SAN DIEGO, May 5, 2012 – Cinco de Mayo has spread from the American Southwest across the entire U.S. Most people are completely unaware of its origins and meaning. It’s simply a good excuse to celebrate and enjoy Mexican culture, food, and especially drink.
Other than champagne on New Year’s Eve, no beverage is more closely tied to a festive occasion than tequila on Cinco de Mayo. California is the number one state for tequila sales in the U.S., with Texas second and Florida third.
Tequila is the fastest growing spirit in sales, rising six percent over the past ten years. This is double the growth of all other alcohols according to the Distilled Spirits Council, a trade group based in Washington, D.C.
Tequila is named for the Mexican town where it originates. It is made from the blue agave plant. Much like wine grapes, the flavor of the agave can change under different soil or growing conditions. Under strict standards set by the Mexican government, to be tequila the final product must be produced from no less than 51% high-quality blue agave and from a specific area. More than 10 miles outside this area, and the spirit is called mezcal.
Источник: Washington Times