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.
More tequila drinking facts:

–Nine in 10 Americans who drink alcohol indicate they drink beverages containing tequila  and four in five use top-shelf tequila.
–87% of 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 Los Angeles agree that top-shelf tequila is worth the extra cost.
–20% of Chicagoans prefer the rim of their margarita glass with special/unique sugars. 
–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. Summer party hosts will appreciate the chance to impress guests with refreshing innovative fresh fruit cocktails. Cheers! 

Top-Shelf Tequila on the Rise survey (with 540 participants) was commissioned by Tequila Don Julio
 

Cocktail Recipes
Recipe-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
Recipe-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