A tequila worm is technically not a worm, but the larva of one of two types of moth, namely the agave worm (Gusano de Maguey) and the tequila worm (Gusano de Tequila). Called gusano rojo (red worm) in Mexico because of its reddish hue, it is traditionally added to the bottom of some bottles of mezcal, and occasionally to some bottles of tequila, although this is much less common nowadays.
Mexico has one of the longest relationship with agave worms going all the way back to the Aztec civilization. Despite the fact that there is no empirical evidence to back it up, it is believed that the Aztecs believed that agave worms infused tequila with mystical and medicinal power, including the power to treat illnesses and promote fertility.
Today, the worm is more of a marketing ploy than anything else. Although the worm does not do anything to the taste, smell or look of the tequila, it does add a certain mystique to the drink which can help boost sales.
It also serves as a conversation piece for the company’s marketing strategy, as well as for bar patrons talking about the drink. Plus, it can also have a novelty value.
What is the deal with the worm in tequila?
The worm in tequila is a bit of a mystery. It is believed to have first shown up in bottles of tequila in the 1940s or 1950s, although some sources say it has been around since the 1700s. The most common explanation for the presence of the worm is that it was intended to be a marketing ploy.
By putting something strange and visually interesting at the bottom of a bottle, the manufacturer could make its product more appealing to consumers. Whether or not there are any health benefits associated with the worm is unclear, as many cultures around the world have been eating things like worms, larvae, and spicy mixtures of herbs and spices for centuries.
Some say that consuming the worm can give you a unique, earthy flavor and a “kick” of energy, but others either misattribute these sensations to the natural effects of the alcohol or just say that the worm is a cheesy bit of marketing.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not you want to consume the worm.
Is the worm in a tequila bottle alive?
It is possible that the worm in a tequila bottle is still alive. Tequila often contains a species of worm called the gusano that is preserved in the liquor. This type of worm lives in the agave plant and traditionally natives of Mexico used them to add flavor and texture to their drinks.
Although the worms are preserved in alcohol, some may still survive the process and be alive when they reach the consumer. Ultimately, it is impossible to tell whether the worm in a bottle of tequila is alive and if it is, it won’t pose any health risk.
When did they stop putting worms in tequila?
Worms in tequila has never actually been a common practice. While certain brands of tequila have bottles that contain a small worm, this is more of a marketing gimmick than an actual tradition. This practice most likely began in the 1950s as a way to attract more customers, as some people may have considered it to be more interesting or exotic.
However, not all brands of tequila contain worms, and it is not necessary for the drink to be certified as 100% agave tequila. As the drink became more mainstream, the need for such a marketing scheme decreased.
Today, you may still be able to find a bottle of worm-infested tequila, but it is more of an exception than the rule.
Why do Mexicans put scorpions in tequila?
The practice of placing scorpions in tequila actually has its roots in traditional Chinese medicine, which uses a variety of toxins and natural remedies, including certain types of scorpions, as a remedy for a variety of ailments.
As the practice spread throughout South America and later Mexico, scorpions ended up being an integral part of traditional Mexican culture, and a symbol of virility and good luck. People began to believe that consuming a scorpion-infused tequila would boost their energy and provide protection from harm.
Today, there are more practical and safest ways to enjoy the unique flavors and health benefits associated with scorpions, such as using scorpion-infused agave syrup or honey. As a result, the tradition of consuming scorpion-infused tequila is becoming rare in modern Mexico, but it still remains popular among some traditional aficionados.
What does an agave worm turn into?
An agave worm, specifically a tequila worm, is actually a larvae of the Hypopta agavis moth, one of several species of moths found in Mexico. It does not turn into anything else; instead, the worm is actually a metamorphosis of the moth.
The larvae are usually found in the sap of the agave plant and are added to bottles of mezcal or tequila as a marketing gimmick. It is also believed to carry its own flavor, but this is largely disputed by scientists.
The larvae are not actually a delicacy, and are often discarded after the purchase of a bottle of mezcal or tequila.
What is floating in my tequila?
Floating objects in tequila are typically solids that are primarily composed of the same ingredients as tequila. These solids are either suspended in the tequila, meaning they remain in suspension, or they have dissolved in the liquid.
Common solids found in tequila include components of the agave plant, such as fibers, sugars, and oils, as well as other organic material, including residual yeast or bacteria. Residual agave byproducts, such as starches, proteins, and pectins, can also remain after the tequila manufacturing process is complete.
These floating solids are harmless to ingest and are not likely to cause any “off” flavors in the tequila. The presence of these materials indicates that the tequila is made from high quality and fresh agave.
Many high-end tequilas will proudly advertise that they are “floating in my tequila” as a sign of quality.
Does the mezcal worm do anything?
The “mezcal worm” is actually the larva of a moth known scientifically as Hypopta Agavis. It is not a magical creature found only in the bottom of bottles of mezcal, but instead is a simple insect. The mezcal worm is only found in certain types of mezcal and is not considered a necessity to qualify as a mezcal.
While the inclusion of the mezcal worm is not necessary nor does it have any significant effect on the taste of the mezcal, it is a popular tradition to include the larva in certain bottles of mezcal, usually found in bottles sold for tourist consumption.
This tradition may be rooted in an indigenous belief that eating the mezcal worm brings good luck, although there is no scientific proof to back this up.
Does all tequila have a worm?
No, not all tequila has a worm. The legend of tequila with a worm began when a Mexican producer, Innovador S. A. , placed a worm in their bottles of mescal as a marketing tool in the late 1940s or early 1950s.
Mescal is a liquor made from agave similar to tequila, but not technically tequila as it is not made with fermented blue agave. However, the concept of a worm in a bottle of mescal started a trend that spread to different agave-based liquors, including tequila, even though it is not considered a traditional element of tequila production.
Other bits of folklore linked to tequila and the worm include the idea that it enhances the flavor, but this is purely superstition. Most tequila brands today do not contain a worm, although some still do.
Did Jose Cuervo ever have a worm in it?
No, Jose Cuervo tequila has never had a worm in it. While some low-quality tequila brands historically used to include a worm in each bottle as a marketing gimmick, reputable brands like Jose Cuervo are of much higher quality and there is no need to add an insect to make it more appealing.
Although you may hear stories of some brands of tequila having a worm in the bottle, it is more than likely a tall tale to convince someone to buy their product. Jose Cuervo has been around since 1795 and has never included a worm in its product.
Why does tequila make me sick?
One possibility is that you’re sensitive to the agave plant that tequila is made from. Agave is a type of cactus, and some people are allergic to cacti. If you’re allergic to agave, drinking tequila will likely make you feel nauseous.
Another possibility is that you’re sensitive to the alcohol in tequila. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it can cause dehydration. Dehydration can lead to symptoms like nausea, fatigue, and headaches.
If you’re drinking tequila and starting to feel sick, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
It’s also possible that you’re drinking too much tequila too fast. When you drink alcohol, it’s absorbed into your bloodstream and goes to your brain. If you drink too much alcohol too quickly, it can cause your brain to become overwhelmed and lead to symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
If you want to avoid getting sick when drinking tequila, it’s important to drink slowly and avoid drinking more than you can handle.
Do they still make tequila with a worm in the bottle?
No, they do not still make tequila with a worm in the bottle. This tradition actually only became popular in the US, largely as a marketing tactic created by American producers in the 1940s, who wanted to make their tequila stand out in what was then a very crowded market.
The theory was that adding a worm, which they called a gusano, to the bottle would make their tequila more exotic, and create a novelty that would spark people’s interest. The worm was typically added to bottles of a low-grade tequila called mezcal.
Despite this, the idea of the tequila worm became so popular that the tradition caught on even with producers of higher-grade tequilas who typically don’t use mezcal. Today, the worm is rarely seen in tequila bottles, and when it is, it is more often a marketing gimmick with little to no relationship to the actual tequila itself.
What does the worm in Mezcal do to you?
The worm found inside many mezcal bottles is a caterpillar known as the gusano rojo – or the red worm. It is believed that the tradition of adding a worm to mezcal originated in the 1930’s, when a mezcalero in Chihuahua, Mexico decided to try to attract more business by bottling a mezcal with a worm inside.
When it comes to consuming the worm, there is no real scientific explanation as to what it does to you. However, some believe that the worm enhances the flavor of the drink. Others believe that it gives the drinker special powers and that consuming the worm would grant the drinker courage and virility.
Some have even speculated that the worm is meant to ward off evil spirits.
Ultimately, consuming the worm is more of a symbolic gesture than anything else. While it may provide psychological or intangible benefits to some, scientifically speaking its effects are unconfirmed.
Can you still buy tequila with a worm?
Yes, you can still buy tequila with a worm. It is a traditional drink from Mexico that has been produced for centuries. The traditional tequila is made with agave, which is then fermented, distilled and aged for a certain period of time.
The original traditional tequila that was produced in Mexico typically contained a particular species of worm known as the gusano de Maguey or «maguey worm» in the bottle. This worm was believed to add a unique flavor and be a sign of the tequila’s quality.
Although tequila has evolved over time, it is still possible to find tequila with this unique worm in it. The worm can be found in select bottles of tequila that have been specially labeled with the phrase “con Gusano”, which means “with worm”.
Some brands also add a red-colored chili pepper to the bottle along with the worm.
What kind of alcohol is mezcal?
Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage native to Mexico made from the maguey plant, also known as Agave. The maguey plant is native to Mexico and is most often found in the states of Oaxaca, Durango, Guanajuato, and Michoacán.
It is a distant relative of tequila, but made from different varieties of agave and has a distinct smoky flavor and earthy aroma. Unlike tequila, mezcal is often made in small batches using traditional production methods, such as baking and grinding the maguey in a stone oven and distilling the fermentation in artisanal stills from various materials, such as clay, copper, and more.
Mezcal is usually twice distilled and bottled at between 38-55% alcohol content. Many mezcals are made from wild agave, giving each bottle a unique flavor profile. Mezcal is traditionally served neat and is often accompanied by a citrus wedge and a chili pepper side.
You can also find mezcal used in many cocktails, such as the Mezcal Margarita or the classic Mezcal Mule.
What’s the difference between tequila and mezcal?
The main difference between tequila and mezcal is the way in which they are made. Tequila must meet the Mexican government’s strict regulations and must be made only from blue agave, while mezcal can be made from a variety of species of agave.
Tequila is also produced mostly in the Tequila region of Mexico, while mezcal production is concentrated in several Mexican states.
In terms of taste, tequila is typically light and sweet with earthy nuances and a sharp alcoholic aftertaste, while mezcal has a smoky, almost leathery aroma and a slightly sweet flavor. Mezcal can also be made with a wide variety of additional ingredients, giving it a different flavor than tequila.
aged, tequila is typically amber in color, while mezcal can range from a light straw hue to a deep, dark brown. It’s also important to note that tequila is only made from agave and should not contain much else, if any, while mezcal is sometimes made with additional fruits and spices, such as banana, apple, walnut, or cinnamon.