National Tequila Day is a day where Americans celebrate the spirit that lets them forget their troubles for a few sips…and, of course, forget the entire night the next morning.
On July 24, restaurants and bars around the country will pay homage to tequila with free tequila tastings and specials. Besito, a Mexican restaurant with locations in Huntington and Roslyn on Long Island, is one of them. Patrons can enjoy a complimentary tequila tasting from 5 – 7 p.m. at either location, and will also have a chance to win a case of tequila.
Tequila comes from the blue agave plant. According to CNN, when the plant is twelve years old, the leaves are stripped away and the remaining pina, is cooked and mashed, then fermented and distilled.
The spirit is put into five classifications. There is tequila silver (also called blanco, plata,white and platinum) – which is tequila in its purest form; tequila gold (joven or oro) – where colorants and flavorings have been added before bottling; tequila reposado – where the spirit is in it’s first stage of aging; tequila anejo – which is extra aged; and finally, tequila extra anejo, which is the spirit in it’s oldest stage.
One of the most famous ways to enjoy tequila is in a margarita. This cocktail is tequila, mixed orange-flavored liqueur (usually Cointreau or Triple Sec) and lime or lemon juice with salt lining on the rim of the glass.
Tequila shots are also very popular, and are usually finished with salt and a lime.
Since tequila is so popular, many musicians over the years have written songs about it. Here are a list of our favorites:
Tequila Sunrise – The Eagles
On the Tequila – Alanis Morissette
Mas Tequila – Sammy Hagar
Margaritaville – Jimmy Buffet
Tequila – The Champs
Remember to drink responsibly.
