Listen

Description

Tequila is the national drink of Mexico, wrapped up in the country’s mythology via film, song and art. But makers have long relied on American consumers — 72% of all tequila produced last year was exported to the United States. Now celebrities see Mexican spirits as a way to expand their brand and make easy bucks.

L.A. Times Latin America correspondent Kate Linthicum talks about the phenomenon. And host Gustavo Arellano gets a few people together for a taste test to see whether celebrity tequila can be ... good?

After that: a profile of wheelchair basketball player Josie Aslakson, who is competing in the Paralympic Games.

More reading:

Kendall Jenner, Michael Jordan, the Rock. How American celebrities are changing Mexico’s tequila industry

Kendall Jenner has a new tequila brand, and Twitter wants to know why

Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, natural wine and toilet paper: Sara’s Market in East L.A. adapts to the times