A year ago, the Institute of Medicine released a report highlighting the fact that LGBT people’s mental and medical health needs are being unmet (http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=13128). The Institute of Medicine, an independent nonprofit organization, creates reports like these to provide objective advice to public health policymakers. These reports are often used to shape future research, training, and evidence-based treatment in the public and private health-care sectors. Through this report, LGBT health care is finally getting the recognition necessary to influence a change in public health policy.
The term “sexual minorities” is more inclusive than LGBT; it includes other identities such as intersex or gender queer. The term LGBT, however, is still commonly used to describe this broader population of sexual minorities.
We know that LGBT individuals have higher rates of substance abuse, are at higher risk for suicide, and often experience higher rates of depression and anxiety as a result of social stigma and family rejection. But did you know that sexual micro-aggressions keep LGBT individuals at odds with the health-care system? Sexual micro-aggressions are subtle attitudes that convey a negative connotation about an individual’s sexual identity. Because of this, sexual minorities are less
likely to seek health care, resulting
in diminished access, missed screenings, late intervention, and poorer health outcomes.
In response to this unmet need, a group of mental health therapists in the Kansas City community created an organization dedicated to improving the health of LGBT individuals and their families. The LGBT-Affirmative Therapists Guild of Greater Kansas City is a grassroots organization of licensed mental and medical health professionals, as well as students-in-training. The 100-plus members of this organization share a collaborative commitment to making culturally competent health care available to all sexual minorities, based on the premise that LGBT and heterosexual identities are equally valid.
The Guild’s website, lgbtguild.com, is a vast resource for LGBT medical and mental health care. You can even find local therapists, dentists, doctors, and others who are dedicated to providing LGBT-affirming health care.
I believe that part of being a health-care provider is advocating for our underserved clients. Each week I compile a list of articles to help Guild members gain a perspective on how LGBT issues impact health care. Camp Magazine has asked me to share this information with you, giving more folks the opportunity to learn about LGBT health and wellness issues being discussed in the media.
I hope that this monthly column can empower and educate people, and enhance understanding of the health and wellness needs that are unique to various LGBT communities. Let’s begin.
“The journey of a gay jock.” A hockey-playing teen is inspired by Brian and Patrick Burke’s NHL advertisement that encourages LGBT athletes to get involved. More at: www.montrealgazette.com/technology/journey+openly+jock/6317327/story.html.
Legislators in various states protest by zeroing in on men’s reproductive health. In Ohio, State Sen. Nina Turner, a Democrat, is trying to make a point about regulating women’s health by introducing a bill to regulate the use of Viagra. More at: www.npr.org/blogs/health/2012/03/15/148695307/in-protest-democrats-zero-in-on-mens-reproductive-health?ps=cprs.
A men’s sexual health group will start this spring at Good Samaritan Project. Topics include improving intimacy; sexual addiction and pornography; dealing with sexual trauma; and sexual/gender identity concerns. More at: www.jefflubsen.com/group1.html.
Bullying as a risk factor for suicide in gay youth. A study released in February from Northwestern University demonstrates how repeated bullying over time can take its toll and increase the chances of other health risks such as depression and anxiety. More at: www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_121909.html
New studies demonstrate a higher risk for children struggling with gender identity. One study from Children’s Hospital in Boston reported higher incidence of depression, abuse, and PTSD. More at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_122108.html.
The San Francisco Police Department launches an “It Gets Better” video. Made for Trevor Project, the video offers encouraging statements by law enforcement officers who have dealt with discrimination based on sexual and gender identity. More at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RMunYfzlGs.
The National Coalition for LGBT Health commemorates National LGBT Health Awareness Week. In Washington, House and Senate briefings were included on the health and well-being of LGBT families. More at: lgbthealth.webolutionary.com.
A new best-practices publication was released for working with LGBT parents who want to adopt children. More at www.adoptioninstitute.org/publications/2011_10_Expanding_Resources_BestPractices.pdf.
An op-ed column in the New York Times, “Valuing Our Families,” discusses the buzz words “family values” in relation to same-sex marriage. More at http://nyti.ms/yJFdvV.
Jeff Lubsen is the organizer of the LGBT-Affirmative Therapists Guild of Greater Kansas City, a grass-roots organization of licensed psychologists, social workers and professional counselors, who offer support and resources for sexual minorities. He also works with individuals and their families who are dealing with relationship, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, sexual identity and gender identity issues.
National Margarita Day
The Skinniest Margarita
The Skinniest Margarita
Photo by LALO
This margarita was created by Soho House Austin which opened in 2021. It uses LALO tequila, which is additive-free and represents what tequila was truly supposed to taste like. LALO is named after Co-Founder and Maestro Tequilero Eduardo "Lalo" González. Eduardo is the grandson of Don Julio González, of Don Julio Tequila fame. He and Founding Partner David R. Carbillido wanted to bring tequila back to its roots and nothing but a pure blanco tequila. Thus, LALO was born.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces LALO
- 1/2 ounce Ferrand Dry Curacao
- 1 ounce hand-squeezed lime juice
- Garnish with dehydrated lime wheel
Directions
- Place all ingredients into a glass filled with ice
- Stir
- Garnish
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Daisy Margarita
Daisy Margarita
Photo courtesy of Pink House Alchemy
This isn't a tequila you add your ingredients to but rather it's ingredients you add to your tequila. Pink House Alchemy makes all sorts of shrubs, syrups, and kits so you can just sit back and whip up the cocktails and enjoy. Each bottle is handcrafted and made with the best ingredients around. The combinations of flavors are perfect for experimenting with.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces silver tequila
- 1 ounce pH Pineapple Rosemary Shrub
- 0.75 ounce pH Herbalicious Syrup
- 1 ounce fresh lime juice
Directions
- Shake or stir
- Strain into a glass over ice, rimmed with rosemary salt
- Enjoy!
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Blanco Luxury Margarita
Blanco Margarita
Photo courtesy of Don Julio
We're not sure there isn't a person alive that doesn't know Don Julio, especially since we just mentioned his grandson! They have an impressive line of tequila expressions anyone would be happy to have in their collection. This recipe features the blanco tequila which is probably our go-to tequilas for margaritas. They also have Reposado, Añejo, 70 Cristalino, 1942, and many more. We would recommend going down the line and seeing which is your favorite. maybe even try making an old-fashioned or drinking it straight, sophisticated-like.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 ounces of Don Julio Blanco Tequila
- 0.75 ounces fresh lime
- 0.50 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar
- Lime wedge
Directions
- Combine Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup/agave nectar in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well.
- Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
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Fresh Citrus Margarita
Fresh Citrus Margarita
Photo courtesy of Mezcal Amaras
Even though this is mezcal, it's all about the margarita. It doesn't have to be tequila, it could be tequila-like. Mezcal is a very close relative of tequila. It's a bit more earthy with a bit more of a bite but it works. It's also made from blue agave, but not restricted to just blue agave like tequila, but just about any species of agave. The process is similar but the flavor is distinct.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ounces Mezcal Amarás Espadín
- 1 ounce Rosemary syrup
- 0.5 ounce Lemon juice
- 0.5 ounce Orange liqueur
- Grapefruit ice cream
- Garnish: Rosemary sprig
Shaker Method
- Add rosemary syrup, lemon juice, and Mezcal Amarás Espadín to your shaker.
- Place ice and shake it well.
Build Method
- Add a scoop of grapefruit ice cream in a margarita glass, pour the mixture, and decorate with a sprig of rosemary.
The margarita is a cocktail that has evolved over the years; it's fresh and bright at the same time making it one of my favorites. For this cocktail, I wanted to respect the citrus and freshness by using Amarás Espadín as the base. Triple Sec, fresh lemon, and the refreshing grapefruit sorbet add three distinct layers of citrus. This cocktail evolves as you are enjoying it - as the sorbet combines with the cocktail, you experience different flavors and textures
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Smoked Blood Orange Margarita
Smoked Blood Orange Margarita
Photo courtesy of Stundenglass
So, here we have another ingredient-forward margarita. You can use your favorite mezcal and combine the ingredients but to really finish it off, you need the Stündenglass Beverage Infuser to really get that smoke flavor in your drink. Not only will this impress your friends, but it looks pretty darn awesome if you ask us.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of your favorite mezcal
- 1 ounce blood orange juice
- 0.5 ounce lime juice
- 0.5 ounce rosemary simple syrup
- dry rosemary to smoke
Directions
- Rim the glass with Chamoy (it can be found in any Mexican market or store)
- Add the ingredients one by one in the shaker
- Add ice to fill the shaker
- Shake for 30 seconds
- Place your favorite ice shape int eh glass
- Strain content from shaker into glass
- Top with a dry blood orange slice
- Smoke with dry Rosemary using Stündengalss Beverage Infuser
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Spicy Manarita
Spicy Manarita
Photo courtesy of Teremana
Who doesn't love The Rock, Dwayne Johnson? Of course you know they'd have to have a margarita that was as sweet but just as tough as the man himself. The Spicy Manarita has the sweet, spicy, and smooth taste of a reposado tequila and the heat will keep you coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Teremana Reposado
- 0.75 ounce Lime Juice
- 0.5 ounce Agave Nectar
- 2 Jalapeño Slices (remove seeds)
Directions
- Muddle jalapeño in shaker.
- Add Teremana, Lime Juice & Agave Nectar.
- Shake with ice.
- Strain and serve over fresh ice.
- Garnish with a jalapeño slice.
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Turn and Burn
The Turn and Burn Margarita
Photo courtesy of Casa Don Ramón
Don Ramón produces three collections of tequila, the Punta Diamante, Platinium, and the Limited Edition featuring Plata, Añejo, and Extra Añejo in a Swarovski crystal-embellished bottle. As with most, if not all tequila, Don Ramón is from the highlands of Jalisco Mexico, and is made of 100% pure Blue Agave.
Ingredients
- 1.5 ouncesTequila Don Ramón Platinium Plata
- 1.5 ounces Grapefruit Juice
- 1 ounce Lime Juice
- 0.75 ounce Agave Syrup
- 1 Pinch Smoked Salt
- 2 Sprigs Lemon Thyme (Garnish)
- Charred Grapefruit (Garnish)
Directions
- Combine tequila, fruit juices, agave, salt, and one sprig of lemon thyme in a shaking tin with ice.
- Shake, strain, and pour the cocktail into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with a charred grapefruit slice and a fresh sprig of lemon thyme.
- Serve and enjoy!
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Cocktail Gummy Bears
Cocktail Gummy Bear
Photo by Grand Velas Los Cabos
Okay, okay. Technically NOT a margarita but they accompany your margarita while visiting AAA 5-Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos Resort in Mexico. They come in two flavors Hibiscus Mezcalita with chili salt or Piña Colada. They seem to be complimentary upon check-in, poolside, and well, check-out.
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Handblown Glass Tumblers
Handblown Glass Tumblers
Photo courtesy of Bespoke Post
If you're wondering what to put all these margaritas in, don't worry. You can put them in a margarita glass, a coupe glass, a pitcher, or these wonderfully handblown glass tumblers. Cocktails fit perfectly in them. They're comfortable to hold, easy to drink from and look beautiful while on display. And if your husband is clumsy and knocks one over and it shatters on the floor, never fear, they come in a set of two so you will always have a drink. He may not but then, he shouldn't have broken the glass. Pick some up now!
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Gender-Inclusive Universities and Student Privacy
That does not necessarily mean, however, that students who are non-binary, gender fluid, or otherwise gender “non-conforming” are prepared to disclose their gender identity. Even in gender-inclusive universities, the decision to identify as non-cisgender can be a difficult one — potentially exposing the student to discrimination on campus, in the community, and at home.
For this reason, maintaining student privacy must be a top priority for all university staff and stakeholders. Let’s examine the issue of student privacy in gender-inclusive universities and the best practices for protecting it on campus and off.
What is a Gender-Inclusive School?
Gender-Inclusive Schools
Photo by Zhanhui Li on Unsplash
Fundamentally, a gender-inclusive university seeks to create a truly diverse, accepting, inclusive and welcoming space for all students, including students not identifying as cisgender. The principal mission of a gender-inclusive university environment is to redress the marginalization and discrimination nonbinary students have historically faced on campus.
The cultivation of a truly gender-inclusive culture in higher education is intended and expected to a broader integration of LGBTQ+ persons in workplaces and communities across the nation.
Gender-Inclusive Practices at University
Gender-inclusive practices at university centers primarily on enabling students to engage with the learning community in the manner of their choice about their gender identity. A critical concern in this arena is housing.
Non-binary, gender fluid, and gender nonconforming students may feel more comfortable, for example, in housing designated for the gender with which they identify. A trans woman student, in other words, may feel safer and more comfortable in female student housing.
Gender-inclusive housing means, ultimately, that students can choose who they prefer to live with, whether male, female, or coed, without the fear of harassment or discrimination.
The Student Privacy Challenge
Student Privacy
Photo by Jason Dent on Unsplash
The challenge of maintaining student privacy in a gender-inclusive environment derives foremost from the failure to precisely define what information can be disclosed, how, and when.
For example, just because a student has expressed interest in gender-inclusive housing doesn’t mean that they want to receive informational materials designed for LGBTQ+ students. Receiving these materials at home, through email, or text may compromise the student’s right to privacy and may even subject them to discrimination and violence.
For this reason, it’s critical to balance data-driven, personalized marketing tactics with sensitivity and discretion. The information students provide on application and enrollment forms regarding their gender identity, for instance, isn’t automatically appropriate for use in student communications.
What does Informed Consent Mean?
Protecting student privacy, ultimately, involves prioritizing student consent. It’s critical that one not simply assume that the student is “out” as a transgender person just because they have indicated their transgender status on student forms or personal surveys.
Rather, faculty, staff, and administrators should actively seek the student’s informed consent in all processes that might relate to the issue of gender identity. This should include, for instance, ascertaining the student’s preferences for inclusive housing.
This should also include obtaining the student’s permission to communicate with the student regarding inclusivity in general and LGBTQ+ processes and services in particular. Students should be allowed to determine what types of communication they will receive and how, whether by phone, text, mail, or email.
They should also be asked to define how they wish to be identified on campus and with parents, friends, and family members off campus. The stark reality is that LGBTQ+ persons may live very different lives on a gender-inclusive campus than when they are in their home environment or native communities.
The risk of violence and discrimination, unfortunately, is still all too real. Even in the most inclusive of university environments, students simply may not be ready to disclose their identity, even to gender-fluid or transgender peers. This means that maintaining the privacy of LGBTQ+ students can be a complex and ever-evolving process, but it can be critical to the student’s physical, mental, and social well-being.
Thus, faculty and staff must be proactive and conscientious, including routinely checking in with the student to determine what, if anything, has changed regarding their privacy preferences.
The Role in Safeguarding Student Privacy
Privacy is a vital concern for every student, but it is especially significant for transgender or gender-fluid students. For these students, a breach of privacy can subject them to violence, discrimination, and harassment. Thus, despite the safety and acceptance students are likely to find in a gender-inclusive university, it is incumbent on faculty and staff to take care to safeguard student privacy.
José Cuervo's Reserva de la Familia agave fields
The only thing I knew at this point was there was going to be a dinner and an official unveiling of the artist-designed collector’s box that houses the Reserva de la Familia premium tequilas. Originally, Reserva de la Familia were tequilas made for the Cuervo family and shared with their closest friends. However, that quickly changed when they realized the tequilas were too good not to share. So, every year since 1995, the José Cuervo brand has been partnering with artists around the world who have roots in Mexico to create limited-edition collector’s boxes that will house their small-batch tequilas.
This year the Tercerunquinto Collective was selected for the artist collaboration and in order to prepare for the creative task ahead of them, they made the trip to Tequila, Mexico, the birthplace and home of José Cuervo. (Yes, it’s a real place). They surveyed the lands in and around the town and they walked the vast agave fields to gather information – incidentally, the blue agave is where the spirit tequila comes from. Once they completed their research, they worked all that data into art.
What are the Small Batch Tequilas from José Cuervo Reserva de la Familia
Reserva de la Familia by José Cuervo
Platino Tequila
Made using a proprietary process called Essencia de Agave which José Cuervo and the distillers only know. The finished product is tequila with an intense aroma and flavor of agave.
Reposado Tequila
This rich and sophisticated expression is created by using three types of wood and barrel toasting methods and a unique barrel aging process. The result is notes of baking spices with mellow toffee and vanilla flavors.
Extra Añejo
The award-winning version of Reserva de la Familia is made by using the piñas, or hearts, of 8 to 10-year-old agave plants. The aging process creates a complex tequila with a rich bouquet and an ultra-smooth taste.
I knew about the tequila but hadn’t seen it or the artist’s design yet but there were still a couple of days before the actual reveal. Until then, our group was going to do some sightseeing, eating, and of course, drinking. If you’re ever in Guadalajara Mexico and need some food recommendations, you’ve come to the right place. I’ve added addresses and links so you can check out everywhere we ate, drank, and slept.
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Restaurante Alcalde
Restaurante Alcalde kitchen and tasting menu dishes
Av. México 2903, Vallarta Nte., 44690
The restaurant opened in 2013 and in 2021 made #68 in the 2021 World’s Best Restaurants List and is ranked #14 in all of Latin America. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Paco Ruano who brings his vision to the dishes and restaurant. As we walked up the stairs, we passed a glass wall, and on the other side of that wall is the kitchen. I paused a moment or two to take in the view and to watch the team at work. They orchestrated everything beautifully and I couldn’t wait to eat.
While we were preparing for dinner, Sonia Espinola, the Director of the Beckmann Foundation and Tequila Maestra, was walking us through the Cuervo family traditions and legacy…and she brought tequila for us to taste. Fun fact, Sonia was one of the first, if not THE first female Tequila Maestras in a mostly male-dominated industry.
Browse Menu
After dinner, we had a chance to continue on with cocktails at another location but I couldn’t. I was exhausted and needed some beauty sleep. If you’re ever in the area though, you need to check out El Habanero Negro. I hear it’s great!
El Habanero Negro
C. Manuel López Cotilla 1228-a, Col Americana, Americana, 44160 Guadalajara
Enjoy more cocktails or grab a bit to eat at this lively cantina in the heart of Guadalajara. Take in the city on the colorfully decorated terrace while enjoying classic Mexican cocktails.
Browse Menu
One of the hotels we’ll be staying at is Camino Real’s luxury brand collection called Quinta Real hotels. They have other locations in select cities across Mexico and they’re all just gorgeous. In the 16th century, Spaniards called the route that lead into New Spain, now Mexico City, Camino Real, and was the main connection between San Antonio Texas to Mexico City. Today, Camino Real is steeped in tradition and hospitality to all that visit their properties.
Quinta Real Guadalajara
Quinta Real Guadalajara
Av. México 2727, Vallarta Nte., 44690
Quinta Real Guadalajara was one of Quinta Real’s first in their collection. The hotel was previously a hacienda that was converted into the beautiful property it is today. You’ll be transported back to the early days of Jalisco Mexico with the period pieces of furniture and artwork. The ivy-covered facade, lush gardens, and dramatic statues drown out the sounds of the bustling city that is just steps away. Enjoy a glass of Mexican wine, or a glass of tequila in the hotel bar, or grab a bite to eat at the onsite restaurant.
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The plan for the day was to have Sonia take us on a sightseeing tour which included the Arcos de Guadalajara, some art galleries, and the artist colony-turned-town, Tlaquepaque.
The Arcos de Guadalajara was erected in 1942 and stands today as the entrance to the city. It was to commissioned to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Guadalajara and resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. In 1959, they added the Hall of Flags above the arcs to serve as a viewpoint of the city however in 1981, they closed the Hall of Flags to the public and installed the office of the Secretary of Tourism in the state of Jalisco.
Los Arcos in Guadalajara
After we visited Los Arcos, we moved on to the art gallery, Curro.
The gallery was founded in 2008, then known as Curro & Poncho but later changed its name to Curro in 2013. Curro is a contemporary art gallery that includes various exhibitions all year long and holds international art fairs, and several art projects available privately or publicly.
On our way to the next location, we passed a gigantic roundabout with a monument in the center. Glorieta La Minerva is a sculpture by Jaoquín Arias created in 1956 and stands about 27 feet tall. Minerva stands as the guardian of Guadalaraja and is considered the protector of all. Truly an amazing site to see.
Up next was the beautiful city of Tlaquepaque (pronounced something like Tuh-lock-e-pa-key). It was settled by a community of artists and eventually grew into a thriving community of artists, galleries, restaurants, and shopping. Speaking of restaurants, it was time for lunch and cocktails. These are two of my favorite restaurants to experience.
Town of Tlaquepaque Mexico
Casa Luna Tlaquepaque
Independencia No. 211 Col. Centro CP. 45500 Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
Once you step through the doorway and into the hall, you feel the space transform before your eyes. Candles, decorations, and tables align the main room along with decorated trees and a long bar against the back. It’s as visually stunning as the food is amazing. The restaurant is actually part of an art gallery called Origins by Mexican designer David Luna which explains the magic of the place.
Restaurante Cielto Lindo
Appetizers at Restaurante Cielito Lindo
Independencia No. 208, Col. Centro CP. 45500 Tlaquepaque, Jalisco
Like Casa Luna, you walk through the door and hallway into another world. It feels as though you’re sitting outdoors with its towering banyan trees, lush palms, and straw pendant lights throughout the restaurant. Toss in amazing cocktails, more Mexican food, and live music and you’ll never want to leave.
We had some time left so we wandered around town, perused the various art galleries, shops, and took a stroll through Jardín Hidalgo, a beautifully landscaped plaza. Even though the town was bustling with locals and tourists alike, it was relaxing and peaceful. As we were walking back to our shuttle, I noticed several gay couples walking down the street holding hands and I thought how amazing it was to see and how accepted they were as Mexico becomes more and more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community.
We headed back to the hotel to relax and freshen up for dinner. I know, I know. It’s a lot of food. But trust me, you work up an appetite doing all the walking, shopping, and drinking! Before we headed to dinner, we found ourselves having pre-dinner cocktails in the hotel bar. I had this great Mexican wine when I was in Puerto Vallarta a month or so before so I figured I would try out another Mexican wine and then head to dinner.
Hueso
Appetizers and Maiin Course dishes at Hueso
Calle Efraín González Luna 2061, Col Americana, Obrera, 44140
Hueso means "bone" in English and you wouldn’t know why until you step into the unassuming building. Once through the doors, you’ll notice everything is white. The all-white decor and on the walls, bones. The building is a remodeled 1940s house and displays over 10,000 shark, bear, deer, boar, and other animal bones from all over the world. Chef Alfonso Cadena leads the restaurant and team to create excellent dishes on the ever-changing menu.
Reservations
I hate to say it, but I was exhausted after the day of shopping, eating, and drinking and we had the opportunity to visit a speakeasy and I didn’t go. I was simply stuffed and exhausted…More beauty sleep because the next day we were off to another town.
Fat Charlie
C. Manuel López Cotilla 1940, Col Americana, Lafayette 44160
Bartenders mix up fresh and seasonal ingredients in this speakeasy setting. The location of Fat Charlie’s is in a popular area of Guadalajara so there is no shortage of nightlife.
Browse Menu
We were up early, packed, and ready to make our way to our next destination. Tequila Mexico. Yes. It’s a real place. And yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. It’s a bit of a drive to get there, just over an hour but the drive is nice especially if you’re not doing the driving. Once you get out of the city, you’re on a highway flanked by rolling hills that soon turn into agave fields. Imagine driving through Napa Valley California and seeing all the vineyards. That’s exactly what it’s like, but with agave.
Once we arrive in Tequila, we head straight to our new accommodations, which is also owned by José Cuervo. We don’t have long because we are supposed to head out to our next excursion so we have enough time to unpack, rest a bit, and off we go again. Here’s a bit of information on the town: Tequila was founded in roughly 1530 and received municipal status around 1850. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds The Mexican National Tequila Fair every year from November 30 to December 10.
Solar de las Ánimas
Solar de las Animas in Tequila Mexico
Photo courtesy of Hotel Solar de las Adnimas
Ramón Corona 86, Centro, 46400 Tequila Jalisco
As you walk through the double doors, the main desk is right in front of you, and to your right is a long hallway, and on the left is a ramp that rounds a corner. The hotel is definitely larger than I thought. There are 5 floors, 93 rooms and everything is state of the art and comfortable. I didn’t really explore the hotel other than checking out the swimming pool that was tucked away and the sky bar. What can I say about the sky bar that you wouldn’t already expect? It was amazing. It had sweeping views of the city, bistro chairs for dinner and drinks, a wrap-around bar, and a soaking tub. Imagine sitting rooftop next to a soaking tub, or IN the tub, having cocktails while taking in the sights of this almost 500-year-old town.
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Our first outing was to the José Cuervo agave fields to watch an agave harvesting demonstration. Agave plants are still harvested by hand by Jimadors who use a long flat-like shovel called a coa. The agave reaches full maturity between 8-10 years and this is when the Jimadors come in and harvest the piñas and prepare them for delivery to the distillery.
After we watched the demonstration and walked around the fields a bit, we headed back to the town to visit the oldest active distillery in Latin America and where José Cuervo is produced.
La Rojeña Distillery
La Rojeña Distillery in Tequila Mexico
José Cuervo #73, Centro, 46400 Tequila Jalisco
The distillery is quite large and we toured just about every part of it. You can watch them cut the piñas, place them in the oven to roast, watch them be shredded, and then on to pressing and processing and finally, distilling. After the distilling process, you can head over to the packaging area. Each bottle is hand-blown, labeled with a wax seal, individually numbered, and wrapped and packaged in the Tercerunquinto artist collector’s box.
After the tour, we had lunch at Patio Mexicano and more tequila. The tequila certainly does flow like water around there. Once lunch was over, it was time for a siesta in preparation for the big event.
The Reserva de la Familia Artist Dinner and Reveal
The bar, stage, and musicians at Hacienda el Centenario
There was a cocktail hour at the Beckmann Cultural Foundation center before dinner and as we walked in, we were handed champagne flutes of tequila. Anyone who is anyone in Mexico was here and it was a huge celebration in anticipation of the big reveal. The cultural center housed art, artifacts, and family heirlooms passed through 11 generations of Cuervos and it was amazing to walk through so much history. We eventually made our way to Hacienda el Centenario where dinner and the party were taking place. Stunning doesn’t even begin to describe the grounds, decor, lighting, and sculptures.
The event started with dinner by Executive Chef Paco Ruano from Restaurante Alcalde, drinks, and live music. Bottles of wine, tequila, and tequila-themed cocktails flowed well into the night. I think we had our dessert course at about 11:45 pm. Suddenly, the music stopped and the presentation of the new tequila started.
After the big reveal, fireworks filled the air and a light show danced on the main building of the Hacienda. Now, it was time to party with all the formalities out of the way, the floor opened up to dancing and everyone was soon on the dance floor or refilling their tequila glass. I don’t think I have ever had this much tequila in my life but it was an amazing experience that I won’t soon forget.
Reserva de la Familia Extra Añejo and collector's gift boxPhoto courtesy of Samantha Reynolds
Mexicans sure know how to throw a party and José Cuervo certainly knows how to make tequila. It was great to see that they are giving back to the community and caring about the land and the people who helped them get to where they are today. Learning the history of the town, José Cuervo's humble beginnings, and how generations pushed the tequila forward through the years was a beautiful story to hear.
Do yourself a favor and try the Reserva de la Familia tequilas. You won’t be disappointed. I do have my favorite but I’ll let you decide for yourself.