National Tequila Day: Everything you need to know about Mexico’s iconic spirit

Every year, July 24 is celebrated as National Tequila Day to honour one of the most recognisable spirits that has come from Mexico. Tequila, which is distinguished by its distinctive flavour and rich culture, is no longer just a party drink but a Mexican treasure and a great spirit in general. As a rule, authentic tequila is produced using blue agave plants and has numerous ways to be enjoyed, starting with drinking it in various cocktails to slow drinking. The following list contains six amazing facts about the day and a drink it honours.

Tequila can be produced in certain regions only

Authentic tequila is regulated by the designation of origin rules, which means that tequila can be produced in certain regions of Mexico only. Most tequilas come from the region of Jalisco, but there are several neighbouring regions authorized to produce tequila as well. Like French champagne, authentic tequila has to meet the certain legal standards to receive the title.

Blue agave plant is used for producing tequila

As opposed to some other spirits, tequila is produced not from the grains or fruits but from blue agave plants. Usually, it takes six to eight years until agave matures enough to be harvested. Once the plant matures, its core (piña) is cooked, crushed, juiced, and fermented in order to become a great tequila in the end.

There are numerous types of tequila

Tequila has several types and each of them has a special flavor. Blanco tequila is bottled without aging and usually has a bright taste. In contrast, reposado is aged in oak barrels for several months and has a smoother taste while Añejo and Extra Añejo are matured even longer and gain their distinct taste thanks to the presence of oak barrels (vanilla, caramel, etc.).

Not just margaritas

Despite the fact that tequila is the main ingredient of the Margarita cocktail, this spirit is used in making other cocktails, such as the Paloma, Tequila Sunrise, Mexican Mule, and others. Moreover, premium tequilas are often enjoyed as is or on the rocks, as drinking tequila this way allows to feel all its natural flavors. Premium tequilas are compared to whiskeys or cognacs in terms of taste.

The drink with cultural background

Tequila is more than just a commercial drink in Mexico. As a rule, its history goes back to centuries ago when indigenous peoples fermented agave plants long before tequila was invented. Nowadays, tequila remains closely associated with Mexican culture, traditions, craft, and farming. Moreover, the town of Tequila, which is surrounded by blue agave plantations in the state of Jalisco, became the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

National Tequila Day celebrated responsibly

National Tequila Day provides enthusiasts with an opportunity to learn more about tequila and its history and craftsmanship and enjoy the drink responsibly at the same time. Many people prefer to celebrate this holiday by going to Mexican restaurants, drinking various tequila cocktails or premium tequilas, etc.

Disclaimer:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. If you choose to consume alcohol, do so responsibly and in accordance with the laws and legal drinking age in your country. Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to your health.