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Tequila: So Much More Than Just A Drink
Every July 24, glasses are raised across Mexico and beyond to celebrate World Tequila Day, honoring not just a beloved drink, but a symbol of national identity, craftsmanship, and cultural pride. Tequila, made from Blue Agave (Agave tequilana Weber var. azul), is a spirit rooted in centuries of Mexican tradition and recognized globally for its unique character and artisanal process.
The celebration of this iconic beverage goes beyond taste—it’s about heritage. In 2018, UNESCO declared the Agave Landscape and the old tequila-producing industrial sites a World Heritage Site, cementing tequila’s cultural and historical importance. And with its Denomination of Origin, tequila can only be legally produced in designated regions of Mexico, reinforcing its authenticity and connection to place.
A Heritage Worth Toasting
World Tequila Day began as a way to spotlight this cultural treasure and promote its prestige worldwide. Today, tequila is more than a drink—it’s an experience, a livelihood for thousands of Mexican families, and an ambassador of Mexican heritage.
This distilled spirit is born from the blue agave, an endemic plant that takes between seven and ten years to mature. Harvested by skilled jimadores, the piñas of the agave plant are roasted, crushed, fermented, and distilled through a meticulous process that blends ancient techniques with modern expertise. Depending on how long it’s aged in barrels, tequila is classified into types like Blanco, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo, each offering its own depth of flavor and aroma.
While its roots are undeniably Mexican, tequila’s popularity has grown exponentially around the world. The United States is the largest importer, with countries like Germany and Spain close behind. Its versatility has also made it a favorite among bartenders and mixologists, who use it as the base for countless cocktails.
Planning the Perfect Celebration
There are plenty of ways to mark World Tequila Day, from a casual toast at home to a full-blown trip to Jalisco, the heartland of tequila production. One of the most immersive ways to celebrate is by following the Tequila Route—a journey through agave fields, historic distilleries, and towns where tequila is more than a drink—it’s a way of life.
If you’ve never done it, picture this: riding a vintage train past blue agave fields, sipping a Cantarito under the sun, listening to mariachis, and learning directly from master distillers how your favorite bottle is made. It’s a sensory experience that goes far beyond the glass.
Where to Celebrate World Tequila Day
Guadalajara
Start your tequila adventure in Guadalajara, often considered the cultural capital of Jalisco. Known as “La Perla Tapatía“, the city bursts with lively cantinas, bars, and restaurants where tequila is front and center. For an authentic experience, stop by the Mercado de San Juan de Dios, where you can pair a tequila reposado with regional specialties like birria or tortas ahogadas. In the evenings, head to the trendy Chapultepec district for rooftop cocktails, or go old-school at a traditional cantina. Guadalajara also offers accommodations to suit every style and budget, from boutique hotels to all-inclusive resorts.
The Tequila Route
Next, take the Tequila Route, a path through the UNESCO-listed Agave Landscape that includes the municipalities of Amatitán, El Arenal, and Tequila. Along the way, you’ll see endless fields of blue agave, punctuated by historic haciendas and distilleries offering tours, tastings, and insights into the production process—from harvesting and cooking the agave to fermentation, distillation, and aging.
A highlight of the route is the Jose Cuervo Express, a tourist train that departs from Guadalajara and takes you straight into tequila country. Onboard, you can enjoy tastings, traditional snacks, live music, and stunning views of the countryside. Once in Tequila, don’t miss trying carne en su jugo for lunch and washing it down with a refreshing Cantarito, a citrus-forward cocktail served in a clay jar.
Pueblo Mágico of Tequila
The town of Tequila, one of Mexico’s official Pueblos Mágicos, is the beating heart of tequila culture. With its cobblestone streets, the smell of cooked agave in the air, and welcoming locals, the entire place feels like a living museum. Here, you can stay in themed hotels like Hotel Solar de las Ánimas or the one-of-a-kind Matices Hotel de Barricas, where the rooms are shaped like giant barrels.
Don’t leave without visiting the Parish of Santiago Apóstol, the central plaza, and the National Tequila Museum. For a fun twist, hop on the tequila trolley or sign up for a night tour with tastings and spooky local legends. This little town offers a rich blend of history, storytelling, gastronomy, and, of course, tequila.
What Makes Tequila Unique?
Tequila’s production is strictly regulated, with Denomination of Origin status that limits its manufacture to specific regions in Mexico. While Jalisco is the primary producer, certain municipalities in Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas are also authorized to produce authentic tequila.
Each type of tequila offers a unique taste profile:
- Blanco (Silver): Unaged, offering pure agave flavor and vibrant freshness.
- Reposado: Aged 2 to 12 months in oak, mellowing the flavor and adding complexity.
- Añejo: Aged 1 to 3 years, resulting in smooth, rich flavors.
- Extra Añejo: Aged more than 3 years, comparable to fine cognac or whiskey.
This classification, combined with artisanal production methods, makes tequila a versatile drink for sipping or mixing, and one that continues to evolve as distillers experiment with new aging techniques and barrel types.
Tequila in Cocktails: More Than Just a Shot
Although often served as a shot or my favorite way—neat with sangrita on the side—tequila’s flavor profile makes it an ideal base for a variety of cocktails, ranging from classic to contemporary. Some of the most popular tequila-based beverages include:
- Cantaritos: A citrusy favorite served in earthenware mugs with tequila, lime, orange, grapefruit juice, soda, salt, and chili powder. Refreshing and colorful, it’s a go-to during celebrations. (pictured above)
- Charro Negro: Tequila’s answer to the Cuba Libre, this easy-drinking mix combines tequila, cola, lime, and a pinch of salt for a distinctly Mexican twist.
- Cazuelas: Served in large clay bowls for sharing, these festive drinks combine tequila with citrus juices, soda, and slices of fresh fruit—perfect for a party.
- Margarita: Possibly the most famous tequila cocktail worldwide, the Margarita blends tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, usually served over ice with a salted rim.
- Paloma: A light and bubbly favorite, the Paloma is made with tequila, lime, and grapefruit soda. It’s incredibly popular in Mexican bars for good reason—simple, tasty, and refreshing.
Raise Your Glass
Tequila is more than Mexico’s national spirit—it’s a symbol of heritage, resilience, and celebration. Its roots stretch deep into Mexican soil, its traditions are upheld by generations of agave farmers and distillers, and its global recognition continues to grow year by year.
So whether you’re celebrating at home with friends or embarking on a tequila-fueled adventure through Jalisco, this July 24 is the perfect time to toast with pride. Tequila isn’t just something you drink—it’s something you experience, something you savor, and something that connects you to centuries of Mexican culture and identity.
¡Salud!
If you enjoyed this, you will want to read:
The True Story of the Margarita
