Tequila is Mexico's most famous spirit, made from the blue agave plant. National Tequila Day, on July 24, celebrates this drink and the culture and craftsmanship behind it. For adults of legal drinking age, it's a chance to learn the difference between blanco, reposado and añejo tequilas and to enjoy them responsibly, whether sipped neat or mixed in a margarita.
History of National Tequila Day
Long before tequila, the Aztecs and other Indigenous peoples of Mexico made pulque, a fermented drink from the agave plant. After Spanish colonists arrived in the 1500s, they introduced distillation, leading to agave spirits known as mezcal.
Tequila is a type of mezcal named after the town of Tequila in the state of Jalisco. By the 1700s and 1800s, distilleries in the region were producing it commercially. In the 1970s, Mexico established a designation of origin for tequila, meaning it can only be made in Jalisco and certain areas of four other states. It must be made from blue Weber agave.
Agave plants take several years to mature before they are harvested by skilled workers called jimadores. The Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. Who created National Tequila Day is not documented.
Why National Tequila Day Matters
Tequila is an important part of Mexico's culture, economy and heritage.
Learning about tequila introduces people to agave farming and the work of jimadores.
As with any alcohol, moderation and responsible choices are important, and alcohol-free agave drinks offer options for everyone.
Tequila production also supports many rural communities in Mexico. The harvesting of agave by jimadores is a skill often passed down through generations, and the region around the town of Tequila draws visitors interested in its history, architecture and landscapes. Learning about it offers a window into Mexican culture.
How to Celebrate National Tequila Day
- Learn the types: compare blanco, reposado and añejo (21+).
- Make a margarita: use fresh lime juice (21+).
- Try a mocktail: make a lime and agave spritz.
- Learn about Jalisco: explore the region's culture.
- Drink responsibly: never drink and drive.
Celebrating at Work, School and Home
At work, avoid alcohol pressure; share facts about agave and Mexican culture instead. In classrooms, students can learn about the agave plant, desert agriculture, or Mexico's geography, without promoting alcohol. At home, adults can enjoy a tasting responsibly, and families can make alcohol-free limeade or agua fresca. Keep alcohol away from children.
Fun Facts About National Tequila Day
- Tequila must be made from blue Weber agave.
- It can only be made in specific regions of Mexico.
- The agave landscape of Tequila is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National Tequila Day FAQs
When is National Tequila Day?
National Tequila Day is July 24.
What is tequila made from?
Blue Weber agave.
Where is tequila made?
In Jalisco and parts of four other Mexican states.
What's the difference between tequila and mezcal?
Tequila is a type of mezcal made from blue agave in specific regions.