One Alcoholic Beverage With Benefits Tequila!
by Roberta B. Turner

The agave plant is native to the hot regions of Mexico and the Southwestern United States. Some species of agave are also native to tropical climates in South America. The plants are perennial and they will bloom one rosette flower before they die. Agave tequilana, agave azul or blue agave, are used in the production of tequila. Agave nectar, also called agave syrup, a sweetener derived from Agave sap, is used as an alternative to sugar in cooking, and can be added to breakfast cereals.

The name Tequila came from the city of Tequila, which is northwest of Guadalajara. Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in the states of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas. The red volcanic soil in the surrounding region is particularly well suited to the growing of the blue agave, and more than 300 million of the plants are harvested there each year. Agave grows differently depending on the region, and the area of the region that the agave plant grows in does influence the taste. What some people may not realize is that Tequila has many health benefits. A type of natural sugar called Agavins comes from the Agave plant, which can be used to make Tequila. Here are some of the benefits of drinking Tequila:

Research has documented that Tequila aids in weight loss, helps lower blood sugar, helps fight cholesterol, helps you numb pain, can be used to cure colds, cleans your colon and helps you sleep.  It is also good to drink after dinner for digestion.

We are featuring some unique recipes to consider. Depending on the ingredients, the calorie count will vary. Regardless, Tequila is surprisingly good for you.

TEQUILA RECIPES

Fresh Margarita

Ingredients
2 oz 100% de Agave Tequila
1 oz Cocktail-Ready Agave Nectar
1 oz Fresh Squeezed Lime Juice

Instructions:
Shake with ice, taste for balance and pour into your favorite rocks glass or serve straight up. For a colder Margarita, strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice. A salted rim is optional.

Black Widow

Ingredients
2 Blackberries
3 Basil Leaves
1.5 oz Tequila
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 tsp Agave Nectar

Instructions:
In a shaker, muddle the blackberries and basil. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a stemless Martini glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a blackberry and basil leaf.

Bloody Maria

Ingredients
4 oz Organic Bloody Mary Mix
Lemon Wedge (Garnish)

Instructions:
Build with ice in a Collins glass. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon & your favorite garnish. Taste for balance and serve.

Black Widow

Ingredients
2 Blackberries
3 Basil Leaves
1.5 oz Tequila
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
1 tsp Agave Nectar

Instructions:
In a shaker, muddle the blackberries and basil. Add the remaining ingredients and fill with ice. Shake well and strain into a stemless Martini glass filled with fresh ice. Garnish with a blackberry and basil leaf.