{"id":13930,"date":"2025-04-25T12:00:57","date_gmt":"2025-04-25T16:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/?p=13930"},"modified":"2025-08-18T05:55:08","modified_gmt":"2025-08-18T09:55:08","slug":"tequila-worm","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/tequila-worm\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is There a Worm in Tequila? (Or Is It Mezcal?)"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Let\u2019s clear something up straight away: the <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tequila worm<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> isn\u2019t a real thing. That legendary little critter has never been a part of the tequila legacy. Not once. But that hasn\u2019t stopped generations of thrill-seekers from repeating the myth, swearing by tall tales of hallucinations, virility, and epic dares.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, where did this idea come from, and why do we still talk about it like it is a fact? It turns out the truth behind the worm in tequila bottles is just as wild as the story itself.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Does tequila actually have a worm?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-13965\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Three shot glasses of mezcal each with a gusano at the bottom, garnished with a lime wedge, photo by RHJ\/Adobe Stock\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Does-tequila-actually-have-a-worm-Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Here\u2019s the short answer: <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">no<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. There is no <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">worm in tequila bottles<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">. There never was, and there never will be. The myth of a worm in a tequila bottle is one of those persistent pieces of bar-side folklore that just refuses to be quiet, kind of like that guy at the party who won\u2019t stop talking about his backpacking trip through Cambodia.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">why is there a worm in tequila<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, or more accurately, <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">why do people think there is<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The confusion likely began in the mid-1900s, when mezcal producers looking to stand out in a growing market decided to do something eye-catching: they dropped a worm (technically, a <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) into the bottom of the bottle.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It was never part of traditional tequila making, and according to Mexican liquor regulations, it\u2019s actually forbidden in tequila. But the image of a worm in agave-based liquor stuck in the public\u2019s imagination, especially in the US.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Hollywood didn\u2019t help either. Movies and TV shows casually tossed around the idea of eating the worm like a badge of honor. And as tequila rose in popularity, the myth tagged along for the ride.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mezcal Cocktails 101:<\/span><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/trends\/mezcal-cocktails\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Smoky &amp; Flavorful Drinks to Try<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>The worm belongs in mezcal (not tequila!)<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-13962\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Pouring mezcal into a shot glass with a gusano inside, surrounded by lime wedges, photo by RHJ\/Adobe Stock \" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_The-worm-belongs-in-mezcal_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On the flipside, there <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">such a thing as a worm in an agave-based liquor bottle. It just doesn\u2019t belong in tequila. The so-called <\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\">tequila worm<\/span><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is found exclusively in mezcal. While both liquors are made from agave plants, they follow different production rules, traditions, and vibes entirely.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Real tequila is made with at least 51% blue weber agave and can only be produced in specific regions like Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, is more flexible. It can be made from a variety of agaves (e.g., espad\u00edn, tobal\u00e1, or madrecuixe), and it\u2019s mostly produced in Oaxaca.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The production process is also different: the agave hearts (or pi\u00f1as) are roasted in underground pits before mezcal distillation, giving it that unmistakable smoky flavor.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As for the worm? That comes from the maguey plant, which is another name for agave. This particular creature is a <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano de maguey<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, a larva that feeds on agave. It has absolutely no place in tequila, which is why Mexico\u2019s official standards board prohibits adding insects or larvae to it.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Mezcal isn\u2019t bound by the same rule, and some brands still add a <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">into the bottle. Not for tradition, necessarily, but for attention.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In short, if you&#8217;re sipping a bottle with a worm in it, what you\u2019ve got is mezcal. And if someone hands you a tequila bottle with one inside, well, it&#8217;s either a marketing stunt gone wrong or it\u2019s not real tequila at all.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Types of Tequila<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/agave-spirits\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">A Complete Guide to Blanco, Reposado &amp; A\u00f1ejo<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Why is there a worm in some mezcal bottles?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-13960\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Mezcal shot glass with a gusano and lime wedge, next to a mezcal bottle also containing worms, photo by RHJ\/Adobe Stock\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Why-is-there-a-worm-in-some-mezcal-bottles_Photo-by-RHJ_Adobe-Stock.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">So, if it\u2019s not tradition, why do some mezcal bottles include a worm? The most common theory is simple: marketing. Back in the 1940s and 50s, mezcal didn\u2019t have the same clout as tequila. To grab attention, especially from American tourists, some producers started adding <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusanos <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">to their bottles. It stood out, sparked curiosity, and gave people a story to tell.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There\u2019s also an idea that the worm proved the mezcal was strong enough to preserve the larva. If the <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">stayed intact, it meant the alcohol was potent. Others believed it enhanced the flavor or added mystical powers, like good luck or hallucinogenic effects. Spoiler : it doesn\u2019t.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">It\u2019s worth noting that this wasn\u2019t widespread across Mexico. In fact, most <em>mezcaleros<\/em> never used worms. The trend was aimed more at the export market than at locals. For many connoisseurs, a mezcal with a worm is considered lower quality. The best bottles? They let the agave do the talking\u2014no gimmicks needed.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Read next<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/reposado-tequila-cocktails\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Ultimate Guide to Delicious Reposado Tequila Cocktails<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>What is the mezcal worm?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-13961\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Traditional terracotta bowl filled with red gusano worms used in mezcal, photo by Simon\/Adobe Stock\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_What-is-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Simon_Adobe-Stock.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The worm you\u2019ll find in some mezcal bottles isn\u2019t a worm at all. It\u2019s a larva, known as <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano de maguey<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, that lives on and feeds off agave plants.\u00a0There are two main types: the white <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which becomes a caterpillar, and the red <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">, which transforms into a moth. The red one (g<\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">usano rojo<\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">) is more commonly used because it feeds on the heart of the maguey, which is also the part used to make mezcal.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Also see:<\/span><\/b> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/good-tequila-mixers\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">14 Best Tequila Mixers (What to Mix with Tequila)<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Can you eat the mezcal worm?<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-large wp-image-13966\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Hand holding a taco filled with guacamole, corn, onions, and fried mezcal worms, photo by Marco\/Adobe Stock\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Can-you-eat-the-mezcal-worm_Photo-by-Marco_Adobe-Stock.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Yes, you can eat the mezcal worm. It won\u2019t hurt you, and it\u2019s not toxic or dangerous. That said, it also won\u2019t up the ABV, grant you mystical powers, or send you on a hallucinogenic trip. That part is all urban legend. In the world of mezcal, it&#8217;s less about the worm, and more about the story it tells.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">These larvae can wreak havoc on agave crops, but, despite their humble origins as pests,\u00a0<em>gusanos<\/em>\u00a0have become a prized culinary ingredient in traditional Mexican cuisine. You\u2019ll find them in tacos, toasted and salted, or ground into powder to make <em>gusano<\/em> salt\u2014a smoky, savory, slightly earthy seasoning that\u2019s often served alongside mezcal.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">In some parts of Mexico, eating the <em>gusano<\/em> is seen as a nod to tradition, or a party trick for the bold. It\u2019s protein-rich, earthy in flavor, and often used to bring a bit of theatre to the drinking experience. But whether you crunch it or skip it, the worm won\u2019t change the liquor\u2019s effect.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">If anything, it\u2019s more about the ritual. Sharing mezcal, respecting the craft, and maybe, just maybe, braving the worm is part of what makes mezcal culture so layered and compelling.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Check this<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/learn\/anejo-tequila-cocktails\/\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">8 Must-Try A\u00f1ejo Tequila Cocktails<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>Famous mezcal brands that include the worm<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-13963 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a gusano in a shot glass of mezcal, surrounded by orange slices and a salt rim, photo by eskymaks\/Adobe Stock\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-1024x512.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-1536x768.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-1480x740.jpg 1480w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock-760x380.jpg 760w, https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2025\/04\/748.-Tequila-Worm_Header-Image_Photo-by-eskymaks-Adobe-Stock.jpg 1800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 767px) 100vw, 532px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not all mezcals include the worm; most don\u2019t. Among those that do, the presence of the <\/span><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">gusano <\/span><\/i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">is more about nostalgia and novelty than quality. Some well-known names have leaned into the worm tradition, but these brands typically cater to adventurous drinkers or those new to mezcal, curious about the old myths.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">But if you&#8217;re hunting for something premium and worm-free, check out labels like Montelobos, which focuses on craftsmanship and terroir. And while it\u2019s rare to find a top-tier mezcal with a worm inside, you\u2019ll still spot the occasional bottle aiming to stir up curiosity.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Inside scoop:<\/span><\/b><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/trends\/unique-tequila-cocktail-flavors\/\"> <span data-contrast=\"auto\">Trending Cocktail Flavors with Espol\u00f2n Tequila<\/span><\/a><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The tequila worm is one of those bar myths that\u2019s hard to shake, but now you know the truth. Tequila will never have a worm in the bottle. Only some mezcal producers include it, and mostly for marketing reasons. While the gusano has its place in agave culture, the real heart of tequila and mezcal lies in the skill of the makers, the quality of the agave, and the stories shared over every pour.<\/span><\/i><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Want to experience top-shelf agave liquor the right way? Visit the <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.espolontequila.com\/it-it\/tequila\/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=website\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Espol\u00f2n<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> and <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.montelobos.com\/?utm_source=referral&utm_medium=website\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">Montelobos<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> websites to stock up and <\/span><\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.themixer.com\/en-us\/subscribe\/\"><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\">sign up<\/span><\/i><\/a><i><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> for our tasty monthly newsletter to stay in the mix.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Let\u2019s clear something up straight away: the tequila worm isn\u2019t a real thing. That legendary little critter has never been a part of the tequila legacy. Not once. But that hasn\u2019t stopped generations of thrill-seekers from repeating the myth, swearing by tall tales of hallucinations, virility, and epic dares.\u00a0\u00a0 So, where did this idea come [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":13963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[167,35,20],"class_list":["post-13930","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-learn","tag-mezcal","tag-tequila","tag-weekends"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Tequila Worm Myth: The Truth About Worms in Bottles of Mezcal<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Does tequila really have a worm in the bottle? 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