Toasting Mexico, we'll tell you how to choose the perfect drink for the national holidays.

What to drink on these national holidays?

Mexican Independence Day is a unique opportunity to celebrate the best of our Mexican identity: music, food, colors, and of course, the spirits that have put Mexico on the world map. From tequila and mezcal to lesser-known but equally authentic options like sotol and raicilla , spirits are not just drinks, but true cultural symbols.

But how do you choose the perfect spirit for your celebration? Here are some practical tips to help you decide based on your guests' tastes, the occasion, and the typical dishes that will accompany your table.

Tequila: the classic for all palates

Tequila is perhaps Mexico's most popular spirit, internationally recognized as a national emblem. It is made from the blue agave plant in specific regions of Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas.

• When to choose it?
  If your party is large and varied, tequila is a safe bet. Its versatility allows it to be enjoyed in cocktails, like the famous margarita, or straight up in a shot.

• Typical pairing:
  Young or white tequila pairs wonderfully with Mexican snacks like tacos al pastor, tostadas, and quesadillas. Reposado and aged tequilas, on the other hand, pair best with red meats, moles, and more elaborate stews .

• Explore our best tequilas at Tequilas – Vinosylicores.com

Mezcal: for those seeking intensity and tradition

Mezcal is considered the "ancestral spirit." Produced primarily in Oaxaca, although it has Designation of Origin in several states, it is characterized by its smoky flavor, the result of cooking agave pineapples in underground ovens.

• When to choose it?
  Ideal if you're looking for a more intimate or gourmet setting. Mezcal is perfect for those who enjoy exploring complex and authentic flavors. It's also excellent for starting conversations about history and culture around the table.

• Typical pairing:
  Young mezcal stands out with grasshoppers, artisanal cheeses, and moles . It also enhances the flavors of chile rellenos and grilled meats . A touch of worm salt and orange makes it a truly sensorial experience.

• Discover our collection of mezcals at Mezcal – Vinosylicores.com

Sotol: the desert distillate

Less well-known than tequila and mezcal, sotol is native to northern Mexico (Chihuahua, Durango, and Coahuila). It's made from the Dasylirion plant and has a more herbal and fresh profile, with notes reminiscent of the desert.

• When to choose it?
  If you want to surprise your guests with something different and authentic, sotol is the choice. It's also perfect for modern cocktails.

• Typical pairing:
  It goes very well with northern cuts of meat, goat al pastor, discada, or stew burritos . Its fresh flavor also complements spicy and hot dishes.

• You'll find the best Sotoles at Sotol – Vinosylicores.com

Raicilla and Bacanora: little-known gems

Raicilla , originally from Jalisco, and Bacanora , from Sonora, are less well-known spirits, but increasingly valued for their authenticity. Both have Designation of Origin and offer flavors ranging from fruity to spicy.

• When to choose them?
  For an evening with spirits connoisseurs who enjoy discovering new offerings. These are excellent options for toasting with national pride.

• Typical pairing:
  Raicilla pairs well with seafood dishes thanks to its fruity notes, while bacanora goes very well with grilled meats and chiles en nogada .

• What about our Raicilla and Bacanora collection? Raicilla – Vinosylicores.com and Bacanora – Vinosylicores.com

Tips for choosing the ideal distillate

• Define the atmosphere of your party. Will it be a formal gathering, a family meal, or a celebration with friends?

• Think about the menu. Pozole isn't the same as enchiladas Suizas or birria.

• Consider the experience. You can have a main spirit and offer tastings of others to surprise your guests.

• Don't forget the cocktails. Margaritas, palomas, mezcalitas, and sotol mules are fresh and festive options.

Toast with Mexican identity

Choosing the right spirit for national holidays isn't just a matter of flavor, but also of tradition and pride. Each drink tells a story: tequila as an international symbol, mezcal as an ancestral emblem, sotol as a treasure of the north, and raicilla and bacanora as gems to be discovered.

This patriotic month, celebrate with a toast that honors Mexico in every glass, pairing it with your favorite dishes and sharing unforgettable moments with those you love most.