TUESDAY IS NATIONAL TEQUILA DAY!

LET'S CELEBRATE WITH A MARGARITA, PALOMA. TRY ONE OF THE DELICIOUS RECIPES HERE! OR JUST SIP A DELICIOUS ANEJO!

July is known for its steamy days, fresh fruit, barbeques and trips to the beach. What you may not know is that it also provides a great excuse to toast with a summer favorite since July 24th is National Tequila Day!

In a recent survey commissioned by Tequila Don Julio, the most popular high-end tequila in Mexico, 84% of respondents said they are interested in learning how to mix easy-to-make, creative cocktails with top-shelf tequila.

- 9 out of 10 Americans who drink alcohol indicate they drink beverages containing tequila - and four in five use top-shelf tequila

- Nearly 9 in 10 Americans agree that tequila is not just for Margaritas anymore, indicating that top-shelf tequila can be easily mixed into a large variety of refreshing cocktails

- 85% of respondents in LA agree that top-shelf tequila is worth the extra cost, 20% of Chicagoans prefer the rim of their Margarita glass with special/unique sugars or spices and 41% of New Yorkers would rather sip a lime/original-flavored Margarita than any other flavor.

July is the perfect time to experiment with top-shelf tequila and unique seasonal flavors such as blueberry. "Top-Shelf Tequila on the Rise" survey was commissioned by Tequila Don Julio.

Very Berry Rita
By Moises Galarza of Gabriela's in New York City.

Ingredients:
1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Blanco*
1/4 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup raspberries
1/4 cup blueberries
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
Splash of limonada
Fresh squeezed lime juice
5 ice cubes

Preparation:
1. In a Boston shaker cocktail glass, muddle strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
2. Add Tequila Don Julio, Grand Marnier, limonada, splash of fresh squeezed lime juice and ice into shaker. Cover and shake well.
3. Strain contents from shaker into glass.

Ideal Serving Glass: Highball cocktail glass

Yield: 1 drink

*Cocktail can also be prepared with Tequila Don Julio Reposado or Añejo

Blueberry Blitz
By Charlie Marin/Diego Fernandes of Café Frida in New York

Ingredients:
1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Reposado
8 blueberries
1/2 teaspoon fine sugar
1/2 ounce Grand Marnier
5 ice cubes

Preparation:
1. In a Boston shaker cocktail glass, muddle 4 blueberries with sugar.
2. Add Tequila Don Julio Reposado, Grand Marnier and ice. Cover and shake well.
3. Straining the ice, pour contents of shaker into martini glass.

Garnish with remaining blueberries.

Ideal Serving Glass: Martini glass

Yield: 1 drink

SPIRITS OF MEXICO SAN DIEGO..

Joining our Tasting Competition is Beverage & More's Cellarmaster Wilfred Wong. Wilfred is perhaps the most prolific wine judge in America. Judging for 22 years in dozens of wine competitions annually, he has honed his ability to pick a winner! As a Tequila enthusiast, Mr. Wong will apply his years of tasting experience (2,000+ wines annually) to our competition.

Joining the selections of world-class Tequilas is Chaya, Gold Medal winner, 2005, as rated by the Beverage Testing Institute. Chaya silver is produced from 100% Blue Agave, the tequila receives no barrel aging so the true Agave flavors come through in the finish.

PocoTequila's Lobster Bus excursion to Puerto Nuevo on Sunday Sept 16 is nearing 'sell out' Contact Mark Cannon if you wish to catch this agave adventure.

Looking for Hotel accommodations in San Diego? The new Hilton Homewood Suites are the best best bet. Contact Tzell Travel to inquire.

VODKA & GIN SPIRITS TRAIL INAUGURAL EVENT,
TAMPA AUGUST 26, PELAGIA Trattoria

"Do you drink gin, Phil?" 'What else can you do with it?' Broker's Gin joins 267, Pearl, Russian Standard and Imperia Vodkas at our inaugural Spirits Trail event. Visit their 'humour' page' to lighten your day while sipping a Summer's heat-busing properly made Gin & Tonic.

Meet Michael Crossely, PELAGIA Trattoria's new General . For 'spirited attendees', the Renaissance Tampa Hotel at International Plaza offers guests their 'Special Weekend Rate' (mention when booking) of $149 per night (40% discount).

IS RUM ON THE RISE?

Jack Robertiello of Adams Beverage Media offers a comprehensive industry look at the plethora of rums, rhums & cachacas Rum On The Rise. Taste a selection of artfully crafted Rums--from the world over--at the NYC RumFest on October 15. Coming in August is another comprehensive look at Rums, THE RUM RANGE, courtesy of writer Gregg Glaser (link in next release)

3rd annual GREAT AMERICAN DISTILLERS FESTIVAL, PORTLAND OREGON

At least 27 Distilleries from across the USA will present their crafted selections on Saturday and Sunday August 25 & 26, courtesy of Rogue Spirits. Link Here for more information or contact Sarah Courbis at 503-241-3800