Ahead of us is another session in the series of regular meetings with bar literature expert Tomáš Mozr!
On July 29th, the next Books & Booze event will kick off, this time on the theme Agáve Safari.
As soon as you set off on a safari, you’re expecting an experience. For some, it’s adrenaline, for others, exoticism, and for someone else, an authentic moment. Trust us—agave spirits deliver all of that in one. At the July edition of Books & Booze, we’ll dive into the growing global trend that has one clear common denominator: agave. After all, predictions for the United States say that tequila will soon surpass American whiskey in sales. So, there’s truly something to look forward to at the upcoming Books & Booze, as we’ll talk not only about agave-based spirits themselves, but also about cocktails crafted with tequila and mezcal.
Did you know that the term mezcal originally referred to any agave-based spirit, including tequila? The word mezcal comes from the Nahuatl language, formed by combining metl and ixcalli, which mean roasted agave and the intoxicating drink made from its sap. Despite their shared origins, the two spirits have their own unique characteristics. They are made from different types of agave, for example, and mezcal—unlike tequila—is known for its distinctive smoky flavor.
According to the annual ranking by the prestigious Drinks International magazine, the margarita is the third best-selling and most frequently ordered cocktail in the world. And what’s in it? A margarita is a simple combination of tequila, orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice.
Across Mexico, there are around 300 species of agave, with roughly 30 varieties of green agave used to produce mezcal. While tequila can only be made from blue Weber agave, mezcal is far more flexible in this regard. Mezcal is often made from “wild” agave species, the most popular of which is tobalá. The most commonly used variety, however, is espadín, primarily grown in Oaxaca. Agave plants typically reach optimal maturity between eight and ten years, although it’s not uncommon to find plants that are 12 to 15 years old.
What does the acronym DOT stand for? Denominación de Origen Tequila, or DOT, is a protected designation for a precisely defined geographical area related to the production of tequila. The boundaries of the region where tequila can be produced were first established in 1974, marking a historic milestone. It was, in fact, the first protected designation of origin outside of Europe.
The phrase “killing the worm” has a very specific meaning when it comes to mezcal. While it might sound strange or even comical, it’s actually possible to find a worm in a bottle of mezcal. That said, it’s not really a worm, but the larva of a moth from the Mariposa genus, which feeds on agave plants. Two types of larvae are inserted into bottles: gusano rojo (red, living in the roots and heart of the agave) or gusano oro (golden, feeding on the leaves of the agave). Eating larvae is nothing unusual in Mexico, but putting them into bottles is actually a marketing trick that dates back to the 1950s. Contrary to popular myth, consuming the larva has no psychedelic or aphrodisiac effects. In fact, the presence of a larva is not an indicator of quality—quite the opposite. You will never find one in the most refined and mature mezcals.
You will also have the opportunity to taste some cocktails supported by the brands: Cabrito Blanco Tequila, Los Siete Misterios Mezcal, Fever-Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit.
You will learn about this and much more when you join us on July 29, 2025!
Tomas and the Alcron Bar team will this time welcome guests in only one wave – from 17:00 as the wave from 19:00 is already fully booked.
Everyone who wants to explore the secrets of the world of cocktails and bar culture is cordially invited, and this unique event is open to everyone for FREE! And that’s why you really shouldn’t miss this event!
Will you take part in six of the twelve themed evenings? You will then become a unique member of the “Friends of Alcron” group and look forward to surprises.
For the reservation, please click here.