Did you know that a ban on planting vineyards in Mexico, by King Philip II of Spain, led to the birth of Tequila?

Way back in 1595, King Philip II took this action in a bid to improve Spain’s wine exports. It is said that Mexicans were very good at making their  wines and preferred their own to the Spanish imports. This ban on wine-making led to the locals reviving and improving Pulque- a drink made here for millennia. Pulque’s distillation process was improved to make Mezcal, which was further refined to make Tequila.

Don Pedro Sanchez de Tagle is credited with making the first tequila. He opened his first distillery in his hacienda, Hacienda Cuisillos, and amassed a huge fortune. The best tequilas in Mexico are mostly family-owned brands and businesses, however, today, large corporations also own tequila brands which they have popularized with vast amounts of money pumped into advertising and promotion.

Tequila or Mezcal

Let’s clarify something first, and that is: technically all tequila is mezcal. The term Mezcal refers to spirits made from the agave plant, while Tequila refers to a specific type of mezcal that can only be made from Blue Weber agave in five Mexican states.

Mezcal is made from a wide range of agave plants in nine Mexican states. It is best known for the smoky flavour that emerges when mezcal is made traditionally – by roasting agave in underground pits.

So, Tequila is a mezcal, with a refined taste, while mezcal has a rustic, smoky taste. And generally, Mezcal (55% ABV) is a stronger drink than Tequila (40% ABV)

Both Mezcal and Tequila are available in four types: Blanco, Reposado, Añejo and Extra Añejo.

• Blanco: Tequila/ Mezcal that is light, bright, juicy with a touch of pepper. These are unaged. Distilled from 100% blue Weber agave.
• Reposado: Tequila/ Mezcal made from blue Weber agave and aged in oak barrels for at least two months. This has the fresh flavour of agave with an added smoky profile.
• Añejo: Tequila / Mezcal that is aged for at least one year in oak barrels. Flavours of honey, vanilla, and caramel are introduced to them, similar to how whisky is aged and flavoured.
• Extra Añejo: Tequila / Mezcal that is aged for three years and more. This is the more expensive variety of Tequila/ Mezcal.

So what is Gracia? A Tequila or a Mezcal?

Gracia Viva Agave is distilled from the Agave Americana plant that grows in the Deccan Plateau, near Andhra Pradesh. You may be aware that India and Mexico fall on the same latitude, and therefore our two countries have similar vegetation and  temperatures.

Gracia Viva Agave is a flavoured Blanco. However, we cannot call ourselves a ‘Tequila’ as Mexico in 1974, in a move to take ownership of the term has declared it to be their Intellectual Property. They have also acquired a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for it (Like Champagne, Scotch and Feni) So, only Tequila made from the Blue Weber Agave in 5 states of Mexico can be called ‘Tequila’.

Therefore, we have to call our drink Viva Agave. Viva  means cheers. Gracia Viva Agave is India’s (and possibly the world's) only Agave drink that offers a ‘Carnival of Flavours’. Our 5 flavours (and a 6th one to be launched soon) have been carefully crafted by experienced mixologists, after intensive tasting sessions among controlled research groups. Our every flavour bursts forth in an explosion of aromas and tastes. Gracia Viva Agave engages and delights 4 of your senses- Its crystal clarity inside a well-packaged bottle is a delight to SEE. Its aroma is lovely to SMELL. Its Carnival of flavours are exquisite to TASTE. Its Fire and Ice mouthfeel is an amazing experience to FEEL.

Our 5 flavours are:

Wildly Raw:
Base, classic flavour. Identical to a Blanco, with a burst of pepper. It goes well with all manner of cocktails but is also perfect when had neat.

Yuzzu:
A citrusy flavour that is as refreshing as it is satisfying. A perfect choice for Summer cocktails. It tastes great when had neat on ice.

Passion Fruit:
An intensely fiery flavour. It has a tangy rush of Passion Fruit and goes well with red to dark cocktails. A full-bodied flavour that can of course be sipped neat on ice.

Blueberry:
A rich flavour bursting with the sweetness of Blueberries. This flavour lends itself to dark cocktails with fresh fruits and berries.

Ferry Foss:
A delightfully light flavour, with a taste of Caramel and Candy Floss. It is a hot favourite amongst the younger drinkers. It can be had neat on ice. Or go the whole hog with cream and coconut milk-based cocktails, with strawberries, cherries and pink umbrellas on top.

Why should you drink Gracia Viva Agave?

As the world moves towards healthier, low-calorie drinks, Gracia Viva Agave is the right choice for health reasons.

It is Gluten-free, no added sugar, low calorie, and a clean drink (as a thumb rule, clear drinks are better than brown or cloudy drinks)

And because it has a 40% ABV, and comes in amazing flavours, you feel satisfied in drinking a lesser quantity, compared to other alcohols.

Please note: We always recommend you drink Gracia in moderation. Do not drink and drive.

How to drink Gracia Viva Agave

Unfortunately, most Indians drink Tequila and Agave drinks in a shot glass, with salt and a lick of lime. Sorry to burst your bubble, but a Mexican would laugh at you if he saw you doing this. Perhaps this method was popularised by Hollywood films, and there is nothing wrong if you like it—you don’t know any better.

The right way to drink  Gracia Viva Agave or any other Tequila, is to sip it just like wine.

Sip the drink slowly to savour its taste. Gracia Viva Agave is best enjoyed neat, or on ice. And you can make a wide range of cocktails with it, as all our flavours lend themselves to different kinds of cocktails.

Here are Ten cocktails that can easily be made at home. Each of these recipes was specially made for Gracia. And we now share them freely with you. Try them at home, when you are entertaining your friends and family!

 

Picante Passion

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Gracia Passion Fruit
• 10ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 30ml orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
• 20ml agave syrup (adjust to taste) or simple syrup
• 2-3 slices of pickled/brined jalapeño (or more for extra heat)
• 2 slices of cucumber
• Ice
• Tajín or chili salt for the rim
• Garnish: Lime wheel, jalapeño slice, or cucumber slice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: If desired, rim your glass with Tajín or chili salt. To do this, run a lime wedge around the edge of the glass and dip it into the salt mixture.
2. Muddle Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the jalapeño slices and cucumber slices to release their flavours.
3. Mix the Cocktail: Add Gracia Passion Fruit, lime juice, orange liqueur, agave syrup, and ice to the shaker. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass (rimmed if you like).
5. Garnish: Add your chosen garnish and enjoy!

Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing jalapeño slices.

 

Blueberry Bomba

Ingredients:

• 60ml Gracia Blueberry
• 20ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 10-12 fresh blueberries
• 2-3 fresh mint leaves (optional, for added freshness)
• Red Bull/Monster (for topping)
• Ice
• Garnish: Lime wheel, mint sprig, or a few blueberries

Instructions:

1. Muddle Blueberries: In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blueberries (and mint leaves, if using) until they release their juice.
2. Mix Ingredients: Add Gracia Blueberry, lime juice and ice to the shaker. Shake well for about 15 seconds.
3. Strain and Serve: Strain the mixture into an ice-filled glass. For a stronger blueberry flavour, you can skip straining or use a fine mesh strainer for a smoother drink.
4. Top with Red bull or Monster energy and optionally Add a splash of club soda for some extra fizz.
5. Garnish: Decorate with a lime wheel, a sprig of mint, or a skewer of blueberries!

 

The Kimono

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Gracia Yuzzu
• 20 ml lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Kaafir lime 5-6 leaves
• 20 ml Japanese ginger brine 
• 30 ml simple syrup (adjust for sweetness)
• Club soda or Ginger beer (for topping)
• Ice
• Garnish: Lime wheel, yuzu slice, or candied ginger

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Glass: Optionally, rim your glass with a mix of sugar and finely grated ginger for an extra flavour boost.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a shaker, combine Gracia Yuzzu, lime juice, ginger syrup, kaafir lime leaves, simple syrup, and ice. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds.
3. Serve: Strain into an ice-filled glass.
4. Top Off: Add a splash of soda water for a lighter drink, or ginger beer for a spicier kick.
5. Garnish: Finish with your choice of garnish and serve immediately.

 

Candy Shop Dream

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Gracia Ferry Foss
• 50 ml Bailey’s Irish Cream
• 45 ml heavy cream or milk (optional for extra creaminess)
• 30 ml Chambord or Raspberry liqueur or Raspberry Syrup
• Ice
• Garnish: Fresh Raspberries or Chocolate shavings.

Method

1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker and add all the ingredients
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to form a chilled, frothy mixture
3. Strain and serve over ice in a rocks glass or a coupe glass
4. Garnish with fresh raspberries, a drizzle of chocolate syrup or chocolate shavings.

This cocktail is rich and indulgent, making it a perfect after-dinner dessert!

 

Curry Queen

Ingredients:

• 60 ml Gracia Wildly Raw
• 1 Tsp Himalayan Honey
• 60 ml Jalapeno brine
• 1 Tsp juice of crushed  Jalapeno slices
• Ginger Ale for topping up
• Ice
• Garnish: Curry leaves

Instructions:

1. Add ice to a cocktail shaker and add all the ingredients
2. Shake vigorously for 15 seconds till all the ingredients combine 
3. Strain and serve over ice in a rock glass 
4. Top up with chilled Ginger Ale 

Garnish with Curry Leaves and a drizzle of honey (if you wish to cut the heat)

 

Sizzling Foreplay

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Gracia Passion Fruit
• 60 ml Jalapeno brine
• 30 ml Reduced Grapefruit Juice
• Ginger Ale for topping up
• Ice
• For the Glass Rim: Tahain Salt
• Garnish: Grapefruit and Jalapeno wheels

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shaking vigourously for 15 seconds
2. Rim a martini glass with Tahain salt and add ice
3. Strain and pour out shaker mixture into glass
4. Garnish with Grapefruit wheel or Jalapeno slices

 

Daddy Issues

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Gracia Yuzzu
• 5-6 Kaafir Lime leaves
• 2 drops Vanilla Essence
• Tonic Water for topping up
• Ice
• Garnish: Twirled Lemon Rind

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shaking vigourously for 15 seconds
2. Strain and pour into a Tall glass with ice
3. Top up with Tonic water
4. Garnish the glass with the twirled rind of lemon

 

Brooke's Lagoon

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Gracia Blueberry
• 30 ml Blue Curacao
• 5-6 fresh blueberries
• Tonic Water for topping up
• Ice
• Garnish: Lemon wheel and mint sprig

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shaking vigourously for 20 seconds
2. Strain and pour out shaker contents into glass filled with ice
3. Top up with Tonic Water
4. Garnish with Grapefruit wheel or Jalapeno slices

 

Juicy Mary

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Gracia Wildly Raw
• 60 ml Tomato Juice
• 1/2 Tsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 2 drops of Tabasco
• 2 Tbsp Jalapeno Brine
• Light Lager Beer for topping up
• Ice
• Garnish: Jalapeno or Lime wheel

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shaking vigourously for 20 seconds
2. Mix chilli powder with Kosher salt and rim the glass with it
3. Add the shaker contents in a glass with ice
4. Top up with Light Lager Beer
5. Garnish with Jalapeno or Lime wheel and a slit red chilli

 

Watermelon Wowzaa

Ingredients:

• 50 ml Gracia Ferry Foss
• 30 ml Lime Juice
• 30 ml Triple Sec
• 100 ml Fresh Watermelon Juice (home made)
• Ice
• Garnish: Watermelon wedges, Lime wheel

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into a cocktail shaker, shaking vigourously for 20 seconds
2. Rim a the glass with a mixture of granulated sugar, lime zest, and salt
3. Strain and pour out shaker mixture into a glass with ice
4. Garnish with watermelon wedge or lime wheel