This weekend, Buffalo will get to celebrate one of the tastiest “holidays” around - National Tequila Day!

What is National Tequila Day?

While it’s not technically an “official” holiday per-say, National Tequila day (also known as International Tequila Day) is celebrated by tequila-lovers everywhere every year on July 24th. 

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Why is tequila so special?

Tequila, a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, is considered one of the world’s oldest spirits. A version of it was first created by the Aztecs between 250 and 300 AD to use as a ceremonial “wine,” but tequila as we know it caught on much later when the first tequila license was granted by the King of Spain in the 1600s.

Today, Mexican laws state that tequila can only be produced in the Mexican state of Jalisco and a few surrounding areas. As of 2009, there were over 100 distilleries in existence to make over 900 brands of tequila in Mexico. In fact, if you were to examine a bottle of tequila on the liquor shelf or on your bar,  you’ll find a serial number indicating which distillery the tequila was produced in. Because only so many distilleries are used to make tequila, several different brands of tequila actually come from the same location.

Why do so many people love tequila?

When heading to a Buffalo bar or restaurant, many people consider tequila to be their alcoholic beverage of choice. For one thing, because tequila is made from the blue agave plant and not wheat-based, many brands of tequila are considered gluten-free.

Second, a lot of people believe (whether it’s actually true or not) that tequila is an “upper” spirit, meaning it elevates your mood and increases your energy, rather than bringing you down in the dumps.

Third, some tequila brands-specifically the “blanco” or “silver” varieties- don’t contain excess sugary syrups and fillers. This means theoretically that if you drink tequila, you won’t have as rough of a hangover the next day. (Again, though - as long as it’s consumed in moderation. If you go crazy on the tequila shots at happy hour, you will have a headache the next day). 

Buffalo has some of the best tequila cocktails around

Thanks to our amazing and ever-growing food, restaurant, and bar scene, some of the most delicious cocktails starring tequila are made right here in the 716. We’ve collected some of the best tequila cocktails around Western New York for you to celebrate National Tequila Day with. Arriba!

10 Tantalizing Tequila Cocktails In Buffalo, New York

Thanks to our amazing and ever-growing food, restaurant, and bar scene, some of the most delicious cocktails starring tequila are made right here in the 716.

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