Move over Earth Day! Hit the bricks Arbor Day! Today is a holiday that you will want to remember, but that you will most likely forget: National Tequila Day!
Tequila is one of the fastest growing spirit markets in the United States, and is set to expand a little more today as those Americans in the know hit bars and liquor stores in search of such brands as Jose Cuervo and 1800. The origins of the holiday are a bit fuzzy, but that should not stop you from knowing the history and then getting out there to celebrate!
The liquor has its origins in ancient Mexico where the Aztecs produced a drink from the agave plant, which is still the signature ingredient. In fact, it is law that all tequila most be made from a type of agave native to Mexico. The drink was supposedly first introduced to the United States by Don Cenobio Sauza in the 1800s, and it has been a staple of most liquor cabinets since. The Sauza Tequila company still bears his name and is a quite successful brand.
The growth of tequila in the United States is more than likely linked to the increase in the latino population of the country. It is, after all, a symbol of success, tradition, and pride like scotch in Scotland or bourbon in Kentucky.
So drink up America! You won’t have another excuse to consume copious amounts of tequila until National Margarita Day, which is in February, or Cinco de Mayo. Just try not to swallow the worm.
[Get a ranking of the top ten tequilas here]