Tequila, like many of humanity's greatest inventions, was the result of desperation. Spanish conquistadors, having taken a break from generally behaving badly, realized that they'd run out of brandy, their spirit of choice. In the arid highlands of Central Mexico, near the modern-day city of Tequila, they watched natives create an alcoholic beverage from the fermented sap of the agave plant, a distant relative of the lily and most certainly not a cactus.

Thus, tequila was born; generations of saloon outlaws, heads of state and spring breakers rejoiced. Ranging in quality from a barely palatable, rotgut mix to the ultra-premium sipping tequilas packaged in bottles that are themselves works of art, tequila is enjoying a renaissance unparalleled among spirits.

Come with us on a journey to Sin City's finest purveyors of the champagne of Mexico.

Diablo's Cantina
[monte carlo, 702.730.7979]
Diablo's Cantina dominates 13,000 square feet of prime Monte Carlo real estate. A sultry mix of American and Mexican culinary styles perfectly complements Mexico's favorite export. Boasting 32 varieties of agave's gift, Diablo's cool interior contrasts perfectly with the spicy food and sultry tequila sirens. Feeling adventurous? Grab a Family Flight to sample an entire family of one brand of tequila. Finish off with a Chupacabra, a cool fusion of fire and spice.

Dos Caminos
[the palazzo, 702.577.9600]
The first venture outside of its native New York City was a huge step for the legendary Mexican mecca Dos Caminos. With its marriage to The Palazzo, Dos Caminos' future is secure. For a more upscale dining experience, Dos Caminos cannot be beat. Enjoy bottle service from the extensive tequila menu, or sip a frozen Prickly Pear margarita to ease the heat.

Isla Mexican Kitchen & Tequila Bar
[treasure island, 702.894.7223]
I spent a wonderful early morn at Isla chatting up a cute little thing from the Midwest. We'd both grown tired of the crowds and noise and simply wanted a break. Little did we know that we'd enjoy good food, a tasty sampling of south-of-the-border drinks and some great conversation. So, get away, take a chance and try the Goddess Elixir, and maybe, just maybe, she'll be your goddess for the evening

Mi Casa Grill Cantina
[silverton, 702.263.7777]
OK, every tequila bar on the Strip wants you to think they're the king, but Mi Casa just may have a good claim. Located less than 5 miles south of Mandalay Bay, it's an agave paradise. Few can resist the raw power of 65 varieties of tequila. More to the point, few would want to

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville
[flamingo, 702.733.3302]
Perhaps no place on earth is more attuned to the word tequila than Margaritaville. The place is built on the love of tequila. Stop by for some nonstop tuneage from Buffett himself, enjoy the view from the third-floor patio and sip a Pink Cadillac margarita or 12.

Tequila Bar
[bally's, 888.742.9248]
True to its name, the Tequila Bar at Bally's serves more than 50 kinds of tequila. The venue evokes the feel of a Mexican cantina, serving margaritas, daiquiris, good Mexican brews and food ranging from classic tacos and quesadillas to blue agave-spiked oysters