Here's Where You Should Go for National Tequila Day in New York City
.jpg)
July 24 is National Tequila Day, and nothing beats the heat better than that sweat agave spirit that does a little something special to all of us — so we’ve rounded up some of the best bars in NYC who specialize in tequila. Perhaps tequila isn’t your thing, or so you thought; this year, for National Tequila Day, don’t be afraid to branch out. Are you a whiskey drinker? Try an añejo (aged tequila) which picks up those barrel notes and will make a tequila drinker out of anyone. Tequila is fun, and with so many fun ways to incorporate it into your summer drink of choice, we’ve got some spots for you to check out.
Xixa
Located right off the Marcy stop in the Southside of Williamsburg, Xixa (pronounced shiksa) is serving up some colorful interpretations of classic Mexican cuisine. That’s not all, however — being strictly a tequila and mezcal bar, Xixa’s bar program serves up their carefully curated list of agave spirits in style. Try out their margarita or old fashioned cubes, which consists of cocktail ingredients frozen into cubes — your choice of spirit is poured over and it melts into something both wonderful and instagram worthy. (241 S4th St., Brooklyn; 718-388-8860)
A name like that should definitely spell it out for you. Agave can be found over in the West Village, where their Southwestern cuisine and margaritas are the talk of the town. While margaritas are one thing, we highly recommend trying out one of their Jalisco Old Fashioneds, in which anejo tequila meets agave nectar meets pimento and angostura bitters. (140 7th Ave S.; 212-989-2100)
In the East Village you may find yourself stumbling into Mayahuel, a hip and totally chic tequila bar that offers an intimate sexy atmosphere. This year for Tequila Day, we recommend stopping by and trying the Dark and Dirty - a wonderful celebration of versatility of agave spirits, this cocktail features beet infused tequila, chile de arbol infused mezcal, aperol, zucca, lemon, absinthe, and smoked sea salt. (304 E 6th St.; 212-253-5888)
Brought to you from the Richard Sandoval restaurant group, La Biblioteca does not fool around when it comes to tequila. Located over in Murray Hill, La Biblioteca serves up choice tequilas and mezcals even offering bottle service, happy hour eats featuring asian-mexican fusion cuisine, and occasionally live DJ sets. On Tequila Day, you simply must delve further into agave by selecting any one of their speciality tequila flights separated by terroir and/or age. (622 3rd Ave.; 212-808-8110)
Humble yet energetic, Gabriela’s in the Upper West Side offers Mexican cuisine staples to pair with their delicious array of tequilas and agave based drinks. Offering flights of tequila which cover the whole spectrum and will make you an agave pro, their adventurous and playful cocktail menu is also a treat that’s perfect for enjoying in their outdoor seating space. (688 Columbus Ave.; 212-961-9600)
El Toro Blanco over in the West Village offers up refined takes on Mexican cuisine in their chic and stylish space with a tequila list feature over 150 tequilas and other agave based spirits. Head over to El Toro Blanco this National Tequila Day and try the Chile Rubbed Mango featuring blanco tequila, mango, cilantro, habañero, lime, and agave syrup - or if you’re bring the crew, it’s never a bad idea to go for the margaritas by the pitcher. (257 6th Ave.; 212-645-0193)
Photo via Flickr user SGPhotography77
