My readers know I love a good tequila, and July 24 is National Tequila Day, so it is the perfect time to celebrate what I like to call the “drink of the gods”.

Frozen Margaritas from Modern Margarita. Photo by Hannah Leeke courtesy Modern Margarita

There are many myths on the origins of this Mexican liquor, but I tend to prefer the one that says lightning struck an agave plant, causing the liquid to seep out. The Aztecs who witnessed it drank the clear liquid and felt it opened communication between mortals and the gods. Tequila was first mass produced in the 1600s. Today, real tequila—which is a protected designation of origin product in much the same way Champagne is for France—is made from blue agave in the Mexican state of Jalisco.

The great thing about tequila is that it is versatile. You can sip it if you get really good tequila. You can add it to cocktails and food. You can pair it with food. Here are some of my suggestions for celebrating National Tequila Day.

Take a Sip

Of course, the best way to enjoy tequila is to simply drink it. I’m not talking the cheap stuff you get for under $10 a bottle. That will give you headaches. Here are a few of my suggestions for sipping tequila.

AsomBroso Tequila

I hadn’t heard of AsomBroso Tequila until recently and I’m intrigued by the uniqueness of some of their tequilas. AsomBroso Tequila is a small, family-owned company that creates 100% blue agave ultra-premiums tequilas.

My favorite is The Collaboration, which is the Vintage 11-year-old Extra Añejo that has been rested in French oak and then in Cabernet Sauvignon casks from Napa Valley’s Silver Oak Cellars. This is truly the most unique tequila I’ve had. You get the smoothness that only comes from an aged tequila that has rested in French oak. It has that beautiful butterscotch and vanilla tones of a fine wine, but then it also takes on additional flavors from the Cabernet Sauvignon casks, giving it a hint of the berries and tannins I’d expect from a nice wine.

The Collaboration tequila is an 11-year-old Extra Añejo double rested in Silver Oak Cellar’s barrels. Photo courtesy AsomBroso

To top it off, The Collaboration comes in a gorgeous hand-blown crystal decanter made in Murano Italy by artist Luciano Gambaro. The decanter arrives in a polished humidor.

No, sorry, my samples came in tiny bottles, not the decanter, but I would love to add this to my collection of beautiful tequila bottles someday. The Collaboration is available online for $1,799.99.

Don Julio Tequila

Sure, there are more expensive tequilas. I’ve been privileged to have a few of them. But when I want a good, reasonably priced tequila, I usually opt for Don Julio. I use Don Julio Blanco to make margaritas. And if anyone tells you that you can’t tell the difference between good tequila and cheap tequila in a margarita, don’t believe them. There’s a difference.

Sipping a cocktail made with Don Julio at Arizona Cocktail Week. Photo by Susan Lanier-Graham

For a casual sipping tequila, I like Don Julio Añejo, which retails for about $55 a bottle and goes a long way. It’s a beautiful amber color and has been aged for 18 months in American oak barrels. It has that classic butterscotch you get with an añejo, but with the sweetness of honey and a tinge of spice.

I really love Don Julio 1942, but I’ve only had that on very special occasions. It retails for about $100 a bottle. Don Julio has a premium tequila called Don Julio Real, which is aged for five years in white oak. I’ve been told it is incredibly smooth, but at $375 a bottle, I haven’t sampled that one yet.

Tequila Herradura

Another great sipping tequila is Tequila Herradura, and you have several choices depending on your tequila preferences. The classic Tequila Herradura Silver ($32.99), made with 100% blue agave, is aged in American white oak barrels for 45 days. This is a smooth, clean tequila and one of my go-to options for making drinks at home.

Tequila Herradura tequilas. Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

If you like a bit more depth to your tequila, try the Tequila Herradura Reposado ($39.99). This tequila has been aged for 11 months and is a lovely copper color. There’s a hint of spice in this tequila. I also enjoy drinking the Tequila Herradura Añejo ($42.99) that is aged for two years in oak barrels, giving it a sweeter and smokier taste.

Herradura has two more options that I have not yet tried. The Tequila Herradura Selecctión Suprema ($349.99) is the first Extra Añejo in the tequila industry. It is aged in American white oak for four years and has a dark amber color. I’m told it is rich, creamy and smooth with a lovely finish. There is also a small-batch offering, the Tequila Herradura Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2015 ($89.99). This unique offering is fermented with natural yeast and bottled direct from the still at 110 proof, resulting in a crystal-clear tequila.

Tequila Herradura Colección de la Casa, Reserva 2015. Photo courtesy Tequila Herradura

Go Get a Drink

If you happen to live in the Phoenix area, there are so many great places offering specials for National Tequila Day. Here are a few of my favorites that are whipping up something unique for the day.

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill is offering a couple of great specials. Stop by any Z’Tejas in the Valley to try the Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita—El Jimador Blanco, jalapeno and cucumber—or taste their Brazos Tequila Cooler—Bracero Blanco, hibiscus syrup and lemon lime soda. From 3 to 5 pm on Sunday, July 24, there will be $5 signature margaritas including, 6th Street Margarita(frozen or rocks), Chambord Margarita, Hard Day Margarita, Skinny Margarita, Skinny Cucumber Mule and the Tejas Mule.

Enjoy a Jalapeño Cucumber Margarita or Brazos Tequila Cooler. Photo courtesy Z’Tejas

And the fun doesn’t have to end on Sunday. Long after National Tequila Day is over, you can enjoy the specials at Z’Tejas with the new Tequila Tuesdays! Every Tuesday, enjoy half off ALL tequila drinks! This does exclude happy hour pricing. Z’Tejas has grown to become the premier dining destination for Mexican and Southwestern style cuisine in Phoenix where it has five Valley locations. You can follow Z’Tejas on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information, visit www.ztejas.com.

Taco Guild

One of the best margaritas in town is over at Taco Guild in central Phoenix so it’s a great place to spend National Tequila Day. Their Founder’s Guayaba cocktail is made with Herradura Double Barrel Reposado tequila, rosemary and limes. While there, try These Boots are Made For Oaxacan—a delicious mixture of Peligroso Anejo tequila, fruitlab ginger organic liqueur, Del Maguey VIDA mescal, limes and lemons. For National Tequila Day, enjoy happy hour from 2 p.m. to close with $5 1893 Margaritas!

Enjoy a Taco Guild margarita for National Tequila Day. Photo courtesy Taco Guild

Walking into this repurposed gastropub/Taqueria, with its handcrafted pews and stained glass windows, is like taking a step back in time. Originally, a taquería was typically a street vendor; however, today many taquerías are restaurants that occupy buildings. Taco Guild passionately embraces old world tradition, telling a story through time-honored recipes, expertly crafted cuisine and unforgettable flavors. Serious tequila connoisseurs keep the shelves stocked with nothing but the highest quality liquor, which is probably why the 1893 Margarita is so unbelievably delicious. Located at 546 East Osborn Road in Phoenix, call 602.264.4143 or visit tacoguild.com for more information.

Sierra Bonita Grill

Sierra Bonita Grill is also celebrating National Tequila Day with all day specials on tequila-based cocktails. From open to close throughout the whole restaurant, Sierra Bonita will be offering $6 happy hour pricing on the Fresh Squeezed Margarita, Pomegranate Margarita and Paloma.

Sierra Bonita Grill offers handcrafted margaritas to celebrate National Tequila Day

The Fresh Squeezed Margarita is shaken with reposado tequila, orange liqueur, fresh squeezed lime juice, and agave nectar. The Pomegranate Margarita features pomegranate liqueur, reposado tequila, orange liqueur, a splash of orange juice, and homemade sweet and sour mix. The Paloma is a mix of blanco tequila and grapefruit soda, with a cayenne salted rim. Sierra Bonita Grill is located at 6933 N. 7th St., Phoenix, Ariz., 85014. For more information, call 602-264-0700 or visit www.sierrabonitagrill.com.

Barrio Urbano

Enjoy a half off tequila cocktail for National Tequila Day at Barrio Urbano

Modern Margarita

Just in time for National Tequila Day—but available from now moving forward—Modern Margarita on High Street in Northeast Phoenix is offering new options to its Modern Cocktails and Margarita menu and will now offer several tequila flights from among its more than 60 tequila offerings. Just for National Tequila Day, on July 24, Modern margarita is offering 2 for 1 tequila with some of their personal favorites, including Chicano, Casa Noble, Cazadores, Corzo and Espolon.

Tequila Flight at Modern Margarita. Photo by Hannah Leeke

The new cocktail offerings, many available in 12-ounce, 16-ounce and shareable 60-ounce sizes, include:

• Sandia Rita: Altos Blanco Tequila, watermelon syrup, pineapple juice, house sour, agave, fresh lime juice $10/$13/$50
• Up in Smoke: Mastro Dobel Humito Tequila, barrel smoked maple syrup, simple sumpr, house sour $11/$14/$55
• Tortuga: Avio Siver Tequila, Grand marnier, melon liqueur, agave nectar, fresh lime juice $13/$19/$65
• OG Rustic: Reposado Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar $9/$14/$45

There are also a variety of frozen margaritas and several wines by the glass and bottle as well as beers by the can, bottle and on draft.

Modern Margarita is open Sunday and Monday 11 am to 10 pm; Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am to midnight; Thursday 11 am to 1 am; and Friday and Saturday from 11 am to 2 am.

Since opening its first location in 2013, Modern Margarita has exploded onto the culinary scene in Arizona. The urban taco and tequila bar is already earning top honors for its savory street tacos, unique approach to margaritas, and unmatched guest experience. This is reflected through its multiple awards earned from Phoenix New Times and at the Arizona Taco Festival and Phoenix Tequila Festival. Recently named an Open Table Diner’s Choice Winner, Modern Margarita boasts fresh, seasonal ingredients across its entire menu – including its signature margarita creations. The eye-popping décor is as playful as its menu, bursting with bright colors and always providing a lively atmosphere.

Modern Margarita will soon open a second location, in Chandler, as a sister location to the High Street location in Northeast Phoenix. For more information, visit modernmargarita.com.

89Agave Cantina in Sedona

If you want to get out of the city heat for the day, head to 89Agave Cantina in Sedona to get your tequila on for the day.

Enjoy a tequila-inspired cocktail at 89Agave Cantina in Sedona. Photo courtesy 89Agave Cantina

Enjoy a flight of Tequila-inspired margaritas (4 oz each) with the flavors of Cilantro Jalapeño, Serrano Pineapple, Love Potion, Cinnamon, and the signature Sedona Margarita. All tequila flights will be $5 off and Patron margaritas will be offered for only $7.

Centrally located in the heart of Uptown Sedona, with a large street side patio and Rec Rock views, 89Agave Cantina serves fresh, delicious Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine. The full bar features an extensive specialty tequila section, specialty margaritas and signature cocktails. So, even if you don’t make it up to Sedona on National Tequila Day, there are margaritas aplenty just waiting for your next trip to the Red Rocks. Find out more online at www.89agave.com.

Whip Up a Tequila Cocktail at Home

No matter where you are around the world, you can celebrate National Tequila Day—or any day—with one of these creative tequila recipes courtesy of restaurants around the globe. In addition to the great tequila recipes below, be sure to check out more great cocktail recipes here.

Heat of the Moment

Heat of the Moment incorporates fresno chiles, passion fruit, lime and tequila and is courtesy of Bottiglia, Chef Brian Massie’s Italian restaurant at Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino in Henderson, NV.

Heat of the Moment. Photo courtesy Bottiglia

Ingredients:

• 2 Slices Fresno Chile
• 2 oz Espolon Reposado Tequila
• 1 oz Funkin’ Passion Fruit Puree
• ½ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ oz Agave Syrup

Directions:

1. Add all ingredients into mixing tin.
2. Add ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain over fresh ice, into a big martini glass.
4. Garnish with half cinnamon sugar rim, fresno chili horns and a lime spiral.

Mickey Cohen

For the ultimate aesthetic surprise, make the Mickey Cohen from Pearl’s Rooftop by mixing in passion fruit and jalapeño. Pearl’s Rooftop has been a force on Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip since the 1920’s. If you’re not in LA, you can whip this one up at home for a taste of classic California.

Whip up the Mickey Cohen with tequila and passion fruit, created by Pearl’s Rooftop in Los Angeles. Photo courtesy Pearl’s Rooftop

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Casa Amigos Tequila
• 1 oz Passion Fruit Puree
• ½ oz Fresh Jalapeño
• ½ oz Fresh Lime
• 1 tsp Agave

Directions:

1. Shake vigorously and strain into a rocks glass over a strawberry jalapeño ice sphere.
2. Garnish with strawberry and lime.

Picante Passion

Passion is key at STK LA, located within the W Los Angeles – West Beverly Hills. This chic and glamorous social hotspot is where you can pickup a Picante Passion. If you’re not in LA, you can grab some fresh watermelon and garnish with red chili peppers to create your own passion at home.

Grab some fresh watermelon and garnish with red chili peppers to create the Picante Passion from STK LA. Photo courtesy STK LA

Ingredients:

• 2 oz Tequila
• ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
• ½ oz Simple Syrup
• 4 Watermelon Cubes
• 1 Slice Red Chili Pepper
• Tajín Clásico Seasoning

Directions:

1. Muddle red chili and watermelon.
2. Add tequila, lime, and simple syrup.
3. Shake and strainon the rocks in a glass rimmed with Tajín Clásico Seasoning.