Whenever I am sick my abuelo tells me to take a shot of tequila, “que doctor ni que nada,” what doctor, he’ll stubbornly say. He claims it’s the world’s best medicine. Although I can’t promise tequila will cure your cold, I can promise that this Mexican spirit is meant to be more than just a drink you take shots of on a night out. So grab your friends and head over to any of these places to celebrate the best holiday of the year, National Tequila Day (July 24).
Word of advice: Make sure to enjoy a warm bowl of menudo the morning after; it truly is the best remedy for a hangover.
Mariano’s Hacienda
Mariano’s founder, Mariano Martinez changed the game in 1971 when created the world’s greatest invention—the frozen margarita machine. In September 2010, his invention was named one of the top ten inventions from the National Museum of American History collection, so of course it would be wrong to not include this iconic restaurant in our list of places to celebrate National Tequila Day. Head over to their Skillman location or any of their other five Dallas-Fort Worth locations to enjoy any of their 10 margarita options.
Yucatan Taco Stand
Yucatan Taco Stand has more than 75 premium 100-percent agave tequilas available, they also offer several dishes infused with this iconic Mexican beverage. Start things off with a spicy tequila shrimp quesadilla, for your main course choose from tequila lime chicken or spicy tequila shrimp and add it to any of their burritos, tacos, salads, nachos, quesadillas, or bowls. You can also opt for the plantain crusted mahi-mahi topped with a tequila lime and mango habanero sauce and served with a side of grilled vegetables and chipotle mashed potatoes. Finally for dessert, enjoy their refreshing tequila lime sorbet. Of course, don’t forget to wash everything down with one of their classic margaritas or specialty cocktails.
Meso Maya
Two words: Avocado Margarita. I’ll admit when I first heard of Meso Maya’s avocado margarita, I was very hesitant to try it. After several minutes, I finally muscled up the courage to take a sip and I am sure glad I did. Made with fresh muddled avocado, freshly squeezed pineapple and lime juices, Triple Sec, and Casa Noble Crystal, the avocado margarita is a must try when you visit this Mexican restaurant. The food there is equally delicious, whenever I am craving my abuela’s cooking, Meso Maya is the place I turn to.
Mi Dia From Scratch
Mi Dia From Scratch has more than 120 tequilas available at their restaurant and will be honoring this national holiday by offering their sipping tequila flights for $5, $8, and $10.This is a chance for you and your friends to learn a little bit more about what makes tequila so special. They will also be offering 25-percent off of extra-anejo tequila full and half-ounce shots. Mi Dia offers several tequila dishes including their tequila pesto enchiladas made with jumbo shrimp, onions, cheese, and topped with their Sauza Hornitos Reposado tequila pepita pesto sauce. To end your meal in true Mexican fashion, make sure to get a cafecito. Mi Dia offers a great twist on this caffeinated beverage. Their Mexican coffee is made with Chiapas Mexican Coffee, Don Julio 70th, Kahlua, 1921 tequila cream, and Licor 43.
Stampede 66
Stampede 66 is doing things a little different from everybody else. Instead of celebrating on Sunday, they will be celebrating Monday, July 25. Sip on a watermelon basil margarita or the Berry Good made with nitrogen muddled blackberries, Casamigos reposado, St. Germain, agave, lime, and a splash of soda while listening to live music from the Zach Balch band. Stampede 66 will also be extending all happy hour specials until 10 p.m. that evening.
TopGolf
The golf entertainment complex will be hosting #AdultBreak2k16 because they believe everyone deserves a break from the exhausting and tough job that is “adulting.” There will be live music, plenty of patio games, and summer giveaway items. It wouldn’t be a National Tequila Day party without tequila so expect bloody marias, watermelon margaritas, and wingmans. The festivities will take place from noon until 4 p.m.
Taqueria La Ventana
Taqueria la Ventana is going all out for National Tequila Day. The taqueria is hosting a free (yes, free) tequila sampling. They will also be serving up El Jimador margaritas frozen or on the rocks for only $3.75. You will also have the opportunity to snap a funny photo with El Luchador, a costumed Mexican wrestler.
$2 Margarita’s at Various Locations
Several restaurants will be hosting $2 margarita specials all day. Among these are Blue Mesa which will have $2 margaritas all day Saturday and Sunday, and TNT Tacos and Tequila which will also have $2 margaritas all day both days.
Jatsive Hernandez is a D Magazine intern.