Try the strawberry-basil infused tequila at Maya.
Credit: Provided
Thursday is just close enough to the end of the week to make you envision yourself already sunning on a beach towel or lounging by a rooftop pool. The next best thing? Having the drink you’ll have in your hand then, only now. For National Tequila Day, we rounded up some places that know their reposado from blanco — or just had some good deals.
Horchata
There’s no such thing as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free margarita. Stop by Horchata on Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. to get yours. While you’re there, sample Patron’s new tequila, Patron Rocca, and learn about how it’s made. Boozy and educational; your mother would be proud. 470 Avenue of the Americas, 212-243-8226
Maya
If you like your tequila with a little something extra, there’s a range of house-infused tequilas (banana-vanilla, strawberry-basil, citrus-lemongrass) at this Upper East Side spot. Get it in a margarita or on the rocks. Or get something truly unique: Chef Richard Sandoval has his own barrel-aged brand of Herradura tequila. Happy “hour” lasts from 3-8 p.m., with $6 margaritas. 1191 First Ave., 212-585-1818
Pampano
Tequila connoisseurs — and those who would be surprised to learn that tequila comes in regional varieties — head here for tasting flights organized by geography. Who minds a little education when it comes in a shotglass on a mezzanine terrace? 209 E. 49th St., 212-751-4545
MexiBBQ
South of the border meets the South in this Astoria joint. Grab a fiery passion fruit jalapeño margarita, made with agave tequila, lime, agave nectar, passion fruit puree and jalapeño. If spicy isn’t your thing, try a sweet-and-sour vanilla margarita with Milagro Blanco tequila, Cuarenta y Tres liquor, lime and agave nectar. 37-11 30th Ave., 718-626-0333
Landhaus at The Woods serves up a Mexican-style frozen mojito.
Credit: Michael Tulipan
Landhaus at the Woods
The three chefs behind Smorgasburg’s Landhaus have sold their taco cart and put down roots at Williamsburg’s The Woods in a tiki-themed backyard with long tables and all the grub you already love (specifically: the grilled maple-bacon stick). Try a Mexican-style frozen mojito to cool your mouth after the Korean chili glaze on the crispy duck drumettes. 48 S. Fourth St.,www.thelandhaus.com
1200 Miles
It may be summer in the city, but this Flatiron bar is serving Spring in the Desert, which mixes Patron with Pimm’s, cucumber, basil-infused simple syrup, lemon and a splash of soda. Keep your eats Spanish-themed with bites like housemade potato chips with chèvre and tortilla Española. 31 W. 21st St., 212-510-8722
Tequila Park
It’s right there in the name. Uncommon tacos (truffled corn!), high-quality tequilas and liquor-infused ice creams from Tipsy Scoop are the name of the game at Tequila Park on Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m. No word on whether the musical act, City of the Sun, will play Sammy Hagar’s “Mas Tequila.” Tasting tickets are $50 or $60. 356 W. 58th St., 212-554-6217
Troy Liquor Bar
For a tropical take on Tequila Day, this Meatpacking district bar is whipping up its Forbidden Fruit cocktail made with Don Julio Silver, yellow chartreuse, fresh grapefruit juice, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup. And good news for Thursday visitors: All Tequila Day cocktails are $8. 675 Hudson St., 212-699-2410
Follow Eva Kis on Twitter @thisiskis or email eva.kis@metro.us.
