It's National Tequila Day. What Are You Drinking?

By Anthony Todd in Food on Jul 24, 2012 8:30PM

It's National Tequila Day. We will be quaffing a margarita after work in honor of this grand American celebration of cross-cultural inebriation. If you want to join in the fun, there are lots of opportunities around town to get a great drink. Plus, check out a variety of interesting tequila cocktail recipes.

Many of the higher-end latino and Mexican restaurants around town are hosting celebrations or running drink specials. Nacional 27 will be serving half-priced tapas from 5-7 and featuring a $15 margarita flight. Barrio is hosting an event to benefit the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence. For $20, guests get margaritas, appetizers and the opportunity to taste a variety of tequilas. At Taco Joint tonight, all tequila pours are half price.

We've featured some wonderful tequila cocktails over the years on Chicagoist. Of course, the Classic Margarita is the granddaddy of them all, and you can spend the evening drunkenly arguing about the correct proportions. If you're more adventurous, try out Rick Bayless's own Bloody Mary recipe, or maybe pour out this punch we featured for Cinco de Mayo. If you're a little bit crazy, try the super-spicy Vato Loco, the cocktail so hot you have to sign a waiver before you drink it. Pair all of these drinks with some Spicy Tequila Shrimp.

If all you've ever done with tequila is take cheap shooters, it's time to beef up your education. Kyle has spent the last couple of months learning about tequila, so put all of his drinking to good use.

How will you be celebrating tonight?