National Tequila Day falls on a Tuesday this year, but that doesn’t mean you can’t treat the occasion like a weekend.
On Hungry Lobbyist, we support all things agave-based, and we’ll take our tequila with salt and a lime, please and thank you. But we also support the creative ways DC bartenders are slinging tequila-based drinks. Here are 6 you need to try.
Drink: El Mercado
Where To Find It: Quadrant Bar & Lounge; The Ritz Carlton
You may remember Quadrant from its sound-aged whiskey program, but let us introduce you to the El Mercado, a boozy bev featuring tequila, house-smoked jalapeno syrup, passion fruit syrup, and orange juice.
Price: $17
Drink: Tequila Shot
Where To Find It: Chupacabra Taqueria
This bar on 9th runs a promotion called “Tequila Tuesdays,” where a $5 shot of tequila earns the diner a free taco. Also, did we mention today is Tuesday?
Price: $5
Drink: Where There’s Smoke
Where To Find It: Logan Tavern
This spicy, smokey “Where There’s Smoke” (duh) cocktail at Logan Circle’s Logan Tavern (also duh) mixes mezcal, chili tequila, blood orange soda, demerara syrup, and lime juice. At less than $11, this is a steal.
Price: $10.75
Drink: El Centro
Where To Find It: El Centro
There’s nothing wrong with a classic marg, especially at the tequila-haven that is El Centro. As an added bonus, both DC-locations are throwing National Tequila Beach Day parties from 3 p.m. to close, complete with bubble machines, kiddie pools, water guns, and more. Oh, and tequila.
Price: $10
Drink: La Manarina
Where To Find It: Mi Vida
One of the prettiest cocktails on this list. Wharf newcomer Mi Vida’s La Manarina is made with Sotól Por Siempre, Hornitos Reposado, Don Ciccio Mandarinetto, Chile de Árbol-Mandarin, and best enjoyed with a view.
Price: $14
Drink: House Margarita
Where To Find It: Oyamel
Per the restaurant, this is José Andrés margarita of choice. That’s good enough for me. Though the ‘salt air’ is a tasty touch.
Price: $12.50