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Although we can all agree there's no such thing as a bad day for tequila, the hangover-inducing Mexican spirit gets its own special celebration tomorrow, July 24th. The holiday falls on a Friday this year (#blessed), so indulge guilt-free knowing you'll be nursing that headache at brunch rather than the office. From new agave cocktails at top-rate Mexican eateries to a swanky $700 bottle service package and Time Out's own bartender tequila throwdown, here are the best ways to fete the booze-drenched day.
Calexico - All locations of the Cal-Mex carne asada slingers will be serving margaritas (frozen and on the rocks) as well as $2 shots of Espolón, Milgaro and jello shots.
Cantina Rooftop - From 5 to 10 pm, the rooftop lounge will offer the Serenata ($9) with Cazadores tequila, St. Germain, pineapple and spicy agave. They'll also add $5 Cazadores tequila shots to their usual happy hour of $5 beers, $6 house & frozen margaritas from 5 to 7pm.
Extra Fancy - Head to the backyard patio of this Williamsburg seafood haunt for a secret, off-the-menu Peached Colored Glasses cocktail ($13) crafted by mixologist Meaghan Montagano using DeLeón Platinum, Grand Marnier raspberry peach, spiced honey syrup and sparkling Brut rosé.
Grand Ferry Tavern - A new Diablo Verde cocktail ($13) features Highland blanco tequila, Cocchi Americano, cucumber and cracked pepper at the American bar room in Williamsburg.
Greenwich Project - Pair the restaurant's raw bar offerings with the new Saint Luke's Place ($12) with Fidencio mezcal, lime juice and a spicy-sweet Watermelon chipotle syrup.
Javelina - Beverage director Christopher Skillern will blend new Tex-Mex margaritas ($10)—habanero, white peach and mango-mint—during both lunch and dinner. Also on offer is the Cucumber Tequila Smash ($10) with muddled mint and cucumber, lemon juice and pure cane sugar served on the rocks.
La Contenta - Jalisco-born barkeep and owner Alex Valencia will offer tequila tasting flights ($12 for 3) that highlight distinctions between Mexican terroir. Varieties include Herradura, 7 Leguas and Corralejo.
La Pulperia - Enjoy a three-tequila tasting from Diego for $25 including: Diego Silver, Diego Reposado and Diego Anejo or 3 cocktails for $25. These include the Chilango (Diego Santa tequila blanco, Cointreau, tamarind), La Sandia (Diego Santa tequila blanco, fresh watermelon, Ty-Ku Japanese citrus liqueur), and the Pulperia de Verano (Diego Santa tequila blanco, Torres orange liqueur, fresh pineapple, jalapeno, cilantro, black lava salt).
Leyenda - Cocktail doyennes Julie Reiner and Ivy Mix have whipped up the Batanga—with Cimarrón Reposado, lime, housemade cola and salt—available for just $6 from 5 to 7pm.
Los Feliz - From 4 to 7pm, sip on your choice of two $7 tequila cocktails: the Hibiscus Margarita with Milagro Silver, chef-prepared hibiscus reduction and organic raw agave, or the Oaxaca Mule with Milagro Silver, Montelobos mezcal, fresh grapefruit, ginger beer, soda and lime.
Martha Washington Hotel - Drop by the newly unveiled ballroom at this Chelsea hotel for a mixology showdown hosted by Time Out New York and the good folks at Herradura. For $25, sample four tequila-charged creations—made by the barkeeps at Chavela’s, Grey Lady, Tanner Smith’s & Zona Rosa—and cast your vote for the champion.
Medina - For the festivities, Julian Median is offering a make-your-own banderita (one oz. of tequila mixed with sangrita) using blancos, reposados, añejos or a mix of the three. For those looking to eat rather than drink, tequila-infused bites include chocolate-tequila-glazed duck wings ($15), shrimp tacos ($16) and filet mignon with maitake mushrooms, crispy potatoes and tequila reposado-morita salsa ($35).
Mulberry Project - Mixologist Jeremy Strawn will prepare an El Castillo Paloma ($14) with Herradura, vanilla, cinnamon bark syrup, lime and grapefruit.
Rosa Mexicano - Stop by any of the three NYC locations of this longtime Mexican standby for hora feliz from 4 to 7pm and enjoy a selection of tequila cocktails—including an organic Mojito de Coquito (1800 blanco tequila, mint, pineapple, lime)—paired with tableside guacamole and a selection of small plates.
No. 8 - Going out with a big group? At this downtown club, the "Tequila Trouble" package runs for $700, serves 10 and comes with one bottle of Casamigos, Pellegrino sodas, fresh pineapple and watermelon juices, shooter glasses and tower of late-night grilled cheese sandwiches to soak up all the spirit round out the offerings.
The Palm Court - Hang out at the Plaza Hotel and sip on the tropical, DeLeón tequila-fueled Lost Horizon ($25) shaken up by acclaimed mixologist James Menite. This off-the-menu special, created specifically for the holiday, comes with a grocery list's worth of ingredients: papaya puree, whole egg, Regan's orange bitters, nutmeg, dried cranberries and orange peel.