Food and Beverage
Talking Tequila: Understanding how 100% agave blanco tequilas are made
Last Updated on August 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Talking Tequila: Understanding how 100% agave blanco tequilas are made
(Family Features) As one of the world’s most popular spirits, tequila has a rich heritage rooted in traditional Mexican craftsmanship. Yet, many people may not be aware of its history or all that goes into producing the spirit. Understanding the production process can reveal the commitment to quality, artistry and craftsmanship that defines one of Mexico’s greatest treasures.
What is Tequila?
Tequila is a distilled spirit that can only be made from Blue Weber agave grown in five specific regions of Mexico: Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas. Blue Weber agave takes more than five years to mature and each agave plant is harvested only once.
Tequila is not just a spirit – it’s also a place. The town of Tequila in Jalisco, Mexico, is where this iconic spirit was born. The tequila industry as people know it began in 1758 when Jose Antonio de Cuervo was granted land in the region. By 1812, his family established La Rojeña, which remains the oldest tequila distillery in the world. Cuervo was the first to export tequila to the United States, setting the stage for tequila’s global expansion. Today, La Rojeña crafts many tequilas, including Cuervo Tradicional, Reserva de la Familia by Jose Cuervo and Maestro Dobel Tequila, following time-honored methods.
The Art of Tequila Production
The tequila-making process begins with cooking the inner portion of the agave, the piña, to convert the plant’s natural starches into fermentable sugars. After cooking, the juices from the piñas are extracted and separated from the agave fibers. These juices are then fermented using various yeast strains to convert the agave sugars to alcohol before the liquid is distilled.
The art of tequila production involves striking a balance between traditional methods and modern techniques to achieve consistency and quality. This process showcases the natural complexity and character of the Blue Weber agave plant, as well as the unique craftsmanship that goes into every bottle.
Favorite 100% Agave Blanco Tequilas
When searching for your next favorite tequila, consider one of these award-winning 100% agave options crafted with just three simple ingredients. Each tequila has been Mexican-family owned for 11 generations, uses estate-grown agave, recycles 100% of its agave fibers and treats 100% of the water used in the tequila-making process. To learn more about tequila production, visit TequilaFacts.org.

The Tequila That Invented Tequila
The original tequila created more than 230 years ago by the oldest tequila company and first agave farmers, Cuervo Tradicional Blanco follows the same family recipe that put tequila on the map. This award-winning 100% Blue Weber agave tequila offers herbaceous citrus notes balanced by spicy, sweet fruit and a clean finish. Cuervo is a protector of the industry, environment and Mexican communities at the heart of tequila.
How It’s Made: The agaves are aged at least 5 1/2 years before they’re cooked in traditional masonry brick ovens at La Rojeña for 36-40 hours. They’re then processed through roller mills to extract the juices.

The Best Taste in Tequila and in Life
Taking its name from the year tequila began gaining recognition beyond its humble origins in Jalisco, Mexico, 1800 Blanco Tequila features a floral, fruity aroma with hints of spice and black peppercorn with a balanced sweet prune and roasted pepper flavor, making it the perfect tequila to enjoy neat, on the rocks or incorporated in your favorite cocktail.
How It’s Made: Agave hearts are hand-harvested at peak maturity before the tequila is cooked in traditional masonry brick ovens for more than 36 hours, then double-distilled in copper pot stills. The tequila is a special selection of white tequilas blended for added complexity and flavor.

The Organic Crown Jewel of the Cuervo Family
Reserva de la Familia Organic Platino by Jose Cuervo is part of a collection of small-batch artisanal tequilas, 100% organically certified and handcrafted with meticulous care. This bright, unaged tequila features a unique, sweet and spicy palate with notes of melon, honey and hay, culminating in a clean finish highlighted by warm cinnamon spice. As a 100% certified organic product, it is one of the finest, most sustainable ultra-premium tequilas on the market.
How It’s Made: This tequila is crafted following the ‘Esencia de Agave’ process – a proprietary process created by Cuervo and known only by the distillers. This method allows the agave notes to retain their original character and shine through in the aroma and flavor of the finished product.

Mexico’s No. 1 Tequila
An award-winning, 100% Blue Weber agave tequila, Gran Centenario Plata is the favorite tequila of Mexico. Originated in 1857 by the first Master Distiller of tequila, this blanco presents vibrant fruit characteristics of pear, lime and citrus, complemented by subtle black pepper undertones.
How It’s Made: This blanco tequila is unique because it is matured in American Oak pipónes for 4-6 weeks, contributing to its distinctive straw color. The surface contact ratio of the pipónes is smaller than a barrel, which allows for less exposure to the wood, creating a nuanced flavor profile when compared to other blancos.

An Uncommonly Smooth Tequila for Any Occasion
A beloved tequila in Mexico, Maestro Dobel Blanco is crafted from single estate agaves that are slow-cooked in masonry ovens. Distilled twice, the resulting liquid is sweet, featuring caramel, honey, maple, walnut and vanilla tones alongside an indescribable softness and smooth finish.
How It’s Made: The agaves are harvested before the rainy season to create a greater concentration of carbohydrates, adding depth of flavor and producing a smooth, complex blanco tequila.
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Food and Beverage
Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days
Restaurant-Worthy Meals: When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes like this Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet or Egg Roll in a Bowl.

(Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress – and that includes your kitchen. If you’re juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible.
In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don’t skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups – like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait – you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won’t even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet.
If you’re craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household’s tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu.
To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes.
For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com.
Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet
Prep time: 1 minute
Cook time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1-2
- 1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges, for garnish (optional)
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine.
- Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve.
Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian.
Egg Roll in a Bowl
Prep time: 2 minutes
Cook time: 18 minutes
Servings: 2
- 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup
- 1/2 pound ground turkey or pork
- 1 cup coleslaw mix
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup fried wonton strips
- 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce
- Heat rice according to package directions.
- In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease.
- Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes.
- Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve.
Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.
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Food and Beverage
Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops

(Feature Impact) If you’re planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated.
These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product.
Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it’s easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie.
If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors.
Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com.
Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops
Prep time: 7 hours
Cook time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
- 1 quart water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1 bay leaf
- 12 juniper berries
- 6 cups ice
- 4 Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish
- In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved.
- Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch.
- Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight.
- Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.
- Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice
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Food and Beverage
Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert
Last Updated on July 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Decadent Sticky Rice Recipes for Dessert
(Feature Impact) Although many people associate rice with savory dishes, this staple grain can actually level up your dessert game too. Cultures from around the world have invented a variety of creative ways to turn the sticky rice in your pantry into treats you can whip up when you’re on the prowl for something sweet.
Sticky rice, also known as sweet rice, is a specific type of short- or medium-grain rice that, as the name implies, becomes sticky when cooked. With Success Boil-in-Bag Sticky Rice, it’s simple to make sweet, soft, perfectly cooked rice for desserts without extra steps, equipment or hassle. In only 12 minutes, you’ll have an ideal base to use for your favorite recipes.
A rice-based take on a quintessential British dessert, this Sticky Toffee Pudding is decadent and full of mouthwatering flavor. With the rich sweetness of brown sugar and vanilla imbued in every bite, it’s a warm, comforting dessert you might find yourself craving on a rainy day or cold night. Take it to the next level by adding caramelized banana and toasted coconut toppings.
For a more refreshing, summery option, transport your kitchen to the tropics with this Thai-inspired Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut. Creamy coconut-infused rice contrasts with juicy ripe mango slices, nutty black sesame seeds and cooling mint-leaf garnishes for a fun, fresh blend of textures and flavors that might have you picturing palm trees. If you’re not a mango fan, feel free to swap in a different tropical fruit of your choice.
The versatility of rice makes it an excellent mainstay to keep on hand in your kitchen, adding ease and flexibility to your daily meal routine. For more ideas on how to use rice for dessert – or for breakfast, lunch and dinner – visit SuccessRice.com.
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-4
- 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3/8 teaspoon salt, divided
- 1 stick unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- toasted coconut, for garnish
Caramelized Banana:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 banana, sliced into coins
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Prepare rice according to package directions.
- Remove rice from bag. Return to pot and stir in milk, brown sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes.
- In small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in sugar 2 minutes, or until dissolved. Whisk in cream and bring to simmer. Cook 5 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and remaining salt.
- To make caramelized banana: In medium skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar until syrupy. Add banana coins in single layer and cook 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drizzle vanilla on top.
- Add rice to bowl. Pour toffee sauce on top. Garnish with caramelized bananas and coconut. Serve warm or chilled.

Sticky Rice with Mango and Coconut
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Servings: 2-4
- 1 bag Success Sticky Rice
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1 1/4 cups coconut milk, divided
- 3 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar, divided
- 2 mangoes, sliced
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- fresh mint leaves, for garnish
- Prepare rice according to package directions using 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup coconut milk and 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar rather than 4 cups water.
- In separate small saucepan over medium heat, bring remaining coconut milk and brown sugar to boil. Cook, stirring often, 8-10 minutes, or until thickened and syrupy.
- Divide rice among four serving bowls. Arrange mango slices over top; drizzle with coconut milk syrup. Garnish with black sesame seeds and mint.
Substitution: Use pineapple, guava or papaya for mango, if desired.
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