Theme songs not only quickly establish the mood and tone of your favorite movies and TV shows but also reveal clues about settings. If National Tequila Day had an official theme song, “Tequila” by the Champs would be an excellent choice.
Today (Friday, July 24) we celebrate the hard liquor and the cocktails it adds its flavors to.
Let’s take a deeper look behind the booze, the song, and the deals to help you make the most of your after-work happy hour.
A brief history of Tequila
One of the precursors of tequila dates back to the Aztecs. Pulque was created with the sap from agave plants.
When the Spanish came to the new world in the 1500s, they riffed on this drink. Fast-forward to the 1600s, and these new creations inspired the Marquis of Altamira to build a large tequila distillery in Jalisco, Mexico.
The Cuervos took things commercial in 1795. The Sauzas followed suit in 1873. The margarita was born sometime in the 1930s or ’40s.
While there are many varieties, at its core, Mexican tequila has a bold taste. It is both earthy and sweet with some smoky overtones. Margaritas use the spirit as a base, as do several other cocktails, including the paloma, ranch water, and tequila sunrise.
Now about the song
Musicians work so hard to make hits, but sometimes the magic happens when you least expect it. The Champs’ hit song “Tequila,” released in 1958, is a great example of this.
After Dave Burgess’s first solo attempt with Gene Autry’s Challenge Records didn’t sell as much as anticipated, he teamed up with the Flores Trio to record “Train to Nowhere.”
Back in the day, the A-side of a record featured the song expected to do well, while the B-side was more of a throwaway.
Danny Flores of the Flores Trio arranged a mambo-style instrumental track in which the word tequila is spoken three times. No one could have predicted that it would go on to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Chart in 1958 and win a Grammy the following year. The men were inspired to come together and form the band the Champs.
Unfortunately, lightning didn’t strike twice. The follow-up single, “Too Much Tequila,” was not as successful. This also doubles as a good metaphor for drinking.
Nevertheless, the first hit lives on in popular culture. It’s featured in 1985’s Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, 1990’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and 1993’s The Sandlot. It also makes for a bold song choice at karaoke bars around the world.
National Tequila Day freebies and deals
Now that we’ve set the mood with history and music, let’s take a look at the deals.
Cuervo
If you’re a tequila lover, descendants of Don José Antonio de Cuervo still have your back 250 years later. Every Friday this summer (including on National Tequila Day), you can expense your Cuervo margarita.
Simply order, take a picture of your receipt, and upload it here. The limit is three rebates per person. For each cocktail ordered, drinkers will receive $9.99 back via PayPal or Venmo.
Chili’s
On the big day at Chili’s, you can find multiple margarita options.
There’s the $5 classic, $7 Patrón frozen margarita, or the $6 margarita of the month, the Bombshell Marg. The classic just so happens to be made with Cuervo Tradicional Blanco, so make sure to turn in your receipt!
Margaritaville
Don’t waste away. Head to participating Margaritaville locations July 24 to 26. There you can imbibe on $5 Patrón sidecars while supplies last. If you’re hungry as well as thirsty, order some $7 chips and salsa or $9 chips and queso.
Chuy’s
Chuy’s is offering its Famous Rocks or Frozen ’Ritas for just $6.
If that’s not enough, you can size up to Grande for $9. If you really want to make it a party, try a $5 top-shelf tequila shot. To soak up all that alcohol, order a $5 queso bowl.
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant is also enabling you to go big. There you can upgrade your original or house margarita for just $3 or opt for flavors like strawberry, raspberry, or mango for just $2 more.
Shots of 1800 Reposado, 1800 Coconut, or El José Cuervo Tradicional are only $6 each. If margs aren’t your style, try the $10 Cantarito, another tequila-based cocktail.
Twin Peaks
At select locations, Twin Peaks is offering $5 Peaks margaritas and $6 house margaritas. Both the tequila sunrise and the Twin Peaks Barrel Select margarita are $7.
Tequila Mi Campo
If you find yourself on the Jersey Shore this summer, Tequila Mi Campo wants to keep you safe. Flag down a free Point2Point shuttle in the Point Pleasant area or FeelGood Shuttle in Asbury Park and Belmar on your night out.
Wherever you celebrate, hum a bar or two of “Tequila” while drinking some.