Whenever any of my friends mention shots on a night out my stomach turns. Drinking strong alcohol straight is not something I enjoy. Back when I was young and carefree I did experiment with the odd shot of tequila. I would take that shot glass in my hand, salt and lemon at the ready and for a few seconds enjoy the exciting taste of Mexico, not worrying about the after affects.

Unfortunately nowadays if I were to sample a shot of tequila I would be bed ridden for at least three days. Recently though I discovered that when drunk in the right way, tequila is not only delicious and refreshing but it is actually good for you.

Apparently sipping a glass of tequila slowly over the course of an hour can benefit your good cholesterol, reduce your body’s insulin resistance, and also the propensity for your blood to clot, thus reducing your risk of heart attacks and strokes.

I’ve looked at five ways to enjoy a glass of tequila, and none of them involve licking salt off your hand.

 Drink it neat or with ice

Forget whiskey on the rocks, its all about tequila! The infusion of flavours in anejo-tequila aged for 1 to 3 years make it the perfect drink to appreciate on its own.

 Blend it with grapefruit

Combining tequila with grapefruit juice, lime, and ginger beer is a genius concoction.

 A desert syrup with a kick

Boiling suger, triple sec, water and tequila makes an awesome sauce for desert. Try drizzling it over fruit.

Tequila and Sushi

Not something I would ever have thought of but tequila compliments fatty fish, like tuna and salmon, beautifully.

Hot and spicy tequila

Combine tequila with the pith and seeds of 3 to 4 jalapenos. It can be used to spice up cocktails.

First seen on http://www.menshealth.com/best-life/5-new-uses-for-tequila