National Tequila Day: Where to celebrate in London

While it was once common to drink tequila cruda – straight, with lemon or lime, and salt – connoisseurs of the Mexican staple have known for a while that it’s better appreciated when savoured neat, like whisky. While tequila, like Champagne, Cognac, and some wines, has an appellation of origin and has to come from certain regions of Mexico, that’s not to say you can’t enjoy the spirit with a wide range of cuisines and flavours.

For lovers of a long drink, tequila works well in a range of refreshing cocktails. The Picante has long been popular in London, and a spicy margarita never goes amiss, but it seems that the Paloma is taking the city by storm this summer. With 24 July being National Tequila Day, read on to discover our round up of the London destinations honouring this Mexican classic.Patrón Tequila Window, Covent Garden
Head to Covent Garden this week to discover the world’s first ‘tequila window’. Open from 5pm until 7pm Thursday (18 July) and Friday (19 July), visitors will be treated to a refreshing Patrón Paloma Ventana when hailing ‘Salut!’. Blending Patrón Reposado tequila with grapefruit and lime, the unique tequila window has been inspired by the ‘wine windows’ found tucked down the side streets of European cities like Rome and Florence, and in plazas across Mexico. For the peckish, an accompanying array of light bites has been crafted by chef Tom Sellers.
Atelier Coupette, Soho
Elsewhere, Tequila Pancho Datos have joined forces with Atelier Coupette in Soho, unveiling a Paloma recipe of its own for the occasion. The Atelier Paloma uses Pancho Datos Reposado Tequila as its base, combined with agave-roasted pineapple, herbed grapefruit soda, and salt, providing a tropical twist on the classic.Casa do Frango, various
Elevated Portuguese Casa do Frango offers two refreshing, ice-cold options off-menu. Ask for a Frozen Piña Colada or zingy Frozen Margarita at any of its newly unveiled summer terraces in Victoria, Shoreditch, and Piccadilly and showcase your insider knowledge.Zuma, Knightsbridge
Finally, Japanese institution Zuma is much-loved for its sophisticated take on traditional izakaya style dining. Its Chilli Margarita  offers a fruity take on the ‘spicy marg’, combining a touch of tequila, with a zesty blend of passion fruit, blood orange, and mescal; garnished with Japanese Togarashi and dehydrated blood orange.

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