Mexico is a land graced with amazing treasures including thousands of miles of stunning coastline, majestic mountains and abundant agricultural products. But one of its most prized exports is tequila.
And tequila’s stature is certainly not ignored in the U.S. That Mexican treasure is honored with National Tequila Day on Thursday, July 24. Several Austin restaurants and bars will celebrate with special cocktails. Enjoy our guide to where to drink tequila in Austin — and what to sip.
Benji's Cantina
It’s only been in business for about a year, but Benji’s is shooting to be a top tequila destination in Austin. The Tex-Mex restaurant and bar serves more than 80 labels of tequila and will run drink specials for National Tequila Day.
"We have a knowledgeable staff that can guide people to try new types of tequila," said Geoff Freeman, operating partner. "With this big selection, it’s easy to find a tequila you like. We have the best price on Don Julio 1942 in town, so it sells really well. I’ve tried almost every tequila on the shelf, and usually at least a bottle of each. I fell in love with Casa Noble Tequila. It’s an especially smooth sipping tequila that is aged in French oak barrels."
What to sip: Try Benji’s tequila twist on a cocktail classic, Benji's Cantina's Tequila Old Fashioned.
La Condesa
La Condesa is a cocktail mecca with more than 80 tequilas available in the cozy bar and the street-side patio. This Mexican restaurant draws locals and tourists alike for its ever-changing lineup of distinctive and small batch tequilas. To celebrate National Tequila Day, La Condesa is hosting a competition between its bartenders to create a specialty Cazadores Tequila cocktail, and the winning drink will be featured on July 24 for $10.
If you can’t wait for July 24 for tequila, La Condesa hosts happy hour every day from 5 - 7 pm, where all drinks are half price — even the ridiculously high-end tequilas like Herradura Seleccion Suprema, which sells for $65 and Gran Patron Burdeos Anejo Tequila, which will set you back $75. For an exclusive tequila without sticker shock, try the Herradura Double Barrel Reserve Reposado that was made just for La Condesa for $14.
What to sip: The Alma Blanca is one of La Condesa’s most unique and popular drinks, packing a punch in a small package with a hint of spice and velvety texture derived from muddled sweet corn. On National Tequila Day all tequila flights will be $2 off as well. If you’re not game for a full flight of four, try a tequila board with a shot of tequila, a shot of sangrita, a dash of salt and lime.
Tacos and Tequila
This tequila powerhouse has the largest selection of tequila in town with more than 160 kinds of tequila, including four poured on tap. In addition to many exotic tequilas, TNT also has a great selection of locally owned brands including Ambhar, Dulce Vida, Man in Black, Republic Tequila, Tequila 512 and Z Tequila. On National Tequila Day, TNT will feature Happy Hour specials all day.
What to sip: If you like your tequila without anything else, try one of the monthly featured distilleries neat in a snifter or a flight of three tequilas. If you prefer a cocktail, TNT has several classic and signature margaritas and tequila drinks. The Orange Noir offers a fresh taste of summer.
Takoba
With two full bars and a large outdoor seating area, Takoba pours more than 25 kinds of tequila. While it specializes in mezcal (more than 60 available), this is a great place to celebrate National Tequila Day. The unpretentious setting, the authentic Mexican eats and the specialty margaritas are all a big draw. On July 24, Takoba will have happy hour specials in the cantina from 5-9 pm.
What to sip: The house margarita is always a hit. While you can order a super-premium tequila like Abandonado Extra Añejo Tequila, the folks at Takoba say that many people pick the tried and true basics like Herradura, Patron and Don Julio. Give one of those a toss with a house-made sangrita to follow. If you like your tequila with an extra kick, try the Mango-Habanero Margarita on for size.
508 Tequila Bar and Pelons Tex-Mex
This sister restaurant and bar combo situated on Red River Street pours more than 50 types of tequila and several tequila cocktails. The once sleepy cottages wear festive red paint outside and harbor a chill, dimly lit vibe inside — a perfect atmosphere to sip a snifter of añejo. On National Tequila Day, 508 Tequila Bar will have feature la hora feliz (happy hour) specials from 2-7 pm.
What to sip: One of the cocktails that should be high are your list is the Cuernos Largos. It’s a hearty margarita made with Dulce Vida 100 proof tequila. It packs a punch, so customers are only allowed to order two.
Cuernos Largos at 508 Tequila Bar.
