Best Ways To Celebrate National Tequila Day In NYC
Whether you drink Patron, Jose Cuervo, or whatever tequila is behind the bar, it's time to celebrate National Tequila Day! Here are a few places in New York City that are serving up special tequila-based cocktails as well as information on how to watch Master Tequiler Miguel Angel Balam create the perfect drink (all the way from Mexico). By Carly Petrone.
More: The 5 Best Cocktail Bars In The East Village
Head over to the East Village and grab the new Noche de Verano cocktail at the redesigned Hecho en Dumbo. The star of this drink is the Reposado tequila but the spicy ginger, fresh lime, cane sugar, and angostura bitters certainly give this delicious concoction a bit of a bite. They're also serving up the Pantera Rosa made with tequila infused with Serrano chilies, fresh grapefruit, and St. Germain. What better way to celebrate National Tequila Day than with some tasty cocktails and guacamole and chips?
More: Ask A Bartender: Your Best Tequila Cocktail
La Pulperia will be offering Diego tequila tastings for $25 as well as a flight of 3 cocktails for $25 by head bartender Luis Villanueva in honor of National Tequila Day. Sip on the Chilango (Diego Santa tequila blanco, Cointreau, tamarind, La Pulperia spicy sauce), the La Sandia (Diego Santa tequila blanco, fresh watermelon, T-Ku Japanese citrus liqueur, lemon juice), and Pulperia de Verano (Diego Santa tequila blanco, Torres orange liqueur, fresh pineapple, jalapeno, cilantro, black lava salt). Colombian singer and guitarist Nilko Andreas will perform from 9 p.m. – 12 a.m. at their Hell's Kitchen location while a DJ will be spinning at the Upper East Side restaurant. Get the party started with a few sips of tequila!
More: Brooklyn's 5 Best Bars Off the Beaten Path
In the mood for something a little different? Head over to Faro in Brooklyn and order the Charo's Kick. For those of you who remember this fiery actress, she definitely brought a lot of personality to the big and small screens. Mixologist Justin Lane Briggs has created a cocktail that makes its own kind of statement. Sip on bold ingredients that together make quite a refreshing cocktail - Pueblo Viejo Tequila, mescal, lemon, and orgeat (almond-based syrup). This drink pairs perfectly with the restaurant's new summer menu. May we suggest the Wood Fired Scallops ($20) or decadent corn tortellini with marscapone ($15)? You're welcome.
More: NYC's 5 Best Restaurants For Seafood & Drinks
If you're in the Williamsburg area, grab a seat at Grand Ferry Tavern. Ask the bartender to make you the Diablo Verde and you'll be one happy customer. This cocktail is made with Highland blanco tequila, Cocchi Americano fresh lemon juice, cucumber, and cracked pepper. Sounds refreshing, right? If you arrive between 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. or 11 p.m. – 1 a.m. take advantage of their oyster happy hour. You'll get half priced oyster platters. They're also serving up a pretty decadent shared plates menu. The Blue Cheese Fondue ($12) with warm bread and Marrow Bone ($14) with fresh garlic bread are other great options to help soak up all that tequila.
More: New York's Best Mexican Restaurants
Just because it's National Tequila Day doesn't mean you have to get tipsy in order to celebrate. Chef Julian Medina is offering three tasty dishes at Toloache Thompson, all of which feature this festive libation. Choose from Altas de Pato ($15) – juicy duck wings in a chocolate-tequila glaze with chipotle jicama slaw – or try the spicy Tacos de Camaron Borrachos ($16) – shrimp tacos, habanero, and tequila flambé tamarind vinaigrette with pickled red onions. Meat eaters can enjoy a Filete con Salsa de Tequila ($35) – filet mignon with maitake mushrooms, crispy potatoes with a tequila reposado-morita salsa. You won't wake up with a hangover but you may end up in a food coma after eating one of these delicious meals.
More: 8 Best Margaritas In New York City
What better place to celebrate National Tequila Day then at the bar with the largest tequila selection in the Northeast? Head over to Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar and choose from one of their 420 selections. If that sounds too overwhelming sip on their classic Mercadito – Don Julio Silver Tequila, muddled with cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar – or cool down with the refreshing Watermelon Kiss Margarita – Herradura Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice, agave nectar, watermelon puree, all in a sugar-rimmed glass. Of course there's always non-margarita options like the Ranch Water – Patron Silver, soda water, and fresh lime juice – or Julio's Old Fashioned – Don Julio Reposado Tequila, muddled cherry and orange slice, bitters, and sugar. Don't forget to soak it all up with their famous table side guacamole or tacos. The Brooklyn – pulled pork, smoked bacon, pork belly, cilantro, onion, and salsa verde – is a decadent option that will leave you coming back for more.
More: The 5 Best Tequila Bars In NYC
If you're hosting your own happy hour and want some innovative tequila recipes check out helpful hints and cocktail-making techniques from Master Tequiler Miguel Angel Balam. Just go to Rosewood Mayakoba's Twitter page from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on July 24th because every hour, Balam will be sharing his favorite tequila cocktails and recipes. From 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. EST you can share any burning tequila-related questions and curiosities directly with Balam on Rosewood Mayakoba's Instagram page. He will not only field live questions but he'll also respond in real-time. This Mexican premiere resort has been busy celebrating all week-long so make sure to check out their social media pages to stay up to date all things tequila. Salud!
For the latest on all of the Tri-State's events and happenings, follow us on Twitter!
Carly Petrone is a freelance writer living in New York City.
