The people of Guadalajara know a great tequila when they taste one. Which figures, because their region’s not just the spiritual home of some of the smoothest, most sippable stuff around, but the official one too. With that in mind, we thought the city’s tequila loving citizens might have a thing or two to say about their national drink, so we sat at a few cantinas and spoke to some young locals about it. We also enjoyed a tequila or three, obviously.

IVAN QUINTERO

When do you really like to have a tequila? 
I don’t have any special moment but I guess as Mexicans we all own a biological clock asking you to have tequila once in a while. 

And do you drink it the ‘traditional’ way? 
All my family drink it with Squirt, our national soda (a bit like Solo). My mother still drinks it that way, I learned from her.

What does it feel like to live where tequila comes from? 
It’s cool. Whenever you meet people from other countries, tequila is always the first thing that comes into their head when they hear the word Mexico.

So tequila to you as a Mexican is…? 
It’s our local drink and icon.

What would Mexico be without tequila?
Boring.

FERNANDO

How old are you, Fernando – and where are we?
I’m 27, and this is my grandpa’s cantina (opened 1957). It belonged to my father, too, but nowadays my brother and I manage the place. It’s our family heritage.

So what does tequila mean to you as a Mexican? 
It’s an element that represents us in the world. It’s tradition. 

How would you drink tequila the ‘traditional’ way?
It depends on your personal taste, can be either white (I like it because it feels pure and softer) or añejo (mature – stronger), with a lemon by the side. I guess the most popular way is mixing tequila with soda.

What should a good tequila taste like? 
It has to be strong and thick but smooth at the same way. You should feel the taste, feel that slap in your throat, but getting a nice sensation moving through your body.    

What would Mexico be without it?
We’d be gringos (laughs).

JOSE REFUGIO GONZALEZ IBARRA

What does tequila mean to you as a Mexican, Jose? 
That we are party people, enthusiastic. That we belong to a ‘cheer-up’ culture.

What do you think of foreign people’s approach tequila? 
They don’t know about the taste, the tradition. They just use it for getting wasted quickly, that’s how they get those epic hangovers, and eventually that’s why they don’t like it.

What’s the traditional way to drink tequila?
Just your straight tequila.

What should a good tequila taste like?
Have you ever feel that tingle and taste sensations on your tongue, that vague sensation of pleasure burning your  throat going down to your stomach? That’s a good tequila.

CRISTINA GUERRERO

What does tequila mean to you Cristina – as a Mexican? 
Maybe the most remarkable Mexican feature. It means party, festivity, joy.

What part does tequila play in your life?
It’s my drinking partner.

How should you drink tequila the “traditional” way?
The best way to drink it is with soda.

What do you think of the way foreign people drink tequila? 
They seem to look tequila as a exotic drink and that makes it so interesting and attractive to them.

What would Mexico be without tequila?
Less clichéd.

RICARDO MORALES

So Ricardo, when did you have your last tequila? 
Last night.

What does it feel like to live in the home state of tequila?
It’s like being born in the same place as your favourite band or sport team… but way better.

What does the drink mean to you as a Mexican? 
Total pride, it’s an internationally renowned product that can be made just in one region all around the world, that makes it special.

How would you drink tequila like your grandparents might have?
Straight or a bandera, which means ‘flag’, named after the Mexican flag. It’s three caballitos (sipping glasses) filled with lemon juice for the green, white tequila, and sangrita (a sour and spicy drink typically made from orange juice, tomato juice, and hot chillies) for the red. 

Do young Mexicans drink it like that? 
Tequila with the grapefruit soda Squirt is a popular combo, but the margarita is an option when you’re in a cocktail mood.

EL DUDE

El Dude – great name. So when did you have your last tequila? 
Just a few minutes ago.

How do you drink tequila the “traditional” way? 
I like to drink it bandera style.

What relationship do you have with the drink?
It’s about love-hate, party-hangover.

What do you think of the way non-Mexicans slam tequila?
Gringos drink it like if they just had the last bottle in the world!

To you, what should tequila taste like? 
Strong, a tequila that makes you look for a lemon.

You too can drink like a Mexican this Friday night in Sydney at the El Jimador’s massive Tequila Party. RSVP and info here.