National Tequilla Day

Young adults toasting tequila shots, festive sombreros, colorful Mexican fiesta decor, lively street celebration. — National tequilla day illustration

Ah, National Tequila Day, a day to raise a glass, or several shots, and celebrate one of the most beloved spirits in the world. Tequila, that magical elixir made from the blue agave plant, has been bringing joy and questionable dance moves to people for centuries. So let's dive into the internet history of this spirited day!

When is Tequilla Day?

It's national tequilla day on the 24th July.

The Origins of National Tequila Day

While the exact origin of National Tequila Day remains a mystery, one thing is for sure – tequila has a rich history filled with tales of adventure and intoxication. The story begins in Mexico, where the blue agave plant grows abundantly. It was the native Aztecs who first discovered the magic of this plant and began fermenting its juices to create a potent beverage. Fast forward to the 16th century when the Spanish conquistadors arrived, and they learned how to distill the agave juice, creating what we now know as tequila.

As the popularity of tequila spread, so did the parties and celebrations associated with it. And it was only a matter of time before someone declared a National Tequila Day, giving people a legitimate reason to enjoy this liquid gold guilt-free.

The Internet Says Cheers!

The internet is buzzing with mentions of National Tequila Day, with a whopping 502 mentions detected online. The highest number of mentions occurred on July 24, 2015, when tequila lovers from all corners of the world united to raise their glasses in celebration. From memes to cocktail recipes, the online celebration is a true fiesta of tequila appreciation.

Fun Fact: Tequila vs. Mezcal

Did you know that all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila? Confusing, right? Here's the deal: while both tequila and mezcal are distilled from species of agave plants, tequila must specifically come from the blue agave plant and be produced in designated areas of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from various agave species and is produced in different regions of Mexico. So next time you indulge in a shot of tequila, impress your friends with this little nugget of knowledge.

History behind the term 'Tequilla'

16th century

The birth of distillation

In the 16th century, Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico and introduced the process of distillation to the region. They brought with them the knowledge of how to distill spirits, including the precursor to tequila.

18th century

The birth of mezcal

In the 18th century, mezcal, the predecessor to tequila, began to be produced in the region of Tequila in Mexico. Mezcal is made from the agave plant, which is native to Mexico and has been used for centuries for its medicinal and nutritional properties.

19th century

Tequila as a regional specialty

During the 19th century, Tequila became a regional specialty in Mexico, with the town of Tequila becoming the center of tequila production. The town's volcanic soil and ideal climate provided the perfect conditions for growing agave plants used in tequila production.

1873

The birth of the Tequila appellation of origin

In 1873, the Mexican government officially recognized Tequila as a protected regional name and established the Tequila appellation of origin. This designation ensures that tequila can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico, using certain types of agave and following strict production methods.

20th century

Tequila gains international popularity

In the 20th century, tequila gained popularity internationally. It became a staple in cocktails such as the margarita and gained recognition as a unique and flavorful spirit. The demand for tequila grew, leading to the establishment of numerous tequila brands and distilleries.

2006

UNESCO recognizes tequila as a cultural heritage

In 2006, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized the cultural heritage of tequila by including the agave landscape and ancient industrial facilities of Tequila on its World Heritage List. This acknowledgment highlights the historical and cultural significance of tequila in Mexico.