When it comes to myths, legends, and misconceptions surrounding alcoholic beverages, few are as persistent and intriguing as the idea of “drinking the worm” in tequila. For decades, the image of a jar of spirit with a worm at the bottom has symbolized Mexican drinking culture—although, as many are surprised to learn, that worm is almost never in tequila.
This article delves deep into the history, science, and culture surrounding the mysterious “worm in the bottle,” corrects common misunderstandings about tequila versus mezcal, and answers the burning question: What actually happens if you drink the worm in tequila—assuming you could even find one in the first place.
Understanding the Myth: Is the Worm in Tequila Real?
To clear up confusion from the start: True tequila does not contain a worm. The legendary worm, known as gusano, is actually more commonly associated with mezcal, a distilled spirit also made from agave but produced differently and often under separate regulations than tequila.
The Origin of the Worm in Mezcal
The tradition of including a worm in bottles of mezcal began in the 1940s. Various theories exist about why it was introduced. Some speculate it was a marketing stunt to differentiate certain mezcals. Others claim it was a way to test the bottles’ integrity—worms were sometimes added under the idea that a sealed bottle would keep the worm preserved, indicating a properly closed product.
Types of Worms Found in Mezcal
In mezcal bottles, there are generally two types of gusanos:
- Red Worms: Larvae of the moth Comadia redtenbacheri, which lives inside agave plants.
- White Worms: Larvae of the agave snout weevil, another pest of agave crops.
Some bottles even include both the worm and a scorpion or a dried chili for extra “kick”—though those are modern embellishments, not traditional.
What Really Happens If You Drink the Worm?
Whether you encounter a worm in your bottle of mezcal, or you’re daringly seeking it out in the spirit of cultural experience, many wonder—what are the real consequences? Here’s what every drinker should know:
1. You Won’t Get High or Hallucinate
One of the most persistent myths is that the worm contains hallucinogenic or psychoactive properties. No scientific evidence supports the idea that eating the worm in mezcal causes intoxication beyond what the alcohol delivers.
Drinking or chewing on a preserved worm with mezcal might elevate the sensory experience—perhaps imparting a mild nutty or earthy flavor—but won’t unlock hidden powers or alter your perception in unique ways.
2. It’s Safe for Most People (If Tolerable)
By most accounts, the worm is safe to consume, assuming the mezcal has been stored properly and is not contaminated. It’s usually soaked in alcohol and dried herbs, so it remains preserved.
Of course, this doesn’t mean everyone should ingest it. Those with food allergies—especially those sensitive to insects or preservatives—might react negatively. Others simply may not stomach the idea, psychologically or biologically.
3. It Has No Special Health Benefits or Risks
Beyond sensational media coverage or adventurous tales, there are no significant nutritional or medical benefits to eating the worm. It doesn’t enhance the immune system, treat illnesses, or act as an aphrodisiac, despite centuries-old folktales suggesting otherwise.
Similarly, there are no known toxic effects from ingestion unless the product is improperly prepared and includes substances other than mezcal and the worm.
Why Tequila Doesn’t Have a Worm: Legal and Regulatory Standards
For those who specifically ask, “What happens if you drink the worm in tequila?” it’s important to clarify: tequila does not legally include a worm under Mexican regulations governed by the Consejo Regulador del Tequila (CRT).
The gusano remains in some mezcals, but tequila follows strict production standards regulated by Denominación de Origen Tequila (DOT), which do not allow for the addition of foreign objects or ingredients post-distillation.
Tequila vs. Mezcal: What’s the Difference?
To better understand why your tequila bottle doesn’t—and shouldn’t—contain a worm, let’s compare tequila and mezcal side-by-side:
| Characteristic | Tequila | Mezcal |
|---|---|---|
| Agave Used | Blue agave (Agave tequilana) | Various agave species (Agave americana, Agave espadin, etc.) |
| Production Area | Specifically in Jalisco and limited regions elsewhere | Primarily in Oaxaca, but legally made in 9 Mexican states |
| Regulating Standards | Stricter, governed by CRT and DO standards | Governed by Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM); more room for artisan methods |
| Inclusion of Worm | Banned by DO standards | Occasionally included in some bottles |
The Worm as a Symbol: Marketing or Tradition?
While true tequila brands shun the inclusion of a worm, the image is often mistakenly associated with tequila in American pop culture. This stems from post-Prohibition marketing efforts in the U.S., where bottles with gusano were sold as “cheap mezcals” or “mescal” (often misspelled) and the worm became a novelty for attracting adventurous consumers.
This led to tequila’s unwanted reputation as a less-sophisticated agave spirit overseas, prompting the CRT to explicitly ban the worm’s inclusion to preserve the image of quality-controlled tequila production.
Psychology of the Worm: Why Do People Still Believe the Myth?
The worm has become part of the international cocktail culture legend. But the question remains—why does this myth persist?
Cultural Perception and Western Portrayal
The concept of eating the worm in tequila gained traction in the U.S. during the 1950s and 1960s. It was a time when foreign cultures were often exoticized in media, and “weird” or “bold” practices made for catchy marketing.
Films, commercials, and even theme restaurants began promoting the idea of “eating the worm with tequila,” despite it being a mezcal feature. The myth was reinforced repeatedly without correction.
Word-of-Mouth Confusion
Another reason the myth survives is a simple confusion between mezcal and tequila. Since both products are distilled from agave and hail from similar regions of Mexico, it’s common for people unfamiliar with Mexican spirits to conflate them.
When mezcal producers included the worm, and when media incorrectly labeled this as tequila, the myth grew roots, particularly among casual consumers.
Adventure Tourism and the Drinking Scene
In popular tourist hubs such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Tulum, themed bars serve a worm with alcohol or sell novelty bottles with worms as souvenirs. These experiences perpetuate the myth, again often pairing tequila as the host spirit rather than mezcal.
What Cultural Value Does the Worm Serve in Mezcal?
It’s important to clarify that while the worm may now serve as a tourism gimmick, its original roots in Mexican culture are more organic and agricultural.
Sign of Quality or Regional Authenticity
In rural Oaxaca decades ago, agave farmers and mezcaleros (mezcal producers) often checked mezcal quality not only by taste, but by whether natural pests like worms could survive in it. While this practice was more folklore than science, mezcal brands later started adding worms to signal authenticity or artisanal craftsmanship.
Symbolic of Mezcal’s Wild Roots
Unlike tequila, which is often commercialized and associated with sleek branding, mezcal is celebrated for being “smoky,” “earthy,” and “handmade.” Including the gusano is a wink to the countryside origins of mezcal—where agave pests are occasionally part of the natural cultivation process.
This raw authenticity is why many mezcal purists appreciate the gusano-laden presentation, seeing it as unfiltered and traditional, even if it’s not a necessity.
Is the Worm Coming Back? The Market and the Trend Cycle
In the modern mixology and cocktail world, artisanal approaches and authenticity matter more than ever. While high-end mezcal brands generally avoid adding gusano—much like premium tequilas—there is a market for nostalgic or novelty mezcal bottles that include the worm.
Tourist Markets Still Feature the Worm
If you’re in Mexico or a liquor store abroad looking to purchase “mezcal con gusano,” you will find it. These bottles usually come from cheaper production lines or are specifically packaged for tourists who expect them as part of the mezcal experience.
Craft Movement May Revive the Myth
With the resurgence of traditional mezcal-making in southern Mexico, some artisanal producers are considering gusano inclusion not as a gimmick, but as a way to market the agricultural connection and biodiversity of agave plants in different regions.
Ingestion Tips: How to “Safely” Eat the Gusano
If you’re curious and find yourself holding a bottle of mezcal with a worm inside, here are a few tips:
- Check for Expiration or Spoilage: If the bottle shows any sign of damage or contamination, think twice before ingesting.
- Proceed With an Open Mind: The experience is largely psychological. Know there’s no intoxicating or healing effect.
- Pair With Traditions: Some drink mezcal with salt and lime after chewing the worm for a full sensory experience, though it’s not required.
Remember, drinking the worm is optional—and mostly for fun. Enjoy it once, laugh, and decide whether it’s worth repeating.
Conclusion: Separating Fact From Fiction
Returning to our original question: What happens if you drink the worm in tequila? The short answer is—if it’s authentic tequila from Mexico, you won’t find a worm in the first place. What you might encounter is a worm in mezcal, which is generally safe, symbolic rather than medicinal, and more about cultural identity than effects.
The worm has played an outsized role in shaping international perceptions of agave spirits, both positively and negatively. For some, it represents adventure, tradition, and exoticism. Others see it as a barrier to appreciating the true complexity and sophistication of mezcal and tequila.
So the next time you hear someone ask, “What happens if you drink the worm in tequila?” you’ll have all the information needed—not just to correct the record, but to ignite a deeper conversation about Mexico’s rich agave culture, one sip at a time.
Tequila: A Story Beyond the Worm
While the worm adds amusement for some, it distracts from the true story of tequila’s heritage, craftsmanship, and growth into a globally celebrated spirit. Whether you’re drinking a reposado, añejo, or plata tequila, you’re engaging with centuries of Mexican tradition—without the need for novelty preservation.
So why not pour yourself a proper glass, learn to taste like a true aficionado, and leave the worm to the myths where it belongs? Cheers to appreciating the real stories behind every bottle.
What is the worm in tequila?
The worm in tequila is actually a larva, typically found in a type of mezcal rather than tequila. These larvae come in two varieties: the red worm, which is the caterpillar of the moth Comadia redtenbacheri, and the white worm, from the agave plant-eating butterfly. The tradition of placing a worm in the bottle originated in the mid-20th century as a marketing tactic in the 1950s to attract consumers and differentiate certain mezcal brands.
While it’s often associated with tequila in popular culture, adding a worm is not a traditional practice for tequila, which is a specific type of mezcal made from blue agave. The worm is usually found in lower-quality or novelty mezcals. Consumers who encounter a worm in their bottle are often intrigued and ask what happens if they ingest it. Despite the mystery surrounding the worm, its presence in a bottle typically signals a mass-market product rather than a premium spirit.
Is it safe to eat the worm in tequila or mezcal?
Yes, it is generally safe to ingest the worm found in mezcals, though it may not be advisable. The worm is preserved in alcohol, which kills most harmful bacteria, so consuming it does not typically pose an immediate health risk. However, it’s not a common food item and has no nutritional value. In some cultures, eating the worm is considered a rite of passage or a novelty experience among friends.
That said, the texture and taste may be off-putting to many, and there is no evidence that consuming it provides any particular benefits like enhanced strength or bravery. Some people report mild stomach discomfort after eating the worm, which may be due to the high alcohol content of the spirit rather than the larva itself. Those with protein sensitivities or insect allergies should avoid consuming the worm altogether.
Why do some bottles have worms in them?
The tradition of putting a worm in the bottle began in the 1950s as a marketing ploy by producers of lower-quality mezcal to make their product stand out. A Mexican mezcal company reportedly won a bet by convincing another producer that the presence of a worm in the bottle would increase sales. This novel idea took off and became a popular gimmick, especially in international markets. As a result, many people mistakenly associate the worm with authentic or high-quality mezcal or tequila.
While the presence of a worm may still be used to signal authenticity to some uninformed consumers, seasoned tequila or mezcal drinkers know that premium products do not include foreign objects like larvae. Instead, they focus on flavor, aroma, and craftsmanship. Some producers also claim the worm imparts flavor to the liquor, but this is debatable and not substantiated by flavor experts or professional tastings.
What happens if you eat the worm in mezcal?
Eating the worm in a mezcal bottle usually has no dramatic effects. It is largely a cultural experience that comes with stories of hallucinations or drunkenness, but these are largely myths. The human digestive system can process the worm much like it would any protein, and while it may taste unpleasant, there are no proven health benefits or dangers directly tied to the larva itself.
What could have an effect is the high alcohol content of the mezcal, which may irritate the stomach after ingesting the worm. Reports of altered mental states after eating the worm are anecdotal and likely more related to the amount of alcohol consumed rather than the insect. In short, if you do choose to eat the worm, aside from the psychological impact of the novelty and possibly an upset stomach, you will likely be fine.
What does the worm in mezcal taste like?
The worm found in mezcal has a texture similar to a chewy gummy candy when preserved and consumed directly from the bottle, and its flavor is often described as bitter or earthy. Some people claim it has a nutty or savory taste, especially if the worm is from a mezcal that has a rich, smoky flavor profile. However, individual experiences can vary widely depending on the quality of the mezcal and personal taste sensitivity.
Because most mezcal with a worm is of lower quality, the worm can also enhance the perception of impurities or harshness in the spirit. It’s rare to eat the worm in isolation, so its flavor is often masked by the mezcal itself. Most people who taste the worm do so for the novelty rather than the culinary experience, and find it less than appetizing.
Does the worm in mezcal have hallucinogenic properties?
No, the worm in mezcal does not have hallucinogenic properties. This persistent myth likely arose from the exaggerated tales told during or after drinking mezcal with a worm, where alcohol-induced distortions are attributed to the larva itself. Alcohol may produce euphoric or dissociative effects in high amounts, but the worm does not contain any substances known to alter perception in a hallucinogenic way.
Some people insist that the worm can heighten the intoxicated experience or create unique sensations, but these beliefs are not backed by scientific evidence. What may appear as hallucinations is more likely a result of drinking excessive alcohol quickly on an empty stomach. While the combination of the novelty and the spirit’s potency can make for a memorable experience, the worm itself will not cause hallucinations.
What is the purpose of putting a worm in a mezcal bottle?
The primary purpose of placing a worm in a mezcal bottle is marketing. It was introduced in the 1950s to create curiosity and encourage sales, particularly abroad. The idea was that the worm would serve as a conversation piece or a marker of authenticity, although in reality, serious mezcal producers avoid adding larvae to their products. It became a symbol more of gimmickry than craftsmanship.
It’s also suggested that the worm, when soaked in alcohol, might influence the flavor of the mezcal slightly, although this is subjective and not traditionally desired. Some believe its presence is a test of courage or camaraderie among drinkers seeking a unique experience. Regardless of alleged flavor or tradition, the worm in a mezcal bottle remains primarily a marketing tool aimed at casual buyers rather than connoisseurs.