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Gold tequila shot with lime fruits
Gold tequila shot with lime fruits on wooden and green tropical leaves background
We all have tales of late nights filled with revelries and dares that have become part legend, and part embellishment as time goes by. Sitting right there in the corner during the actual event and then its retelling is usually a drink made with tequila. It’s almost tantamount that this libation, concocted south of the border, be present for these life events, almost as an excuse for doing them. But let’s be honest, you’d been thinking about doing something bold, the tequila just helped kick start you in that direction. This is possibly why every time the subject of this drink comes up people either shake their heads or smile like they have a secret.
Well, Fort Worth this week is no exception.
Tis’ that time of year where we celebrate this drink in its many forms with friends, family, and partners in crime. But this isn’t anything new, Tequila goes back a long way. According to Liquor.com, tequila started out as pulque, a fermented sap from the agave plant created by the Aztec civilization in what is now northern Mexico.
Modern tequila wouldn’t be distilled until the Spanish invasion in the 1500s. Running low on their brandy stash, the Spaniards used mud and agave to create a drink very similar to modern mezcal. In the 1600s, the Marquis of Altamira built the first large-scale distillery in Tequila, Jalisco, where most of the tequila in the world is distilled to this very day. However, tequila wouldn’t be commercially produced for the masses until 1700s.
So how does this play into Cowtown?
Besides having our very own tequila brand, La Pulga, Fort Worth is full of places to get your tequila on, on this July 24th for National Tequila Day. Here are a few of our pics to frequent, try out, and indulge in.
Enjoy some renowned Pan-Latin cuisine while smelling the sizzle from Fort Worth’s only indoor fire pit and stunning Tequila Room equipped with guests’ lockers. That’s right, guests can rent a locker to store their favorite tequilas in for future visits. Not that there’s going to be any left, right? Also take advantage of Toro Toro’s monthly Meet the Maker series that occurs at the Toro Toro bar and lobby lounge on the last Thursday of the month. This week, the restaurant will be hosting a spotlight on 1800 Tequila with complimentary tastings, and lively discussions with the Maker on July 25 from 5 to 7 p.m.
Go for the gusto and order the Mambo Margarita Flight. Choose four of Rio Mambos’ best tequila-laced libations, just make sure to bring a designated driver or call an Uber or Lyft to come get you when you’ve finished the drop. Choose from a list of margaritas that include the Attitude Adjustment, served frozen with house tequila, mango, sangria, and a Herradura Gold topper. Also try out our very own FW Mag-arita, served in an 18 oz. glass topped with Grand Marnier and Korbel Champagne split.
You know, no local tequila list is complete without a nod to the famous Joe T.’s. Choose from seven margarita options on Joe T.’s drink menu that include a House Margarita, Margarita Swirl, a Strawberry Margarita, Gold Margarita, Top Shelf Margarita, Skinny Margarita, and the always cool Marky Marg, made with actor Mark Wahlberg’s very own Flecha Azul Tequila brand.
You don’t have to stick around to get your fill of tequila/margarita at one of the two Taco Heads locales in Fort Worth. You can get your swerve to go when you order Taco Heads’ Big Effing Rita, a 24 oz. container of liquid courage served in a creative to-go margarita cup equipped with a lid and a straw. One of these and you know you’re in for a festive experience no matter where you are. Also, this is one of two local eateries La Pulga Tequila co-founder Sarah Castillo owns and operates, so you know you’re in expert hands.
Pick a tequila from a menu that has nearly 40 options to choose from. Go for broke by ordering the $75 Clase Azul Tequila Anejo or go with the more budget friendly El Toro Tequila Gold for $10. You can even go for the one and only Tequila Old Fashioned made with Aguasai Reposado or Chef Love’s Signature Tequila Expresso Martini. Whatever you’re craving and budget, Paloma Suerte has you covered.
Now back in action after a four-year hiatus, this Mexico City-inspired restaurant boasts two tequila-based pitcher options sure to please every guest at the table. Choose from the Wild-Rita, made with roasted pineapple, and jalapeño infused tequila, hand pressed lime juice, and agave nectar; or go with the Rita De Casa, a classic pitcher margarita served on the rocks. Not into sharing? Go for the aptly named Blood Thirsty Bandido, made with Mi Campo Reposado Tequila, blood orange liqueur, and lime.
Mary Perez Vasquez might be known as the queen of sauces locally, but that doesn’t mean she’s skimps on her drink menu, no siree. Swing by any of the three Enchilada Ole locales citywide and order a Blue Lagoon, made with Malibu, Peach Schnapps, Exotico Tequila, Blue Curacao, homemade sweet and sour, and orange juice. Also try the spicy Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita, made with silver tequila, fresh lime juice, watermelon, agave nectar, and jalapeno, served over ice with salt on the rim.