Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - Often referred to as "Mexican moonshine," Raicilla is a Jalisco tradition that might not be as popular as Tequila, but certainly has a growing following. A distilled spirit made from the agave plant, Raicilla is similar to Tequila and Mezcal and is made by artisans with recipes passed down from generation to generation.

Raicilla has a reputation for being created and sold without government approval, but recently Hacienda el Divisadero in Cabo Corrientes has been making and selling it legally, and you can sample this Raicilla, plus Tequila Real and Tequila Rebozo, at a special "The Spirits of Mexico" tasting at Daiquiri Dick's restaurant on March 29, 2012 from 4 to 6 pm.

Tequila has been around since the 16th century and created by the Aztecs. Mass produced and popularly named tequila factories are owned by large multinational corporations, but the spirits for this tasting are all small, family operations and offer their unique quality and expertise to their recipes.

The liquor representatives will explain their products in detail and offer food pairing tips and serving suggestions. These are spirits you savor, not shoot. Tequila is frequently mixed in cocktails, but raicilla has a smoky flavor and is typically served straight up. All of these spirits are excellent quality, smooth, and high proof.

Sample the spirits of Mexico and come away with a better understanding of this truly Jalisco product. The cost is $200 pesos per person, which includes snacks from The Deli and an etched souvenir shot glass. For reservations, please call (322) 222-0566 or email DaiquiriDicks(at)gmail.com - and consider staying for dinner, too...