National Tequila Day, observed in the United States on July 24, honors Mexico’s famous blue agave spirit. The date is widely recognized across the U.S., where many restaurants and bars highlight tequila through tastings and special menu offerings.
In Mexico, the official celebration takes place on the third Saturday of March, marking the spirit’s importance in national food and drink culture.
About Tequila
Tequila is a specific type of mezcal, but it must follow strict rules to use the name. It can be produced only in Jalisco and limited areas of four other Mexican states under a protected Denomination of Origin.
The spirit is made exclusively from the blue agave plant, whose heart—the piña—is harvested, cooked, fermented, and distilled.
Tequila categories include blanco, reposado, añejo, and extra añejo, each defined by aging time and flavor profile. These standards influence the spirit’s flavor, aroma, and color, and they affect how tequila tastes both on its own and in cocktails.
When Is National Tequila Day Celebrated?
National Tequila Day in the United States always falls on July 24. Here are the upcoming dates through 2030:
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Friday, July 24 |
| 2027 | Saturday, July 24 |
| 2028 | Monday, July 24 |
| 2029 | Tuesday, July 24 |
| 2030 | Wednesday, July 24 |
Facts About TequilaFacts About Tequila
Here’s what makes tequila different from other spirits and how its production is connected to Mexico:
- The United States is the largest consumer of tequila outside Mexico, contributing to the observance’s popularity.
- Only spirits made in designated Mexican regions may legally use the name “tequila,” protected through international agreements.
- Blue agave plants take seven to ten years to mature before they can be harvested.
- A fully grown agave piña can weigh over 100 pounds, depending on the growing conditions.
- Tequila is required to be distilled twice, though some brands distill three times for a lighter flavor.
- Aging categories—blanco, reposado, añejo, extra añejo—have strict time requirements that shape color and aroma.
- Tequila labeled 100% blue agave must be bottled in Mexico. Mixto tequila may be bottled elsewhere.
Ways to Celebrate National Tequila Day
People celebrate this day in many different ways, whether they enjoy tequila on its own, in cocktails, or simply want to learn more about its history and production. Here are a few easy ideas:
- Try a tasting flight to compare blanco, reposado, and añejo and see how aging affects flavor.
- Mix a cocktail at home, such as a margarita or paloma, using fresh citrus and quality tequila.
- Cook with tequila, adding it to marinades, sauces, or desserts for a subtle agave note.
- Visit a local bar or restaurant offering tequila-based specials or tastings.
- Learn about agave farming, harvesting, and the Denomination of Origin to better understand how tequila is made.
- Choose a non-alcoholic option, such as agave-based mocktails or zero-proof tequila alternatives.
- Support Mexican artisans, as many agave-growing regions produce traditional crafts connected to tequila heritage.
