National Tequila Day (July 24) has arrived. While we have far too many of these special days at this point, if we’re thinking of things that cause and deserve a celebration, tequila is definitely near the top of the list. There’s pretty much no wrong way to drink it (sip, shot, as part of a cocktail, or even out of a can), everyone has their preferred method of tequila consumption. We’ve put together this National Tequila Day Drinking Guide to help everyone get the most out of this once-per-year celebration of what’s best in life (Sorry, Conan).
Basically a party in spirit form, tequila is the agave-based liquor that helps us commemorate many of life’s most memorable (and not so memorable) moments. From ‘we made it to the weekend’ delight to bachelor and bachelorette parties, tequila has been an integral part of many of our most exciting adventures and certainly deserves a day in which we take the time to simply admire the spirit for all that it offers.
With all that in mind, we’ve put together this National Tequila Day Drinking Guide to help you have the perfect celebration:
FOR THE CONNOISSEUR
Often lost amongst the young and excitable, at its finest tequila is a sipping spirit. It can be enjoyed pre or post dinner while wearing a Saint Laurent blazer and smoking a cigar. These tequilas offer varied fruit, floral, and/or wood notes and deliver something unique when it comes to enjoying agave spirits.
Sipping Tequilas
Calirosa Rosa Blanco ($60)
Calirosa Rosa Blanco is a premium tequila made with 100% blue agave, double distilled, and aged in California red wine barrels for 30 days offering a vibrant rosy glow and a uniquely smooth taste. Expect a floral-forward flavor profile with hints of cherry and orange peel.
Casamigos Reposado ($80)
Aged for seven months, Casamigos Reposado is soft, slightly oaky with hints of caramel and cocoa. It has a silky texture with a medium to long smooth finish. It’s what Georg Clooney sips around sunset, and that’s more than good enough for us.
Clase Azul Reposado ($180)
Aged for eight months in bourbon barrels, Clase Azul Reposado is exceptionally smooth tequila and recognized worldwide as one of the finest examples of reposado. Expect notes of hazelnut, vanilla, cloves, cinnamon, and a subtle hint of agave syrup.
Partida Roble Fino Anejo ($125)
Partida Roble Fino Añejo begins with Partida’s highly acclaimed Añejo which is aged for an extensive 18 months in ex-bourbon barrels. Featuring an outstanding gold color with a reddish shimmer, this intensely flavored tequila continues its finishing for an additional 5 months in ex-single malt, sherry seasoned casks. The tequila is bottled at 45% ABV, showcasing its expansive complexity and depth of flavor with sweet notes of dried fruits, toasted oak, chocolate and cooked agave.of cooked agave, vanilla, maple syrup, anise, quince and dried fruits.
Don Julio 1942 ($150)
Produced in small batches and aged for a minimum of two and a half years, Don Julio 1942 Tequila is handcrafted in tribute to the year that Don Julio González began his tequila-making journey. Expect notes of warm oak, vanilla and roasted agave.
Patrón Silver Limited-Edition Mexican Heritage Tin 2021 ($65)
The limited-edition Patrón Mexican Heritage Tin, which includes a 750ml bottle of Patrón Silver, features a design created by Senkoe that tells a story of fundamental Mexican culture. The tin depicts the tree of life intertwined with imagery of the creation of the universe. The tree’s trunk doubles as the magüey’s flower with a totem near the top formed of the bee and hummingbirds, essential creatures in magüey fertilization.
FOR THOSE ON THE GO
Some of us will be bouncing from place to place or party to part come National Tequila Day, which means you need a beverage that can come with you while not knocking you out with too much ABV. Those of us looking to party all day and night might find the best luck with canned cocktails. RTDs are all the rage these days and the options are plentiful, here are a few we love:
Canned Cocktails
Hornitos Tequila Seltzer ($12)
In March, Hornitos launched its Tequila Seltzer. The RTD offering combines Plata tequila with seltzer, resulting in a great choice for those seeking out a ready-made cocktail. Hornitos Tequila Seltzer is available in two flavors, Lime and Mango. Each flavor contains all-natural ingredients and less than 115 calories.
Volley Tequila Seltzer ($30)
Volley is made with 100% Blue Weber agave Tequila, sparkling water and organic fruit juice. The brand states it has created the first “clean” Tequila-based seltzer available and has “completely eliminated commonly-used fake sugars, natural flavourings, essences and corn syrup.” It is available in four flavours: Zesty Lime, Spicy Ginger, Sharp Grapefruit and Tropical Mango.
Miami Cocktail Co Margarita Spritz ($12)
While not technically created from tequila, this margarita spritz is made from organic 100% Blue Weber agave wine that is lightly paired with organic lime, elderflower, and ginger juices. It’s gluten free, just 110 calories per can, and there’s no added sugar.
FOR THE MIXER
There are those of us who excel in social situations. These individuals truly shine when surrounded by others as they feel free social butterflying from group to group. For these types, we recommend stirring up a cocktail or having one shaken up for you. Here are some mixed drink options we suggest:
Cocktails
Stone Wheel – From The Lobby Bar at The London EDITION
The stunning Lobby Bar at The London EDITION is serving the Stone Wheel cocktail in aid of S.A.C.R.E.D Mexico, a charity which helps improve lives in the rural communities in Mexico where heirloom agave spirits are made. Two pounds from every sale will go to the charity.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml Patrón Reposado:
- 5 ml Green Chartreuse
- 7.5 ml Vanilla syrup
- 7.5 ml Ginger syrup
- 20 ml Lime juice
- 60 ml Cider
Combine all ingredients apart from the cider. Shake, double strain into a highball glass filled with ice and top with cider
A Passion for Tequila – Created by Mixologist Yolanda Baez
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz Tequila Don Julio Blanco
- 3/4 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 1 oz Fresh Passionfruit Juice
- 3/4 oz Agave Nectar
- Coconut Water to top
- Garnish: Dehydrated Lime Wheel
- Glassware: Rocks Glass
Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, fresh lime juice, fresh passion fruit juice, and agave nectar into a cocktail shaker over ice. Shake well. Strain contents into a Collins glass over fresh ice and top with coconut water.
Spicy Cucumber Jalapeno Margarita
Ingredients:
- 50ml Casamigos Blanco
- 25ml Fresh Lime Juice
- 15ml Agave Syrup
- 2 Cucumber Slices
- 1 Jalapeno Slice
Combine all ingredients into a tin shaker. Muddle cucumber/jalapeno. Add ice, shake vigorously and fine strain into rocks glass. Add fresh ice and garnish.
ENJOY NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY RESPONSIBLY.
