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July 5, 2018U.S. Cannabis Conference & Expo in Miami
August 23, 2018Today is National Tequila Day! Don’t miss out on the celebration.
History
With origins in Mexico in a town called Tequila situated in the state of Jalisco, Tequila is now enjoyed internationally, and what better day more fitting to enjoy this distilled concoction other than on National Tequila Day?
According to Merriam-Webster, Tequila is a Mexican spirit made from the fermented sap of the blue agave, a plant, that has been subjected to two separate distillations, or as Tom Robbins refers to it, a “savage water of sorcery.” “Tequila” is made only from the blue agave plant and because it’s Tequila and not a Mezcal, you will not find a worm in the bottom of the bottle.
Tequila has been traced back to pre-Columbian times to the Aztec civilization. According to Tequila historian Chantal Martineau, the Aztecs used the agave plant for multiple purposes including fermenting it to create a sacred drink for religious ceremonies. The modern composition of Tequila was born between the 1700 and 1800s and is more commonly known now as the Cuervo and Sauza spirit empires.
Mexican law dictates that in order for the spirit to be officially considered Tequila it must be harvested and produced in Jalisco, Mexico. This was a declaration that was made by the Consejo Regulador de Tequila, or The Tequila Regulatory Counsel, which was created in response to Tequila’s rise in popularity following the creation of the Margarita in 1936 and to maintain the culture and quality of Tequila.
How To Make Tequila
The process to make Tequila is elaborate, arduous, and time consuming. The production includes several steps including growing the blue agave plant (for up to 10 years to reach peak ripeness), cultivating the heart of the plant called the Jima, baking and mashing the Jima for a combined total time of 60 hours, extraction of the honey and pulp from the Jima, fermenting the honey from the Jima with a supplemental mixture, and finally distillation. Whew! The next time you have a shot of Tequila, think about this process and be thankful of the hard work poured into that single shot of liquor.
For those truly inspired by Tequila and would like to learn more about it, look into doing Mexico’s Tequila Trail in Jalisco. The tour encompasses several towns all of which surround the famous agave fields in Mexico. The tour would be a great way to learn about the rich history of Tequila and will give participators the opportunity to visit distilleries and see how tequila is actually made. For more information about the tour, click here.
“Savage water of sorcery.”
- Tom Robbins on Tequila
5 Places to Drink Tequila in Miami
If you find yourself a little farther east of Mexico, like in MIAMI, but want to celebrate by having some Tequila, fear not! Here are some places to join to celebrate National Tequila Day in South Miami:
Agaveros Cantina at the Gates Hotel South Beach
The Gates Hotel South Beach's on-property restaurant, Agaveros Cantina, is offering a 3-course dining experience. Their varied selection of Tequila allows for a myriad of spirit options including the Agavero’s Thyme with Tierras Organic Tequila Blanco, Thyme and Cloves-Infused Simple Syrup, Grapefruit Juice, Grapefruit bitter, Garnish with Thyme Spring and Grapefruit peel or a classic Margarita. They even have a Flight of Mezcal for those of you that are indecisive.
Chuy's
Chuy’s, one of the most beloved Tex-Mex restaurant concepts in the US, is opening a new location in Kendall on National Tequila Day, Tuesday, July 24, 2018. Chuy’s will be celebrating the festive holiday at both the Doral location and Kendall’s grand opening with $1 floaters, allowing guests to dress up any margarita with a shot of their favorite tequila, and $1 off their Perfect Margarita, made from scratch with Patrón Silver tequila and Patrón Citrónge Orange liqueur, simple syrup and fresh-squeezed lime juice.
Living Room
Living Room, the modern, nocturnal playground located at the W South Beach Hotel & Residences, is known for its innovative mixology program and artisanal libations. Sip on some Mexican Tea with Reposado tequila, chamomile tea syrup, fresh lime, and chili infused liquor; or the refreshing Lychee Margarita with Reposado tequila, lychee puree, and fresh lime; and the sparkling La Bandolera with tequila Blanco, lavender syrup, fresh lemon, grapefruit bitters, and champagne. These globally-inspired cocktails (all $16) can be enjoyed on one of Living Room’s plush couches or outside on the patio overlooking the pool.
NaiYaRa
To celebrate National Tequila Day with a twist of Thai be sure to try the Khing Manaw ($14) Thai bird chilies bring the heat when mixed with fresh basil leaf, Avion Blanco tequila, barrow’s intense ginger liquor & fresh pressed lime. Served on the rocks with fresh cut ginger.
Plomo Tequila & Taco Bar
Tequila & Taco Bar still remains the only one of its kind on Miracle Mile. Serving up authentic Mexican cuisine, over 60 different mezcals and tequilas to choose from, and a distinct ambience that calls for celebration. Taco Tuesday and National Tequila Day on the same day, coincidence? We think not! We invite you to enjoy the special occasion with Plomo Tequila & Taco Bar, sponsored by Espolón Tequila. Free shots will be awarded to those who manage to “Pin the Tail on Ramon.” Ramon is Espolón’s rooster — icon and every tequila lover’s spirit animal. Guests will enjoy taco specials, featuring $3 and $4 tacos as well as drink specials including $6 margaritas and more from 7pm to 11pm!