It’s just the tequila talking

Sometimes I look at the celebratory food days and wonder, ‘Who the heck comes up with these things?’ I began some research to find out when and how the day originated and came up with a lot of speculation and not a lot of facts. Then I sat for a moment and decided that if someone decided that I should drink tequila on the 24th, do I really need much more than that to break out the shot glass? Hardly!

With that, I present you with ways that you can celebrate with me on National Tequila Day (July 24th)!

• Macayo’s will be hosting a tequila tasting and education event complete with a four-course dinner. For $45 (gratuity and tax included) you will receive your education from Patron representatives. Sample some great tequila and learn the history about the differences as well as the production. Gather your friends together and get to Macayo’s by 6:30 on Wednesday. You’re sure to leave with a full belly as well as drink recipes and party favors. Be sure to call your closest location to secure your spot!

• BevMo! is hosting a Twitter party to celebrate National Tequila day as well as Casamigos Tequila, a premium tequila brand owned by George Clooney and Randy Gerber. From 6pm to 7pm Pacific Standard Time you can get all your tequila queries answered. To participate all you need to do is follow @BevMo and @Casamigos and be sure to use the hashtag #NationalTequilaDay. Interested in getting your questions answered by George or Randy specifically? Post your questions on the Casamigos Facebook page by 7/23 and you could get a response from one of the creators of Casamigos. “We love tequila. On the rocks, by the shot, at times, straight from the bottle,” said Clooney and Gerber. “Our idea was to make the best-tasting, smoothest tequila whose taste didn’t have to be covered up with salt or lime, so we did.” Additionally, the Tempe BevMo! location patrons will have the chance to attend an exclusive Casamigos tastings from 5-7 p.m., where they will be serving up Casamigos Reposado and Blanco in two George and Rande approved recipes, the Mi Casa and the Su Casa. To request tasting tickets and RSVP to the Twitter party, visit nationaltequiladay.eventbrite.com.

• TQLA, the Valley’s only restaurant with tequila on tap, will be celebrating with a great list of food and drink specials. Expect $6 margaritas, half-priced fajitas, $2 discounts on tequila tap shots and $5 discounts on all tequila flights. Take part in their margarita-making classes which will be taught by TQLA mixologists and on-hand tequila ambassadors who will be available to provide history on the Mayan drink. “We hope to bring the culture of Mexico, as well as the tastes of the Yucatán Peninsula to the American Southwest,” TQLA Tequilier Scott Lindsey, said in a statement. TQLA is located at 1840 South Val Vista Drive in Mesa. Call 480.813.8752 for more information.

• SOL Mexican Cocina will be hosting a delicious celebration complete with all-day happy hour pricing on their Partida tequila flights and complimentary palette refreshers with each order. Enjoy a Blanco tequila flight for $7.50, a Vertical tasting (blanco, reposado, anejo) for $12, a variety of margarita flavors as well as a variety of other tequila focused libations. Happy hour is from 3pm to 6pm and will feature special pricing on a variety of tacos and margaritas. SOL Mexican Cocina is located at 15323 North Scottsdale Road. Call 480.245.6708 to make a reservation.

• Z’Tejas has been lauded for their Chambord Margarita. Their popular Chambord Margarita includes Chambord black raspberry liqueur swirled into their award-winning 6th Street Margarita. Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill continues to remain a popular destination for those looking for a unique experience, not only with their food, but also for innovative cocktails. Z’Tejas has several Valley locations so check online for the one closest to you.

• Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse has the perfect drink for National Margarita Day, their Prickly Pear Margarita; a refreshing blend of tequila, agave nectar and fruit juices. While you are enjoying your margarita you won’t want to miss out on their prime dry-aged steaks and chops, fresh seafood, decadent desserts and impressive wine list. Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse is located 4180 North Drinkwater Boulevard in Scottsdale.

• Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill may be an Irish pub, but believe it or not, they make a mean margarita. Their Blood Orange Margarita is made with El Jimador Tequila, pureed blood orange, agave nectar, muddled fruit and sweet and sour is one of their most popular drinks. Toast National Tequila Day with this festive libation. Thirsty Lion Pub & Grill is located in Tempe Marketplace at 2000 East Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe.

If you’re celebrating at home, check out this recipe for Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse’s Prickly Pear Margarita. No designated driver needed!