National Tequila Day is observed on July 24 every year, falling on Friday, July 24 in 2026. It celebrates tequila, the distilled spirit made from blue agave in Mexico. The day’s exact origins are not well documented.
When is National Tequila Day?
The observance is fixed to July 24, so the weekday shifts each year. In 2026 it lands on a Friday, making it a convenient lead-in to the weekend for those who choose to mark it.
What is National Tequila Day?
It is an informal food-and-drink observance celebrating tequila, an agave-based spirit closely associated with Mexican heritage. It is widely embraced by bars, restaurants, and brands, though it is not an official public holiday.
What are its origins?
The origins are murky and not firmly documented. One commonly cited account suggests the idea began with college students in the 1970s before the food-and-beverage industry adopted and promoted it. Reliable detail on exactly who started it, and why July 24 was chosen, is scarce, so the history should be treated as uncertain.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | July 24 (annually) |
| 2026 day | Friday |
| Celebrates | Tequila, a blue-agave spirit from Mexico |
| Origins | Not well documented |
Did Mexico change its date?
Yes. Mexico had previously marked a tequila celebration on a different date, but in 2026 it moved the celebration to July 24 to align with the long-standing US observance, bringing the two into sync.
How do people celebrate it?
People typically mark the day by learning about tequila’s production, trying different styles such as blanco or reposado, or enjoying classic cocktails like the margarita or paloma. Anyone who chooses to drink should do so responsibly, in moderation, and only if of legal drinking age.
A quick guide to tequila styles
Tequila comes in several main styles that differ mainly in how long they are aged. Blanco (or silver) is unaged or briefly rested, with a bright, agave-forward taste. Reposado is aged for months in oak, giving it a smoother, slightly woody character. Anejo is aged longer, developing deeper, richer notes. Genuine tequila is produced in designated regions of Mexico and made primarily from blue agave, which is part of what sets it apart from other spirits.
Celebrating responsibly
Food-and-drink observances are meant to be fun, but the responsible message matters. If you take part, pace yourself, stay hydrated, never drink and drive, and arrange a safe way home. There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the day without alcohol, such as exploring tequila’s history and craftsmanship or trying agave-inspired non-alcoholic recipes. As always, drinking is only for those of legal age.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is National Tequila Day?
It is observed every year on July 24, including in 2026.
What day is it in 2026?
In 2026, July 24 falls on a Friday.
What does National Tequila Day celebrate?
Tequila, the distilled spirit made from blue agave in Mexico.
Who created National Tequila Day?
The origins are unclear; one account credits college students in the 1970s before the beverage industry embraced it.
Did Mexico change its tequila celebration date?
Yes - in 2026 Mexico moved its celebration to July 24 to align with the US observance.