was further promoted by American soldiers defending Zapata's raids during the Mexican Revolution in 1916. Prohibition also helped tequila gain popularity in the States. Since it was distilled legally in Mexico, tequila only had to be smuggled over the border to quench the thirst of deprived Americans.