by Caitlyn Holroyd

Like a true BFF, tequila has been there during the best of times and the worst of times – from classy margarita nights with the girls to that time I took one too many shots and found myself dancing on top of a bar, whipping my bra at the crowd. Yeah, it was a Tuesday. Whoops.

The oldest distilled drink of North America, tequila dates back nearly 2000 years to the Aztecs of Mexico. According to legend, it was affectionately branded the “Nectar of Gods.” And like a true legend, it even had its own day. Oh, shitty, did you miss it? We didn’t. Arriba, arriba! This past Saturday (July 24), we celebrated National Tequila Day in true style with a Mexican-themed bash. Yeah, it got a little sloppy but we wouldn’t expect anything less from our old standby.

Don’t worry muchacha, Tequila day can be any day! Here’s our guide to throwing the ultimate Mexican fiesta. Lick salt baby – lick it good.

The Drinks: Tequila is so versatile, so be sure to take advantage. Start the night off with margaritas (3 parts tequila, 2 parts triple sec, 1 part lime or lemon juice) in a large help-yourself punch bowl and be prepared with plenty of salt and limes once the night takes that inevitable turn towards shots.

The Decor: Piñatas are a must, so check out Balloon King (374 Bathurst St.) for their crowd-pleasing three-foot-tall piñatas or the Drake Hotel General Store (82A Bathurst St.) for their shiny, pretty ones – which are mucho expensive, but sophisticated in design – so take pics before you smash the shit out of them. Other decor ideas can include inflatable cacti and colourful lights. (Don’t hump the catci! Actually, do.)

The Snacks: Nachos and tacos are both easy to prepare and are sure to be a hit with your guests. Like the drinks, use the help-yourself approach for the tacos by laying out various meats, veggies, and sauces for your guests and be sure to have chips n’ dip on hand when you run out of the good stuff. Who the hell doesn’t like guacamole? SO EASY! Lime, avacodos, salt and peppa.

The Attire: Sombreros – and plenty of ‘em. Our party host managed to nab possibly the largest sombrero possible, but any size will do. It’s especially fun to blast The Gipsy Kings….okay not Mexican but close enough? Get down with your oversized sombrero – so that no one actually sees your face but just a giant hat and some loose hips. Most. Fun. Ever.

The Music: From the Eagles’ hit “Tequila Sunrise” to T.I. rapping about Patron on ice in “Whatever You Like”, there are plenty of songs to choose from. If you feel so inclined, lead your guests in a throwback Macarena dance. Then do a conga! Then pretend you are that chihuahua from the Taco Bell ads AND THEN fly through hoops like you are the Three Amigos but The Three Amigo dogs!! (Are we offending anyone yet?)

Any Tequila will do – but we are especially liking Cabo Wabo Tequila. It’s smooth with bite, but let’s be honest – we love it mostly because it’s fun to say.

“Quieres un poco Cabo Wabo?”

“¡Sí, lo adoramos tequila! Bebe, fantástico!”