Tequila might not be the answer…but it’s worth a shot!
Is there any better way to enjoy blue agave juice than bottoms up? Get ready to party Mexican-style as we prepare to celebrate National Tequila Day on Monday, July 24.
Tequila’s precursor, a milky frothy concoction known as ‘pulque’ dates back to circa 1000 BC, when indigenous Mexican tribes would harvest and ferment it. It wasn’t until around the 16th Century AD when tequila as we know it was produced – Spanish aristocrat Don Pedro Sànchez de Tagle opened the world’s first tequila factory in Jalisco, the state where the modern city of Tequila is located.
More than a century later in 1795, the world’s most successful brand was born when Don Jose Antonio de Cuervo founded the first Vino Mexcal de Tequila de Jose Cuervo.
Get set to lick, sip and suck on Monday at some of our favourite Mexican venues around the country:
Head to Sydney’s first Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant, Vecino on Glebe Point Road for a dining experience to remember. With a name meaning ‘neighbours’ in Spanish, this Glebe restaurant oozes a funky vibe of glowing neon signage, exposed brick and graffiti-style artwork, ideal for after-work drinks with friends and memorable meals.
Stop in on Monday and say arriba to an authentic Margarita, served on the rocks with Espolon Tequila, triple sec and lemon juice, ideally teamed with a spicy pork taco, with cabbage, pico de gallo, gochujang mayo, sour cream and guacamole.
Experience true Mexican flavours, music and traditions right in the heart of Brisbane at La Patrona on Florence Street in Teneriffe. This little piece of Mexico has been built with love and filled with treasures in the dining room, from statues to cacti and vibrant wall murals; on balmy days, take to the terrace with a Margarita in hand and soak up the sun while enjoying an unforgettable lunch, or romantic dinner.
Go old-school with time-honoured tequilas used to create cheeky cocktails to accompany share plates of lamb barbacoa flautas, with guajillo salsa, lettuce, feta and pico de gallo, or rib-eye steak and King pawns with garlic and borracha salsa, crispy onion and sweet potato chips.
For an intimate Latin-Mex street food experience, head to Sydney’s harbourside suburb of Balmain to find Cantina Bar on Darling Street. With a menu drawing inspiration from street food vendors in Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Cuba, even the most-fickle gringo will say arriba to tacos and tequila in funky surrounds of wall murals, exposed brick and recycled timber.
Wrap your hands around a signature blood orange Margarita with triple sec, fresh lime, blood orange and a salt rim while grazing on Baja California crispy fish tacos with pickled cabbage, chipotle mayo and jalapeño.
Come for a taco, stay for the vibe at Superchido on Charles Street in Seddon. Say arriba to artisanal and authentic Mexican food and drinks as you sit back in relax in fun and trendy surroundings at this Melbourne taqueria, where a vibrant mural of a coyote decorates one wall and potted cacti sit on shelves.
Don your sombrero on Monday and enjoy a classic or spicy Margarita during Happy Hour before chowing down on braised beef brisket, beef consommé, coriander, onion, salsa verde, tortillas and lime.
