Mexico is currently grappling with its own COVID-19 outbreak and response. Some states in Mexico have partially or fully banned the sale of alcohol. This led to an underground industry of alcohol in Mexico that has had deadly consequences.

More than 100 people have died of tainted alcohol in Mexico during the COVID-19 pandemic.

After 100 die from drinking tainted alcohol in Mexico, some officials speculate coronavirus shortages may have driven people to the black market, consuming bootleg alcohol. https://t.co/2buZMkvdhB

— NBC News (@NBCNews) May 14, 2020

Puebla has been the most affected state with 40 deaths reported from the tainted alcohol. Twenty of those fatalities in Puebla took happened in Chiconcuautla, which has a population of about 15,000 people. Bootleg alcohol is growing in popularity because the sale of alcohol has been partially or completely banned in different municipalities and states.

Police are starting to round up the illegal liquor.

"It's possible to begin to speculate that with a smaller supply of regulated alcohol, there's a larger supply of unregulated alcohol." Who would have thought? https://t.co/GhAA9mVLa5

— Alex Norcia (@Alex_Norcia) May 14, 2020

Mexican authorities are seizing gallons and gallons of unmarked alcohol. The alcohol, according to some reports, is a popularized moonshine available in Mexico. However, the batches contain a toxic and highly flammable ingredient that is causing the fatalities.

“It’s possible to begin to speculate that with a smaller supply of regulated alcohol, there’s a larger supply of unregulated alcohol,” Gady Zabicky Sirot, the director of the National Commission Against Addictions in Mexico, told The New York Times.

Mexican authorities have found methanol in the illegal alcohol that has been seized.

Police in Mexico searching for source of adulterated alcohol which has killed 46 peoplehttps://t.co/DrsdNfKKxh

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) May 13, 2020

Mexican police have discovered methanol in the seized illegal alcohol. Methanol, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “is a toxic alcohol that is used industrially as a solvent, pesticide, and alternative fuel source.”

The CDC website further states: “Most methanol poisonings occur as a result of drinking beverages contaminated with methanol or from drinking methanol-containing products. In the industrial setting, inhalation of high concentrations of methanol vapor and absorption of methanol through the skin are as effective as the oral route in producing toxic effects.”

More than 40,000 people in Mexico have tested positive for COVID-19.

The Mexican president was criticized early in the outbreak for not taking the virus seriously. More than 4,200 people have died of the virus in Mexico and the number keeps climbing. Mexican states implemented bans on alcohol to prevent social activities that could lead to an increase in COVID-19 infections.

Part of the alcohol shortage is in part because of the Mexican government labeling breweries as nonessential.

The federal government has declared breweries as nonessential businesses, forcing them to shut down and leading to widespread beer shortages. These restrictions, officials say, may have driven more people than usual to buy alcohol on the black market. https://t.co/m7DO0tuIgC

— New York Times World (@nytimesworld) May 13, 2020

The Mexican government forced breweries and distilleries to shut down production as part of their COVID-19 lockdown measures. The sudden shut down of these production facilities has forced some Mexicans to go without their alcohol unexpectedly.

Some of the bootleggers have been arrested by Mexican authorities.

Tragedy. Authorities in Mexico say 35 people have died after drinking methanol, a poisonous cousin of ethanol alcohol present in liquors. Latest of bad-alcohol cases since COVID began and some towns banned legit booze sales.

— Jim Benemann (@jimbcbs4) May 14, 2020

According to The Yucatan Times, authorities allegedly arrested a person in Acanceh who was providing the illegal alcohol in the municipality. The alcohol in the area killed six people who drank it.

READ: Mattel Is Supporting Children Of COVID-19 First Responders With Career Barbie Dolls

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Summer 2019 is officially the summer carbonation took over the hearts and minds of the adult beverage industry. Natty Light, PBR, Four Loko, the internet favorite, White Claw, and practically any alcohol company with a pulse who can make and bottle boozy seltzer jumped on a train that continues to bubble out of control.

The next phase of the sparkling beverage boom: sparkling tequila.

LA-based Pure Azul just announced that it will be rolling out Azulana sparkling tequila this week in California, producing the first and only beverage on the market made with 100% blue agave tequila and sparkling soda.

Crafted in Jalisco, Mexico, it comes canned in three flavors: Original (tequila-flavored sparkling soda), Lime, and Pineapple Rosemary. Azulana sparkling tequila will be released in 12-oz. cans, containing 4.3% ABV with 145 calories.

In other words, the legit perfect drink for summer. You just may want to break out some sal y limón to fully enjoy it. 

The three flavors are each unique and, not gonna lie, sound straight up tasty.

According to the company’s website, the “Original” flavor goes down smooth with a “lightly sweet” and “slightly tart” taste.

The “Pineapple Rosemary,” meanwhile, boasts a fruity, herbal flavor somewhat reminiscent of flowers, while the “Lime” option is zesty and tropical.

Sparkling tequila is the latest in a total takeover of the alcoholic beverage industry by sparkly, bubbly bebidas. 

Clearly, Azulana looks to capitalize on two glaring beverage industry trends: the proliferation of sparkling hard seltzer and the continued success of tequila, which Azulana notes “continues to thrive.” In 2017, for example, the US saw an 8.5% increase in tequila liter sales over the previous year, according to the Distilled Spirits Council.

In a press release, Katie Pittman, Head of Sales and Marketing at Pure Azul notes, “Our goal is to help others understand that tequila isn’t just enjoyed during a wild night out – with Azulana, it can truly be enjoyed during all occasions – anywhere, anytime.”

It’s also good timing — tequila sales are up, up, up, across the US. 

It may not seem like it to those of us who regularly order the Patron or Cuervo when having a party, but it’s true. Tequila sales are booming in the US. In 2017, for example, tequila sales were up 8.5% from the year before. 

So if there was ever a time to enter the tequila business, it would be now. Make them coins. 

The grand unveiling was August 22nd at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.

And, of course, it made its debut at a Rolling Stones concert. Because I guess tequila and Stones go together like…sal y limón? 

But don’t worry if you didn’t make it to that concert. You won’t have to wait long. The sparking tequila beverage will be available at Bristol Farms supermarkets in Southern California from August 28th before expanding to other markets and regions from then. 

While some seem to at least be open to the idea…

sparkling tequila? pic.twitter.com/xAzax1wjR3

— ????????‍♀️ (@__beniHANA) August 23, 2019

I mean, it all really depends on your feelings toward sparkling drinks to begin with. If you’re already a fan, then sparkling tequila isn’t too much of a stretch. 

Mexicans are openly skeptical.

But let’s note, many on Latino Twitter basically said they were simultaneously fascinated and disgusted by the idea of sparkling tequila.

And a few people pointed out that summer is nearly over. 

But if you have sparking tequila at your house…is summer ever really over?

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