Photo: Kristen Prahl (Getty Images)
Tuesday is special for multiple reasons. For one thing, the date is 2/22/22. That’s pretty cool. Also, it’s National Margarita Day. But, on top of all that, it’s also Taco Tuesday. This is a truly unprecedented, momentous occurrence. A literal trifecta of awesomeness. This means that there might not ever be a better time to enjoy mezcal, tequila, and tacos than this day. Seriously, what more do you need to relax and sip Mexican spirits and eat spicy, cheesy, tasty tacos?
While we assume you’ll have your fair share of turbo-charged, tequila-filled margaritas (it’s a holiday after all), you might want to also enjoy some mezcals and tequila neat, on the rocks, or in shot form. Why not enjoy them in all of their agave-based, vegetal, sweet majesty? Plus, in our opinion, mezcal and tequila are better companions to tacos.
That’s why, in an effort to help you out, we decided to pair some of our favorite mezcals and tequilas with some of the best taco varieties. We’re talking spicy fish tacos, rich barbacoa tacos, and even classic, fast food ground beef-based tacos. Keep scrolling to see all of the festive, delicious pairings.
Tequila and Mezcal and Tacos
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Herradura Añejo Tequila and Fish Tacos
If you make your crispy, fried fish tacos with lighter, white fish like cod, tilapia, or halibut, there’s a chance you spice it up with seasonings and hot sauce. This combination pairs well with the citrus, vanilla, and sweet flavor of Herradura Añejo Tequila.
Photo: Herradura
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Ilegal Joven Mezcal and Chorizo Tacos
Chorizo tacos are the perfect fare for fans of spicier, savory, smoky foods. This is a simple taco to make at home as the chorizo takes center stage. It shines even brighter when paired with a sublimely smoky, pepper, subtly sweet mezcal like Ilegal Mezcal.
Photo: Illegal Mezcal
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Rey Campero Espadin Joven Mezcal and Al Pastor Tacos
Meat is the name of game when it comes to tacos (vegetarians need not apply). If you’re more of a fan of pork, Al Pastor is for you. This slow-roasted pork shoulder taco is known for its rich, savory, salty flavor that pairs well with a smoky, vegetal sweet, vanilla, and slightly spicy mezcal like Rey Campero Joven Mezcal.
Photo: Rey Campero
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Jose Cuervo Gold Tequila and Fast Food Ground Beef Tacos
Not everything needs to be fancy. If you’re a fan of classic, cheesy, ground beef-based tacos, you’re going to need to pair them with something. We suggest a shot or mixed drink using a classic, bargain tequila like Jose Cuervo Gold.
Photo: Jose Cuervo
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Siete Misterios Pechuga Mezcal and Chicken Tacos
If you’re new to mezcal, you might be confused by pechuga mezcals like Siete Misterios Pechuga Mezcal. This small-batch mezcal is triple-distilled, but before the last distillation, fruit and other spices are added to the blend. On top of that, a raw chicken breast is suspended at the top of the still for vapors to pass through. We couldn’t think of better mezcal style or brand to pair with rich, savory chicken tacos.
Photo: Siete Misterios
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Patrón Añejo Tequila and Barbacoa Tacos
In our opinion, one of the best taco varieties of all time is barbacoa. This slow-cooked, slightly spicy, chili seasoned beef is the perfect complement to Patrón Añejo with its notes of slow roasted agave, butterscotch, vanilla, and vegetal sweetness.
Photo: Patrón
