Whether it makes you happy or not, chances are that everyone who drinks alcohol has an opinion on Tequila. What other spirit has captured the hearts of binge-drinking youths across the world, or has had everything from songs to T-shirts created in its honour?

Yet there's far more to Tequila than the standard shot with salt and lemon. Experts claim that not only is the Tequila-based margarita the cocktail du jour, but that the spirit is also one of the most subtle and diverse there is.

One man particularly dedicated to the cause is Henry Besant, founder of the Worldwide Cocktail Club (WCC). With more than 12 years' experience in the industry, Besant knows all there is to know about Tequila and boasts a CV that reads like an insider's guide to the London bar scene. He and WCC co-founder Andres Masso have even written a book on the stuff, Margarita Rocks, which includes 70 recipes. It's essential reading for mixologists everywhere.

"Tequila is the spirit of choice for many bartenders because of its quality and versatility, but it's something of an underdog with consumers," Besant says.

The good news is that the quality of Tequila available in the UK has improved dramatically over the past couple of years. So those of you still traumatised by teenage Tequila experiences should give the real thing a chance. Remember that, if you're aiming to be a real Tequila aficionado, you should drink it neat like the experts. But beware: quality comes at a price, with premium bottles costing as much as £200.

If that sounds too scary (or too expensive), then good Tequila can still be appreciated in mixed drinks. As cocktail menus across the land testify, Tequila is cropping up in ever more weird and wonderful concoctions. Part of the spirit's popularity with mixologists is the extent of variety between the different types - aged, unaged, 100% agave or a mix.

By Laura Markey