July 24, 2021
Mark your calendars folks because July 24th, 2021 is National Tequila Day! This may seem like a random holiday excuse to drink an alcoholic beverage, but we see it as an opportunity to appreciate the history and evolution of this well-known Mexican spirit.
History
Tequila didn’t begin as we know it today. It required ancient Aztec fermented agave sap, the Spanish invasion of Mexico, and copper still technology to become the popular party beverage of today.
The first Spanish agave drink created was actually a mezcal, not a tequila. This is an important distinction to make because all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas. The differences between these two Mexican spirits are in the types of agaves used, the regions of Mexico they’re produced in, and their distillation processes. If this is the first you’re hearing of mezcal or you’re curious to learn more, read more here.
How to Celebrate
This may have gone without saying, but the best way to celebrate this holiday is to purchase Mexican-owned tequila brands and make a delicious drink! In our time as a Miami catering company, we’ve become familiar with both traditional and non-traditional ways tequila has been included in special events catering menus.
1. Margarita
This is one of the most popular tequila drinks and means “daisy” in Spanish. Its true origins are unknown since claims range from 1938 restaurant-goers to socialite house parties. Either way, we’re glad someone invented the refreshing margarita and we have recipes like this one to enjoy them with.
2. Tequila Sunrise
Who wouldn’t want to drink the liquid form of a sunrise? With just tequila, orange juice, and grenadine, the Tequila Sunrise is an easy recipe for your next event. An added bonus to this drink is that if your grenadine doesn’t fully settle to the bottom of your drink, you’ll have made a Tequila Sunset!
3. Tequila Sour
Whiskey sour fans may be hesitant about this drink, but we’re here to assure you that National Tequila Day is the best time to get out of your comfort zone! The lemon and lime flavors complement the tequila nicely and this recipe also has a variation for vegans.
4. Bloody Maria
You probably guessed it, this is similar to a Bloody Mary but we’re swapping the vodka for tequila. This easy recipe puts a Mexican spin on a classic brunch beverage and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with your next event’s tequila drinkers.
5. El Diablo
For those unfamiliar with this drink, the English translation of El Diablo is “The Devil”. This cocktail will bring a little kick to your bar menu with its red hue and ginger beer. The amount of ginger beer used in this recipe will determine just how devilish your cocktail will be.
Before embarking on your tequila tasting journey, we’d like to remind you all to drink responsibly and not drive under the influence. Also that a mixed drink is only as good as the tequila you use, now go try some drinks!
Images:
Margarita photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash
Tequila Sunrise photo by Mathew Benoit on Unsplash
Tequila Sour photo from A Couple Cooks
Bloody Maria photo from Isabel Eats
El Diablo photo from Imbibe Magazine