For tequila fans in the U.S., Independence Day isn’t the only holiday worth celebrating this month. July 24th is National Tequila Day, a time to share a drink with family and friends and cherish the tradition and artisanship that goes into every bottle of Suavecito Tequila.
Let’s commemorate this special day by taking a look back at tequila’s rich history, some memorable milestones, and a few suggestions on how you can spend National Tequila Day this year.
A Brief History of Tequila
Tequila’s origins date back over 10,000 years to the ancient Aztecs. They first used the agave plant, which tequila is made from today, to create pulque. A fermented drink made from agave sap, pulque has a thick, milky consistency.
While sounding like an acquired taste, pulque played an essential role in Aztec culture and was reserved only for nobles and high priests. The Aztecs even worshiped two gods due to their relationship with the milky spirit — Mayahuel and Patecatl, the god of pulque.
When the Spanish landed on North American shores in the 15th and 16th centuries, they discovered the Aztec’s love of pulque and, like so many other things they found on the continent, made it their own.
The Spanish had brought brandy on their long journey across the Atlantic, but months at sea depleted their supply, and they faced a sobering decision — go without any liquor or start making something new to drink. Sure enough, the conquistadors of old started distilling agave, creating a very early version of what we know as mezcal today.
Mezcal became incredibly popular, and spirit spread throughout the region of what is today Mexico. Mezcal was so common that every town in the region had its own recipe. Over many years, one town developed the reputation for creating the smoothest and most flavorful mezcal of all — the town of Tequila.
Today, all tequila is technically mezcal, though not all mezcals are tequilas. Tequila is a very specific type of mezcal made from Blue Weber agave, and its origins can be traced back to the town it was named after.
When is National Tequila Day in Mexico?
Unlike the U.S., where July 24th is National Tequila Day, Mexico celebrates its sacred spirit on the third Saturday in March. The Senate of the Republic selected that date as it roughly matches the ancient Aztec calendar as an auspicious day for drinking tequila.
While the dates may differ, National Tequila Day is commemorated with the same types of parties, food, and drinks as in the U.S. Restaurants and bars will host special Tequila Day events, including tequila tastings, themed parties, and special menu pairings.
Tips for Celebrating National Tequila Day
Interested in hosting your own tequila holiday party? Well, Suavecito Tequila has you covered with a few tips on how to make this holiday one to remember:
- Host a Tequila Tasting Party: Gather your friends and explore the exciting world of tequila. Set up a tasting station with the full range of aged tequilas, including Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Cristalino. Provide tasting notes and encourage everyone to savor and discuss the unique flavors and characteristics of each variety.
- Try Tequila Cocktails: While Suavecito Tequila is excellent for sipping, it also shines in a variety of cocktails. Shake up some classic margaritas, Palomas, or the refreshing Ranch Water. Experiment with new recipes like a Tequila Sunrise or a spicy Jalapeño Margarita. The possibilities are endless!
- Pair Tequila with Food: Elevate your celebration with delicious food pairings. Tequila pairs wonderfully with traditional dishes such as tacos, pibil, and ceviche. For a taste of something sweet, try pairing tequila with chocolate or fruit-based desserts. The contrasting flavors can challenge your perceptions of what pairs well with tequila and could open new exciting possibilities to explore in the future.
Make This National Tequila Day Special with Suavecito Tequila
Tequila is a spirit steeped in tradition, crafted with a passion honed over thousands of years. This National Tequila Day, celebrate that rich tradition with the robust flavor and incredibly smooth taste of Suavecito Tequila. Whether new to enjoying tequila or an aficionado, Suavecito Tequila captures the artisanship and timeless tradition of tequila in every sip.
You can find Suavecito Tequila at any Total Wine & More location and wherever exceptional tequila is sold.
Happy National Tequila Day! May you cherish every sip and moment spent in the company of family and friends.
