Happy National Tequila Day!

San Diego’s On the Border Mexican Grill and Cantina® has all the ingredients for a fun and flavor-filled National Tequila Day

July 24th is National Tequila Day! Although the origins of the holiday are a mystery there are many reasons to celebrate! We’ll help you get in the mood with some history, trivia, and delicious tequila recipes.

Tequila was first produced in the 16^th century when the Spanish conquistadors invading Mexico ran out of their own brandy supply and began to distill the blue agave as a replacement.  Even before then, however, the Aztec people used the agave plant to make a similar fermented beverage called octli. At the turn of the 17^th century the first tequila factory was established in present-day Jalisco, Mexico and mass production of tequila began. It wasn’t until the late 19^th century that tequila was first exported to the United States and later popularized by the margarita.

Did you know?

• By law, tequila can only be produced in select regions of Mexico — its production is carefully monitored by the Mexican government
• The blue agave plant takes 8-12 years to mature before it can be made into tequila
• The part of the agave plant from which the juices are extracted can weigh as much as 130 pounds
• Today there are over 2000 registered brand names of tequila
• In 2006 a one liter limited-edition bottle of premium tequila was sold for $225,000 making it the world’s most expensive spirit

Looking for ways to celebrate? Here are some of our favorite Mexican-inspired tequila recipes:

Mexican Martini (courtesy Herradura Tequila)

• 2 oz. Herradura Silver Tequila
• 1 ½ oz. Cointreau orange liqueur
• 2 oz. sweet and sour mix
• 1 oz. lime juice
• 2 oz. orange juice
• Splash of lemon-lime juice

Pour all ingredients into a large cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a large martini glass with a salt rim. Add two olives on a spear and serve

Queen of Mexico (courtesy of Drink of the Week)

• 2 oz. Tequila
• 1 oz. Dark Rum
• 2 oz. Pineapple juice
• 1 oz. Orange juice
• 1/4 oz. Lime syrup
• Nutmeg

Combine everything except the nutmeg in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled cocktail glass or an old-fashioned glass if serving ‘on the rocks’. Grate some fresh nutmeg on top and garish with a wedge of pineapple, lime or an orange wheel.

The Prickly Margarita (courtesy Cabo Wabo Tequila)

• 2 oz Cabo Wabo Anejo
• 1/2 oz Agave Nectar
• 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1/2 oz Prickly Pear Puree
• 1 medium Jalapeño Slice
• 1/4 oz Amaretto

Place all ingredients except Amaretto in a shaker, muddle Jalapeño, add ice, and shake vigorously. Strain over fresh ice into a rocks glass, float Amaretto on top, garnish with a lime wheel, and serve.

But of course there is no better way to celebrate than with an OTB signature margarita (or two!). Visit our website at http://otbsd.com/locations to find a location near you.