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What is tequila made of? Origin, plant and artisanal process
Tequila is one of Mexico’s greatest gifts to the world — a spirit born from the land, the sun, and generations of craftsmanship. Made from the Blue Weber agave, it embodies patience, authenticity, and celebration. Among the tequilas that carry this legacy, Hornitos, founded in 1950 to honor Mexican Independence, stands for doing things the right way — crafting premium tequila (100% Blue Agave) that’s pure, bold, and true to its origin.
What exactly is tequila?
Tequila is a protected designation of origin spirit, made exclusively in Mexico — most famously in Jalisco — and crafted from Blue Weber agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul). Every bottle carries the character of the land where the agave grows: volcanic soil, intense sun, and the hands of the jimadores who harvest it.
While tequilas can be bottled straight after distillation or aged in oak barrels to gain depth, the Reposado style marked a turning point in the category — and in Hornitos’ story In 1950, Hornitos introduced one of the first Reposado tequilas ever made, pioneering a smoother, more balanced expression of agave. Aged for at least two months, it develops a soft golden color and delicate notes of apple, herbs, and gentle oak, bridging the gap between the raw energy of Blanco and the richer layers of Añejo.
That bold step reshaped how people saw tequila: not just as a shot to be taken quickly, but as a spirit to be appreciated slowly — smooth, approachable, and unmistakably authentic.
How is tequila made step by step?
Though modern equipment has refined production, the core stages of tequila-making have remained true to their artisanal origins — cooking, crushing, fermenting, distilling, and aging.
Cooking the piñas
Traditionally, agave hearts were roasted over open fires, but in the late 1800s, Don Cenobio Sauza revolutionized the process by introducing small clay ovens (hornitos) that allowed for gentler cooking. This innovation created a brighter, cleaner-tasting tequila — a legacy later honored in the creation of Hornitos.
Today, agaves are slowly baked to convert their carbohydrates into fermentable sugars, releasing aromas of honey and caramelized fruit while preserving their natural sweetness.
Milling and fermentation
After cooking, the softened piñas are crushed to extract their juice, called aguamiel. This sweet liquid is then fermented as natural yeasts transform sugars into alcohol, producing a base spirit full of floral and herbal notes. It’s a delicate process that defines the character of the tequila before distillation ever begins.
Double distillation
Once fermented, the liquid undergoes two rounds of distillation — the first to separate alcohol from solids, and the second to refine and purify the flavor. This technique yields a spirit that is smooth yet expressive, highlighting the natural essence of Blue Agave. Hornitos uses this same double distillation approach, maintaining the balance between clarity and depth that defines its signature agave-forward taste.
Aging and innovation
Aging is where patience meets artistry. Once distilled, tequila may be bottled right away or allowed to rest in oak barrels — a simple decision that transforms everything. When Hornitos pioneered the Reposado tequila, it redefined what it could be: smoother, more expressive, and undeniably authentic. That bold move set a new standard for quality and taste, inspiring generations of tequila makers to follow.
From sipping it neat to letting it breathe over ice, or mixing it into timeless tequila cocktails like the Margarita or Paloma, each serve reveals a different side of the spirit. Tequila’s versatility — whether aged, blended, or infused — is part of what makes it so enduring. After all, understanding what you can mix with tequila is simply another way of appreciating how far its craft and character can go
What makes tequila, “tequila”?
More than a beverage, tequila is a living tradition. To be recognized as such, it must come from Mexico, be made primarily from Blue Weber agave, and meet strict standards of purity. But its true essence lies in the hands that craft it and the spirit that inspires it.
Hornitos embodies that spirit — a forward-thinking, authentic tequila that honors its roots while redefining what quality and craftsmanship can mean today. Each bottle represents not just a drink, but a celebration of independence, heritage, and the pursuit of better tequila for all.
Fresh Drink Recipes
See all cocktails
- Margaritas
Hornitos® Plata Mango Margarita
Shake up your margarita with a splash of mango! This drink is a tropical spin on the classic tequila cocktail, made with Hornitos Plata, mango syrup and a hint of spice from the Tajin rim. All you need is a hammock!
- Easy
- 1-3 min
- Sweet
- Refreshing
Hornitos® Plata Feeling Spicy
Ready to spice things up? This drink combines pineapple and jalapeño with Hornitos Plata for a taste that’s fresh, feisty and ready to be the life of the party. Don’t forget the chili salt rim for an extra hit of heat!
- Easy
- 1-3 min
- Sweet
- Margaritas
Hornitos® Reposado Pineapple Margarita
A fresh take on a classic, our mule combines Hornitos Reposado with spicy ginger beer and bright lime for a drink that’s both fun and flavorful. Serve in a copper mug and soon everyone will be asking you to whip one up!
- Easy
- 1-3 min
- Sweet
