With Cinco de Mayo right around the corner, it’s inevitable that you will be enjoying all things Mexican on this special day. From sombreros to Mezcal and everything in between, the fifth of May is a day when Americans like to explore cuisine and culture from our neighbor to the South. But many are unaware of the true beauty and authenticity behind Tequila, the most recognized spirit of Mexico. With history dating the spirit back to the days of the Aztecs (when Tequila was called “pulque”), Tequila has a celebrated background that goes back as long as Mexico itself.

To help give you a taste of authentic Tequila, we have listed five of the major points everyone should know about Tequila, courtesy of Tequila Partida (www.tequilapartida.com).

* What exactly is Tequila?

The word “Tequila” has a several meanings. It is the name of a town in the state of Jalisco in central Mexico. Tequila is also the name of the region where the spirit is made. And of course, Tequila is an alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, and is also considered the “national drink of Mexico.”

* What is Tequila made from?

Tequila is made from the agave plant. Agave is part of the lily family, and can grow up to 15 feet tall. Because of its prickly texture, many people assume that an agave plant is a cactus, but that’s not the case. And most importantly, the blue agave plant is the source of premium Tequila.

* What is the difference between Tequila and Mezcal?

Tequila is a type of Mezcal made in the Tequila region of Mexico with strict production designations specific to the region.

* What’s the story with the worm?

Some Tequila and Mezcal producers began inserting a worm into the bottle as a marketing gimmick. However, quality Tequilas have always been worm-free!

* What are the different types of Tequila?

There are multiple types of Tequila with different aging. These are typically called “marques.” Different brands usually have a Blanco (sometimes called Plata or Silver) which means unaged, Reposado which is aged between 2 and 11 months, and Añejo, which is aged for at least one year. Some brands also have an Extra Añejo Tequila, which is aged at least three years. Aging generally takes place in wood barrels.