Just because National Tequila Day (July 24) has come and gone doesn’t mean that we can’t continue to celebrate this storied spirit. Made from the agave azul (blue agave) plant, and named after a small town in Guadalajara in Jalisco, Mexico, tequila is only tequila if it is produced within Jalisco, and limited regions in the Mexican states of Guanajuato, Michoacan, Nayarit, and Tamaulipas.
There are five types of this potent and peppery spirit – Blanco (Silver), Joven (Gold), Reposado (Aged), Añejo (Extra aged) and Extra Añejo (Ultra-aged). Plus, there are two kinds: 100% Agave tequila, and, tequila made with a mix of cane and agave sugars (Mixto), which is shunned by purists, but, fine in a mixed drink. Smooth tequila, especially an Añejo, can be savored straight like a good whiskey.
Cocktail-wise, tequila is renowned as the main ingredient in a Margarita. Sweet Liberty Drinks & Supply Co’s award-winning bartender and owner John Lermayer serves up a delicious classic margarita as it was invented over 20 years ago by Julio Bermejo of Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant in San Francisco. Check out his drink, as well as other tequila cocktails, all around Miami.
Where to Drink Tequila Drinks in Miami
Tommy’s Margarita at Sweet Liberty
Ingredients: Olmeca Altos Blanco tequila, agave and fresh lime is shaken and strain over ice into a rocks glass, and garnish with a lime wheel and black salt.
237-B 20th Street, Miami Beach, mysweetliberty.com, @ mysweetliberty
Agave Sunset at The Rusty Pelican
Ingredients: El Jimador Tequila, Passion Fruit Puree, Blue Agave, Raspberries, and home-made Sour Mix
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL, therustypelican.com, @rustypelicanmiami
Sensei Serenity at DÔA
Ingredients: Casa Noble Tequila, FOS Mastiha, Cucumber Juice, Honeydew Melon Juice, Lime Juice and Shiso Leaves; garnish with Fresh Cucumber Slices.
2000 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, doacantina.com, @doamiamibeach
Pineapple Express at Komodo
Ingredients: Tromba Tequila, Pineapple, Thai Chili Agave, and Mezcal Mist.
801 Brickell Ave, Miami, komodomiami.com, @komodomiami
Tequila Sunset at the Shelborne Bar & Grill
Ingredients: Milagro Silver Tequila, Pineapple, Pomegranate, and Serrano Peppers.
1801 Collins Ave, Miami Beach (at the Shelborne South Beach pool), shelborne.com/dining, @ShelborneSouthBeach
Sour Coyote at Lolo’s Surf Cantina
Ingredients: Tequila Reposado, Lemon, Passion Fruit, Chili and Egg White.
161 Ocean Drive (park-side entrance of Stanton South Beach), loloscantina.com, @lolosmiami
Habibi Marguerite at Byblos Miami
Ingredients: Avión Reposado Tequila, brewed Strawberry tea, Cilantro and Lime; served from an ice-filled teapot, Middle Eastern Mediterranean style.
1545 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, byblosmiami.com, @ByblosMiami
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