There are celebratory days, and then there are the ones that invite a touch of sunshine, a sense of occasion, and a perfectly crafted cocktail. July 24th may seem like any other, but being National Tequila Day it invites a sense of occasion, and a chance to honour one of Mexico’s proudest exports with a glass that tells a story.
But if you’re going to raise a glass, make it a good one. Actually, make it a great one. And for that, look no further than Herradura, the tequila brand that’s been making magic since 1870.
Born in the sun-soaked town of Amatitán, in the heart of Jalisco, the birthplace of tequila, Herradura is a name synonymous with heritage and mastery. Over the years, it’s built a reputation not just for crafting exceptional tequila, but for doing things a little differently – like appointing the world’s first female master distiller, María Teresa Lara López, long before most brands were even thinking about breaking glass ceilings. Innovation and tradition are baked into the DNA of this house, along with a hearty dose of buena suerte – ‘good fortune’ – which is, fittingly, exactly what “herradura” means: horseshoe.
That spirit of luck and legacy runs through every bottle, each one offering a slightly different journey for the palate. Whether you’re sipping slow or shaking up a summer cocktail, there’s a Herradura expression ready to meet the moment.
We all know that tequilas start with the blanco, or white, spirit. Well, Herradura steps out with their ‘Plata’, the unaged beauty with just a whisper of oak, enough to add character without stealing the spotlight. It pours a pale straw colour and opens on herbal notes and sweet, cooked agave, kissed with a touch of vanilla and wood. On the tongue, it’s smooth, clean, and deceptively gentle. Perfect for mixing, yes, but elegant enough to sip straight from the freezer on a balmy evening.
Feeling a little bolder? Step up to Herradura Reposado, aged for an impressive eleven months—far longer than the minimum. Its amber hue hints at warmth and depth, with aromas of soft spice, fruit, and a breath of anise. The palate is smooth and rich, with waves of cooked agave and mellow vanilla rolling in like a slow Mexican sunset. It’s the kind of tequila that lingers, in all the right ways.
And for those who like their spirits with a little gravitas, Herradura Añejo is the grand finale. Aged for two full years, it’s darker, richer, and unapologetically decadent. The nose is bold—agave, toasted oak, roasted nuts, and spice—and the flavour follows suit: deep, smooth, and just a little bit spicy, balanced by notes of dried fruit and wood. This is your fireside tequila. Your “end of the night, one more glass” tequila.
But let’s not get too serious—it is summer, after all, and we’d be remiss not to mention the Italian Margarita, Herradura’s playful take on the classic. It’s vibrant, citrusy, and kissed with a whisper of bitterness and tropical fruit—think Aperol spritz meets agave sunshine.
Here’s the recipe:
- 40ml Herradura Plata
- 20ml Aperol
- 20ml fresh lime juice
- 20ml fresh orange juice
- 15ml passion fruit syrup
Shake with ice, strain into a chilled coupe or serve straight up in your fanciest glass. Garnish if you’re feeling fancy (and why not?).
It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to cancel plans, turn up the music, and toast to your own good luck.
So, this National Tequila Day, go beyond the basic shots and salty rims. Choose a tequila with history, heart, and just enough edge to keep things interesting. With Herradura in your glass, you’re not just drinking, you’re part of a legacy that’s been 150 years in the making.
Here’s to discovery, a little mischief, and a lot of good fortune.
Salud!
For more information about Herradura, including more cocktail recipes, please visit www.herradura.com.
