Agave Beverages Throughout the New World

Agave has been, and still is, widely used for fermented and distilled beverages throughout the New World. Several different alchoholic beverages can be made from agave, including pulque, mezcal, and tequila. Mezcal and tequilla are distilled products and were not made prior to European exploration and conquest. However, fermented beverages were used extensively in Mesoamerica, and southern North America. West Mexico ceramic containers and figurines depict fermentation vessels and even the consumption of beverages that are probably a form of fermented agave (Butterwick 1998). Maya codices depict feasting that was accompanied by drinking, probably a form of pulque. Aztec codices also show many scenes with pots that are brimming over, signifying the fermentation process. Often, these are shown with depictions of rabbits, symbolizing fertility and plenty. Although many fermented beverages documented historically among native groups in the northern part of Mexico and the southern U.S. were made from corn or saguaro (see examples of Tarahumara and Tohono O'Odham, below), there are a few tantalizing references to agave beverages as well. For example, Cushing (19

West Mexico Images

Figure 2.3.1  “Jalisco Merry Pair” showing man and woman, imbibing (agave?) drink. Consumption may have been a part of wedding feasts (Butterwick 1998).

Figure 2.3.2  “Colima Drinking Warrior” showing trophy heads at belt. Drink may have been used to reward those who were part of a warrior class and/or to celebrate success in the battle (Butterwick 1998).

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