National Tequila Day is observed on July 24th, celebrating the liquor’s historic origins in Mexico. Many types of tequila come with a rich history and surrounding versatility, so the holiday is a way to celebrate the distilled liquor and drink it in a margarita or Paloma
Types of Tequila: Understanding Your Options
Tequila is a widely enjoyed spirit in Mexico, the U.S., and around the world. National Tequila Day invites tequila lovers to enjoy a drink in celebration. Recognized as the spirit of Mexico, tequila is made from the blue agave plant, and the day is a tribute to the rich cultural heritage behind this drink.
Tequila dates to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors introduced distillation techniques to the fermented agave beverage. The town of Tequila in Jalisco became the center of production, giving the spirit its name. There are a few different kinds of tequila:
- Blanco tequila: Blanco tequila is silver or white tequila, known as the purest form of the spirit. It’s typically unaged or aged for less than 60 days in oak barrels. It has crisp flavor notes, often described as having hints of citrus, pepper, and sometimes vanilla. It’s typically used in popular cocktails, like margaritas or palomas.
- Reposado tequila: Reposado tequila is aged in barrels for two to 12 months, creating a golden hue and a smooth flavor. The flavor profile is described as having notes of vanilla, caramel, honey, oak, and spices.
- Añejo tequila: Añejo tequila is aged between one to three years, with notes of vanilla, caramel, oak, butterscotch, and dried fruit. It also has some citrus and earthy notes, making it a great choice for Old Fashioneds and Manhattans.
- Extra Añejo tequila: Extra Añejo tequila is aged for three years and has a deep, amber sheen and rich profile. It has notes of vanilla, chocolate, dried fruit, and spices. Some ideal cocktails include Tequila sours and spicy margaritas.
Featured Tequilas Available through Columbia Distributing
At Columbia Distributing, we carry a wide range of tequilas and other alcoholic beverages to help your customers celebrate every occasion. They include:
- Mijenta: This type of tequila is known for flavor notes of American white oak, French oak, acacia, and cherry. The spirit has a well-balanced flavor profile, with scents of butterscotch, cooked agave, and hints of tobacco. (ABV: 40%, 100 calories per serving)
- el Jimador: The tequila is crafted from 100% blue agave and is known for its smooth taste. It comes in Blanco, Reposado, and Añejo variations. (ABV: 40%, 96 calories per serving)
- Herradura: The fresh and smooth extra-aged blanco tequila has notes of herbal agave, warm wood, and hints of vanilla. It has a mildly sweet profile with mellow notes of oak. (ABV: 40%, 100 calories per serving)
- Corazon: This tequila has complex notes with whiskey, vanilla, and black pepper, complemented by hints of agave, oak, and a touch of mint. The finish is smooth and warm, with notes of citrus. (ABV: 40%, 96 calories per serving)
- Tres Agaves: Hailing from the hills of Kentucky, Tres Agaves has notes of sweet, smoky caramel, butterscotch, and hints of rosemary spice. It’s also known for its notes of rich, complex floral tones. (40% ABV, 96 calories per serving)
How to Celebrate National Tequila Day
Celebrating National Tequila Day is the perfect opportunity to craft rich cocktails and enjoy the versatility of tequila. Some creative cocktail ideas and suggested pairings can make your celebration more memorable. Ideas include:
Classic Margarita
- Ingredients: 2 oz Blanco Tequila, 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz triple sec, salt for rim, lime wedge for garnish.
- Instructions: Rim the glass with salt, shake together tequila, lime juice, and triple sec with ice, strain into the glass, and garnish with a lime wedge.
Paloma
- Ingredients: 2 oz Blanco Tequila, 1 oz grapefruit juice, 0.5 oz lime juice, 0.5 oz simple syrup, club soda, salt for rim, grapefruit slice for garnish.
- Instructions: Rim the glass with salt, combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice, strain into the glass, top with club soda, and garnish with a grapefruit slice.
Food Pairings
- Guacamole and chips: The creamy texture and fresh flavors of guacamole pair perfectly with the crisp and fresh notes of a margarita.
- Tacos al Pastor: The savory and slightly sweet flavors of marinated pork tacos complement the complex flavors of an Añejo Old Fashioned.
Final Thoughts: Cheers to National Tequila Day with Columbia Distributing
Make sure your inventory is stocked with a wide selection of tequila to celebrate National Tequila Day and beyond. For more information about the tequilas we distribute in Washington, contact us or add offerings to your Fridge account today.