Jalisco, Mexico (Tequila)

The hills of Jalisco might just be one of the most mesmerising and atmospheric of spirits locations in the world, with dusty fields filled with spiked agave plants stretching out to present an otherworldly landscape. Made from the blue agave plant, Tequila can only only be called Tequila if it is produced in the state of Jalisco, which is also home to the town of Tequila.

Once harvested, the agave hearts are roasted and then mashed to produce a sugary mixture. This is then fermented and then distilled, a minimum of two times, to produce an alcoholic spirit with an ABV of between 70 and 110, and bottled at between 35 and 55% ABV.

Tequila falls into five main categories based on its age as follows: blanco, unaged Tequila that has spent less than two months in steel or oak barrels; joven – unaged as above but coloured gold, or by blending with older Tequilas; reposado, aged between two months and one year in oak barrels; añejo, aged for between one to three years in oak barrels; and extra añejo, aged for more than three years in oak barrels, a category established in 2006.

Key distilleries: There are hundreds of Tequila distilleries Mexico. Some of the best known, and which are open to visitors, include Jose Cuervo’s La Rojeña Distillery, Tequila Herradura, Casa Sauza and Casa Orendain.

Where to go: There are hundreds of Tequila distilleries in Mexico, and a great many are open to the public. One of the biggest and best known is the La Rojeña Distillery, which claims to be the oldest with 250 years of history, and it is also the site that produces Jose Cuervo Tequila.

Casa Sauza was founded in 1873 and now ships its Tequila to more than 70 countries worldwide. Its tour include the chance to plant your own agave, and the option to take a helicopter tour over the estate.

Meanwhile, Tequila Herradura is notable for its boozy train option. The Herradura Express will pick you up in Guadalajara and shuttle you to its Amatitán distillery with snacks and cocktails available on board, to be met at its distillery with entertainment from a mariachi band, lunch and of course plenty of Tequila, returning you to the city in time for dinner.

While the Mayan ruins are located on the opposite side of the Mexican coast, the Aztec ruins outside of Mexico City are close enough to the heartland of Tequila to make the six-hour drive worthwhile, and it makes for an excellent road trip.