National Tequila Day on July 24th is the perfect occasion to raise a glass and celebrate the pleasures of blue agave juice in its finest form—tequila! It's a day devoted to embracing the good times and enjoying your favorite liquor, whether sipped slowly, savored in a cocktail, or accompanied by the classic salt and lime ritual.

What is Tequila?

Tequila is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It is a type of mezcal, though the two spirits differ in terms of production methods and the specific agave plants used.

Types of Tequila

Tequila comes in several varieties, classified by the length of the aging process:

1. Blanco (White or Silver): Unaged or aged for less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels.
2. Joven (Gold): A blend of Blanco and aged tequilas, sometimes with caramel coloring added.
3. Reposado (Rested): Aged between two months and one year in oak barrels.
4. Añejo (Aged): Aged between one and three years in small oak barrels.
5. Extra Añejo (Extra Aged): Aged for more than three years in oak barrels.

How to Celebrate

National Tequila Day can be celebrated in various ways:

1. Sampling Different Tequilas: Try a flight of different types of tequila to appreciate the range of flavors and aging processes.
2. Tequila Cocktails: Enjoy popular tequila-based cocktails like Margaritas, Tequila Sunrises, Palomas, or simply a Tequila Neat.
3. Tequila Tastings and Events: Many bars, restaurants, and tequila brands host special events, tastings, and promotions to mark the day.
4. Educational Tours: Learn about the history and production of tequila through documentaries, books, or even visiting a tequila distillery if possible.

Tequila Culture and Fun Facts

• Appellation of Origin: Just like Champagne in France, tequila has an appellation of origin. It can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico.
• Agave Plant: The blue agave plant takes around 8-12 years to mature before it can be harvested for tequila production.
• Popular Brands: Some well-known tequila brands include Jose Cuervo, Patrón, Don Julio, and Sauza.
• Health Benefits: In moderation, tequila has been said to have some health benefits, including aiding digestion and having probiotic properties.

Popular Tequila Cocktails Recipes

Classic Margarita:

• 2 oz Tequila
• 1 oz Lime juice
• 1 oz Triple sec
• Salt for rimming the glass
• Lime wedge for garnish

Shake the tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice, then strain into a glass with a salted rim and ice.

Tequila Sunrise:

• 2 oz Tequila
• 4 oz Orange juice
• 1/2 oz Grenadine
• Orange slice and cherry for garnish

Pour the tequila and orange juice into a glass with ice. Slowly pour in the grenadine to create a gradient effect.

Responsible Celebration

As with any alcoholic beverage, it's important to consume tequila responsibly. Make sure to arrange for a designated driver or use ride-sharing services if you plan to drink away from home.

National Tequila Day is a fun opportunity to explore and enjoy this storied spirit, whether you're a tequila connoisseur or just curious to try something new. Cheers!