National Tequila Day 🍹

Overview

National Tequila Day, observed annually on July 24th, is an unofficial holiday celebrating Mexico's iconic agave-based spirit. Enthusiasts typically mark the occasion by enjoying tequila in various forms, from classic margaritas and other cocktails to neat pours, often learning about its rich history and complex production process.

Origin and story

Tequila is exclusively made from the blue agave plant (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), primarily in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.

Similar to Champagne, tequila has a Denomination of Origin (DOT), meaning it can only be legally produced in specific regions of Mexico.

Quick facts

• DateJuly 24
• TypeFood / Dessert
• Great forFoodies, Chocolate lovers, Home bakers

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Ways to celebrate

Long before it was a margarita mixer, tequila was a byproduct of necessity: Spanish colonists in the 1500s, cut off from brandy supplies, began distilling the fermented juice of the blue agave that Indigenous peoples had already been fermenting into pulque for centuries. By law, tequila can only carry that name if it's distilled from blue agave grown in and around the town of Tequila, Jalisco — everything else is just agave spirit.

Taste the categories

• Line up a flight of Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo side by side to taste how barrel aging changes an identical spirit from sharp and vegetal to rounded and caramel-toned.
• Sip a 100% agave tequila neat, the way it's meant to be judged, rather than masking it in a mixed drink.

Learn where it comes from

Helpful resources: Smithsonian Magazine traces tequila's evolution from a colonial-era improvisation to Mexico's most fiercely protected export in "The True History of Tequila."

Support the source region

• Look for the Denomination of Origin label and check that a bottle is verified "100% agave" rather than a cheaper "mixto" blend cut with other sugars.

Did you know?

A blue agave plant takes 6 to 8 years to mature before it can be harvested for tequila — far longer than the growing cycle of grapes or grain used in most other spirits.

Fun facts

• Tequila is exclusively made from the blue agave plant (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), primarily in the state of Jalisco, Mexico.
• Similar to Champagne, tequila has a Denomination of Origin (DOT), meaning it can only be legally produced in specific regions of Mexico.
• There are five main categories of tequila: Blanco (silver), Joven (gold), Reposado (aged), Añejo (extra-aged), and Extra Añejo (ultra-aged).

Sources and attribution

• The True History of Tequila (Smithsonian Magazine)

External links may lead to third-party websites.

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FAQ

When is National Tequila Day?

It is observed on July 24 each year.

What is National Tequila Day?

National Tequila Day, observed annually on July 24th, is an unofficial holiday celebrating Mexico's iconic agave-based spirit. Enthusiasts typically mark the occasion by enjoying tequila in various forms, from classic margaritas and other cocktails to neat pours, often learning about its rich history and complex production process.

How do people celebrate National Tequila Day?

Try a flight of Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo tequila to taste how barrel aging changes the spirit, sip a 100% agave tequila neat, and look for the Denomination of Origin label to make sure it's genuine tequila from Jalisco, Mexico.

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