Good morning! 
It is Saturday, 24 July 2021
(W29 | D205 | 160 rem)
Today is: 
Tequila Day
Play this while reading
Mexicans like to celebrate Tequila Day, and so do a lot of other people all around the world! Although tequila can only be made in a few regions in Mexico, Tequila Day can (and should!) be celebrated by just about anyone, anywhere!
Derived from the blue agave plant, humans have been making something like tequila for at least a couple of thousand years. As early as 150 B.C., a predecessor of tequila, called ‘pulque’ was believed to have been made by civilizations predating the ancient Aztecs.
When making tequila, the hearts of the agave plant (called piñas) are removed and cooked, then they are ground and fermented for anywhere from a few months to three years. Like wine, the type of soil the plant is grown in can impact the taste of the final product. Unlike wine or other drinks made from fruit, once an agave plant is used to make tequila, it cannot be reused.
To qualify as “tequila”, at least 51% of the product must be derived from the blue agave plant that is prevalent in Mexico. Today, however, many manufacturers of the drink have much higher standards and will make it from a full 100% blue agave. These versions of tequila are typically higher quality and will usually be more expensive than the mixed versions.
Modern-day tequila is like a few other alcoholic beverages (champagne, cognac or bourbon) in that it can only be named “tequila” if it is made in a certain place. In the case of tequila, this place is Mexico. While specifically most tequilas originate from Jalisco, other qualifying regions include Michoacán, Tamaulipas, Guanajuato, or Nayarit.
Tequila Day is the celebration of everything to do with this classic drink, whether it is enjoyed straight or as part of a tasty cocktail. In 2018, Tequila Day was officially recognized by the Mexican government, and now everyone wants to celebrate–not just today but all year round!
Of course, the celebration of Tequila Day should include enjoying this tasty beverage in some form or another–whether with a shot-style taster or having it in a mixed drink. Some other ideas for enjoying this day include:
Try Out a Tequila Cocktail
Margaritas are only the very beginning when it comes to enjoying cocktails made from this tasty alcoholic beverage. There is so much more to be explored when making cocktails with tequila! For instance, whether ordering at a bar or making them at home, try out these interesting ideas in celebration of Tequila Day:
- Spiced Paloma. This refreshing cocktail uses tequila, grapefruit juice, grapefruit zest, jalapeno juice, lime, and is garnished with spicy gummy candies! Some people also like to salt this rim of the glass for this drink.
- Tereman Avo-Colada. Definitely, a unique one, this “drink” (some might call it a snack!) channels the flavor of Mexican food using half an avocado, lime juice, agave nectar, coconut yogurt, and tequila. Muddle, shake and serve over ice topped with sparkling mineral water.
- Ponche Caballero. Using pineapple juice, tamarind nectar, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, bitters and (of course) tequila, this tasty beverage is shaken and served over ice with a pineapple garnish.
- Spring Flora. Tasty and fruity, this floral drink contains Aperol, lime juice, watermelon juice, hibiscus syrup, rosewater, bitters and tequila. For an added treat, it can be garnished with grated chocolate!
Learn Something New About Tequila
While celebrating Tequila Day, try sharing these fun facts to get the conversation started:
- More than 300 million agave plants are grown and harvested each year to produce tequila throughout Mexico.
- Tequila can be used to create small, artificial diamonds–which are often used in the electronics industry.
- Regular agave and blue agave plants have different flavors. Standard agave is used in sweeteners but not in tequila.
- The plant from which tequila is derived (Agave tequilana weber) can grow as large as 7 feet tall and may take from 8 to 12 years to become mature plants. This plant actually looks a lot like a cactus but it is actually a succulent that has a close relationship to the lily.
Throughout your Tequila Day celebrations, please stay safe, and drink responsibly! And remember the wisdom of the ancients, who taught us: “One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, floor!”
And as a special bonus for all you lekker, smaak it, mooi mense, a pragtige bonus for after your 3rd tequila (it’s going to take at least that many for me to listen to more than 20 seconds of it…)
Like the comments say, hoendervleis, ne? 