July 24th is National Tequila Day

There are many national holidays. Some are very serious and somber, some are silly and wacky and some are just plain delicious. National Tequila Day (July 24th) is the latter. It’s a day where we as a people can all come together and celebrate all that is Tequila.

Tequila, for those unaware, is a distilled spirit that is made from the blue agave plant. It’s usually made at 40% alcohol (80 proof), but can also be found up to 55% alcohol (110 proof). Just like the notion that real champagne can only be made in the Champagne region of France, according to Mexican law, genuine tequila must be produced in the area around the city of Tequila in the MexicanState of Jalisco. Similar to how the grapes for champagne can only be grown in the area of the same name, the volcanic soil found in Jalisco is perfectly suited to grow Blue Agave. Tequila can also be produced in a very limited amount basis in the stats of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Tamaulipas and Nayari