Why do bottles of tequila contain worms

It's a common misconception that tequila bottles contain worms; indeed, it is legally forbidden for bottles of tequila to contain worms. In fact, it is the drink mezcal - similar to tequila and also made in Mexico - that contain worms. A number of brands of mezcal contain worms.

The worm is traditionally used for such a purpose is actually the caterpillar Hipota agavis, which lives in the stems of agave plants, from which mezcal is made. These reddish coloured worms can be quite rare and at times white worms from the leaves of the plant are used instead.

The practice of adding such worms to bottles of mezcal has been in existence since the 1940s, when a Mexican named Jocobo Lozano Paez, while tasting the drink, found that the addition of worms changed the taste and colour. He then decided to include the worm as a marketing gimmick. Despite popular belief, this practice hasn't been a Mexican tradition for centuries.

The worm is supposed to be eaten, traditionally being considered a delicacy by Mexicans, and is thought by some to have aphrodisiac qualities, while others believe that the worm gives strength to those who eat it and that it is hallucinogenic. Apart from any psychological effects the worm might have, however, in reality it's merely a worm filled with alcohol.

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