No, the practice of putting a worm in tequila bottles is an urban myth. This myth is believed to originate from a mezcal producer in Oaxaca, Mexico, who decided to put a moth larvae in its bottles of mezcal as a marketing ploy in the 1940s.
This myth gradually spread to tequila and is still believed to this day by many. Despite this myth, the tequila industry does not put worms in its bottles, though some mezcal producers may still include it.
In the US, alcohol regulations do not permit the bottling of alcoholic beverages with worms inside, due to possible health concerns.
What brand of tequila still has the worm?
Jose Cuervo is the brand of tequila that still includes a worm in its bottles. The worm—or rather, gusano—is a caterpillar larvae called agave worm, and it is typically found in the tequila brands that come from the region of Jalisco, Mexico.
Agave worms have traditionally been added to certain bottles of tequila as a sign of authenticity, and it is believed that they can enhance the flavor of the drink. According to legend, the first Jose Cuervo bottle to have a worm in it was released in the 1940s, and since then, bottles with the worm have become a trademark of the brand.
While many people believe that consuming the worm brings luck, it actually serves no purpose to the drink aside from being a novelty. To this day, many of Jose Cuervo’s bottles still contain the agave worm, making it the only major tequila brand to proudly feature the worm in its bottles.
Why is there a worm in Jose Cuervo tequila?
There is actually no worm in Jose Cuervo tequila! This is an urban legend that dates back to the 1940’s, when bottles of mezcal, a common tequila-style liqueur, were sold with a butterfly larvae or “worm” in them.
This seemed to be a marketing ploy that made it visually tempting, and it became popularized with stories of the tequila producing a ‘special effect’ when consumed. However, Jose Cuervo does not include any type of worm in its tequila.
It is actually an illegal addition to any type of alcoholic beverage, due to the United States Food and Drug Administration’s Alcoholic Beverage Labeling Act of 2000. While involving a worm may not have any health benefits, there are potential benefits to drinking tequila in moderation, including improved digestion and protection from some types of cancer.
Do all tequila bottles have worms?
No, not all tequila bottles have worms. This myth is from the days when bottles of mezcal would often contain a worm to indicate the quality and proof of the alcohol. However, it is not common practice anymore.
Tequilas produced and sold today typically do not include a worm. The practice is still sometimes used by certain traditional brands in Mexico, but it is generally not found in modern-day tequila that is produced and sold internationally.
What liquor has a worm in it?
The most commonly known type of liquor with a worm inside is mezcal, which is a type of agave-based spirit that is made in Mexico. The worm is not actually a worm, but is actually the larvae of the moth Hypopta agavis.
This larvae has a strong flavor and an even stronger smell that are usually used to symbolically indicate a very high proof of the liquor. Mezcal is typically made from the vinas of several types of agave, and imparts a unique smoky flavor to the drink.
The tradition of having a worm in mezcal dates back to the Aztec civilization, though the origin of this custom is unclear. Some say that the worm indicates a high-proof bottle of liquor, while others say it was added to make the drink more palatable, or even as a type of offering to the gods.
Though it may be a bit of an acquired taste, many people still enjoy adding the worm to their bottles of mezcal to this day.
What does the worm in Mezcal do to you?
The worm, or gusano, found in mezcal is believed to have a range of effects when consumed. Some feel that it has health-promoting properties, while others believe that it can bring good luck and fertility.
It is not scientifically proven to have any medicinal properties, however.
The most common reaction to eating the worm is a burning sensation in the throat and stomach. It is also known to add a unique flavor to the mezcal that many people enjoy. Regardless of whether they believe it has medicinal properties or not, many people choose to eat the worm as a ritual before drinking their mezcal.
The most important thing to remember is that the worm should never be eaten raw. The gusano is deliberately cooked in agave bakeries prior to being placed into the mezcal. It is important to ensure that it is treated efficiently and properly to avoid any potential health risk.
What happens when you eat the scorpion in tequila?
If you eat the scorpion in tequila, it won’t have any adverse effects on you. The good news is, the scorpion is usually just a gimmick and is usually preserved in vinegar and salt, so it’s actually harmless.
That being said, consuming it after having tequila shots can cause gastric and heartburn problems, due to the high alcohol content of the drink. In some countries, serving scorpions in tequila is illegal because it can cause accidents and excessive alcohol intoxication if consumed in large quantities.
Eating the scorpion does nothing to increase the potency of the tequila, however, so if you’re looking for a stronger buzz, you’re better off sticking to the drink itself.
Why do they put snakes in alcohol?
Snakes are preserved in alcohol for scientific and educational purposes. Preservation in alcohol is a method to store specimens for long periods of time without deterioration or decay. This is especially beneficial for researchers studying certain species or organisms that need to be studied over long periods of time.
Snakes preserved in alcohol can last many years, whereas specimens stored in other materials can eventually decompose.
In addition, preserved snakes are often used as educational specimens for museums, schools, and universities. The preservation process allows the specimen to retain important features such as color, pattern, and size that can help demonstrate the species to a wider audience.
Preserving snakes in alcohol is an ethical practice when done appropriately, as it allows for continued research and observation without any distress or negative impact on the animals.
Did Jose Cuervo ever have a worm in it?
No, Jose Cuervo does not have a worm in it. However, it is often confused with another brand called “Mezcal”, which is a Mexican drink commonly made with agave and is known for containing a worm in the bottle.
The worm is meant to be a statement of purity and is believed to be a myth. Despite its confusing history with Mezcal, Jose Cuervo is a tequila-based liqueur that does not contain the worm.
What does an agave worm turn into?
An agave worm, also known as a mezcal or tequila worm, is actually a caterpillar from the Hypopta agavis moth family. The moth deposits the eggs along the base of the agave plant, and the caterpillars then feed off the agave until they reach full maturity.
Once the caterpillars are fully developed, they burrow into the ground to emerge as adult moths and begin the cycle anew. The popular misconception is that the caterpillar will become a butterfly, but this is not true as the caterpillar will not undergo metamorphosis.
Instead, they simply burrow into the ground to emerge as adult moths and begin the lifecycle again.
What is the purpose of the worm in mezcal?
The purpose of the worm in mezcal is twofold. First, it is intended to be symbolic of rebirth, fertility and strength. It is a symbol of the agave plant from which mezcal is made, and is meant to be a reminder of the cycle of life and death.
Second, the worm is intended to be a signal of authenticity to the drinker. Traditionally, the butterfly larvae of the agave moth found in mezcal bottles is a sign that the spirit has been made in an artisanal and traditional way.
Authentic mezcal is only made with agave, and the worm helps to differentiate between adulterated or mislabeled products.
Does the mezcal worm get you high?
No, the mezcal worm does not get you high. Mezcal is an alcoholic drink made in Mexico from several different varieties of agave plants, and the mezcal worm is actually part of the agave caterpillar family.
It is found in bottles of some mezcal brands, usually added as a gimmick or decoration. Popular belief holds that consuming the worm will make a person inebriated, however, this is a myth. The mezcal worm has no psychoactive or psychoactive effect on the individual and will not get you high.
Should you eat the worm in mezcal?
No, you should not eat the worm in mezcal. Eating the worm in mezcal has become a popular practice in some cultures, but its significance has been widely disputed. Some say the worm is a myth, while others believe it symbolizes courage, fertility, or good luck.
While the tradition may be entertaining, eating the worm is not recommended. The lower quality of some mezcals can render the worm unsafe for consumption, as it may contain parasites or bacteria. Additionally, the worm is usually pickled or dried, so it is likely to have an unpleasant taste and texture.
There are safer and more appetizing ways to enjoy mezcal, such as through sipping, mixing, or making a unique cocktail.
How are you supposed to drink mezcal?
Mezcal is traditionally served neat, or straight, in a small shot glass called a “caballito,” which means “little horse” in Spanish. To drink mezcal, first smell the beverage and take in its smokiness.
Taking time to appreciate its flavor and aroma can be just as important as tasting the beverage. The traditional way to drink mezcal is to sip it slowly and savor its flavor. After tasting it, try to identify its nuances and describe them with friends.
To truly appreciate mezcal, try to pair it with food to deepen the experience. Most importantly, remember to go slow and enjoy the flavors.
What kind of worm is in mezcal?
Mezcal is an alcoholic beverage made from various types of agave plants. It is produced in select regions of Mexico by traditional methods and is highly regulated by the Mexican government. While there are many different types of mezcal, it is most commonly associated with the worm that sometimes accompanies it.
The worm is actually a larva of the moth Hypopta agavis, which feeds on the agave plant, and is usually called a “gusano”, or worm, in the Mexican culture. The gusanos are not a part of the production process and have no effect on the taste of the mezcal but are rather marketed as an exotic addition to enhance its appeal to potential buyers.
Most brands of mezcal typically offer products with or without the gusano, so customers can choose their preference.