Fans of Tequila may already be sipping on some blue agave juice to celebrate their favourite tipple – because today is National Tequila Day. A version of the drink, a milky, frothy concoction, was kicking around as far back as 1000 BC during Mesoamerican times. Indigenous Mexican tribes would harvest and ferment the drink emblematic of their culture.

But it wasn’t until the 16th century that the contemporary TequilaTequila as we know it was first produced around an area of land which officially became known as TequilaTequila in 1666.

Making this earthy drink is a real labour of love. While most spirits need to be aged, the blue agave plant must grow between 8-12 years before it can be meticulously, painstakingly harvested by hand to make Tequila. There are strict criteria for where it can be harvested. There are just five regions of the entire world where it is gathered – all of which are in Mexico.

Of course, there are a plethora of tequilas to choose from, but one of the top ones that caught our eye (not least because of its packaging) is KAH Tequila Blanco. This year it became UK’s No.1 Ultra-Premium Tequila by value and volume, according to data collated by NielsenIQ.

The smooth liquid is made with 100% Blue Weber Agave. Produced in Mexico and stocked at over 500 branches of Tesco, KAH Tequila is priced at £35 for a 70cl bottle.

Drink in summer
Not a fan of Tequila? Well, there are plenty of drinks to sip on as we head into full summer mode. Winemaker Casillero del Diablo captures the essence of the season well with its Casillero del Diablo Reserva Especial Sauvignon Blanc. Light greenish in colour, it has notes of tropical fruit with soft herbal touches coming through.

The 2022 vintage has an expressive and pleasant freshness on the palate. It pairs beautifully with fresh fish and shellfish, as well as creamy, fatty cheeses. Costing £9, it’s available from most major supermarkets.

Trivento has curated a collection of summer wines that showcase the best of the summer season. If you like white wine but prefer a lower alcohol content, you may just want to give the elegant Trivento Reserve White Malbec a try.

The Argentinian brand’s White Malbec boasts a lighter alcohol content at 10.5% ABV. It makes an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing and more restrained wine experience – a light and unconventional twist on the popular Malbec varietal.

Meanwhile, their Trivento Rosé Malbec Reserve 2021 is a summer’s day delight. Having only joined the market in 2019, by 2021, this wine was already among the 15 bestselling wines on the shelves of rosés in the UK.

From high-altitude vineyards, this delicately pink Malbec Rosé expresses deep aromas of strawberries, and red summer fruits, with a hint of grapefruit, rose and vanilla. Priced at £8, it’s available from Tesco and Morrisons.

And if you want to push the boat out, how about popping the cork of a Porte Noire wine? Born out of a shared passion for wine between Frenchman and oenophile David Farber and Renaissance man Idris Elba, Porte Noire varieties were ready by 2020.

A bottle of Idris Elba’s premium champagne shared with friends this summer is the ultimate luxury experience as temperatures rise and the sun shines well into the evening. And for a memorable alfresco dining experience, pair it with fresh grilled asparagus, BBQ ribs and fresh Thai cuisine.

With rich aromas, a velvety texture, and a lingering finish, it’s just how we like to enjoy summer. Porte Noire drinks can be purchased online at www.portenoire.co.uk.

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