Believe it or not, the concept of “Taco Tuesday” stretches back to at least 1979, when Gregory’s Restaurant & Bar in Somers Point, NJ popularized its Taco Tuesday promotion to boost its Tex-Mex sales.
By the 1980s, a Mexican-inspired fast food chain called Taco John’s capitalized on the trend, and they even filed for a federal trademark on the phrase “Taco Tuesday” (though that hasn’t stopped other restaurants from using it).
Today, Taco Tuesday is celebrated each week all over the country, with celebrities like LeBron James and Jason Sudeikis famously enjoying the tradition with family and friends.
At its core, Taco Tuesday honors a simple-yet-classic Mexican dish: a tortilla and filling folded over and eaten by hand. It’s a wonderful comfort food, but it can also become a healthy meal option. Just check out our recipe for 3 Birria Tacos to learn how to squeeze in 60 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber!
Although everyone’s interested in finding the best tacos each week, there’s another, easier way to elevate Taco Tuesday: Aguardiente.
Bacan Guaro is the world’s most-awarded aguardiente, and that makes it the ideal pairing for Taco Tuesday!
What’s Aguardiente?
Aguardiente is a distilled spirit traditionally made from sugarcane juice (though this can vary based on region) and flavored with anise. Typically taken as a shot and chased with a bite of fruit, “aguardiente” translates to “fiery water” or “burning water.”
Although aguardiente is especially popular in Colombia, you’ll find it throughout South America, Central America, and North America—including Mexico.
That makes it a perfect companion for your next Taco Tuesday, especially if you decide to smooth aguardiente’s harsh bite by mixing it into a refreshing cocktail—or if you simply want a fun alternative to rum.
Aguardiente Cocktails for Taco Tuesday
At Bacan Guaro, we’ve worked hard to create a premium aguardiente experience—one with a smooth, refreshing finish instead of the overwhelming burn of low-quality alternatives. We should also mention that Bacan Guaro is sugar-free and low-calorie, making it easy to fit into any health-conscious lifestyle!
To elevate the experience even further, we’ve created a long list of aguardiente cocktails that are perfect for your next Taco Tuesday.
Check them out:
The jaguar is optional in the Jaguar Mule!
1. The Jaguar Mule
Ingredients (Full Recipe):
- 2 oz Bacan Guaro 24 (48 proof)
- 1 oz lime juice
- ginger beer
About the Cocktail: Here’s an exotic, aguardiente-inspired twist on the traditional Moscow Mule (which relies on vodka for its alcohol content). Enjoy the sweetness of natural anise with refreshing hints of lime, while the ginger beer delivers a spicy undertone.
Pairs Well With: Pork carnitas tacos. The rich, savory pork complements this cocktail’s spicy ginger beer, while the lime notes cut through the fattiness for a refreshing finish.
2. The Spicy Guaromelon
Ingredients (Full Recipe):
- 2 oz Bacan Guaro 29 (58 proof)
- 1 oz watermelon juice
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ¼ oz jalapeño syrup
- Tajín
- Watermelon sphere
- Jalapeño slice
About the Cocktail: Spice meets sweet in this complex cocktail. Jalapeño and Tajín deliver the heat, while lime and watermelon offer soothing relief.
Pairs Well With: Grilled shrimp tacos. Watermelon provides a cooling contrast to the seasoned shrimp, while jalapeño, Tajín, and lime reinforce the tacos’ spicy, citrusy flavors.
3. Viva La Vida
Ingredients (Full Recipe):
- 2 oz Bacan Guaro 29
- ¾ oz lemon juice
- ¾ oz hibiscus syrup
- 2 dashes of rose water
About the Cocktail: Here’s a cocktail that’s simultaneously elegant, vibrant, floral, and citrus-forward.
Pairs Well With: Al pastor tacos. The cocktail’s tart hibiscus and lemon balance the richness of the pork, while the floral notes pair beautifully with the sweet pineapple traditionally served on top.
4. Guaro Lychee
Ingredients (Full Recipe):
- 2 oz Bacan Guaro 29
- 1 ½ oz lychee water
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz lime juice
- 3 mint leaves
- Tonic Water
About the Cocktail: Sip away at the delicate sweetness of lychee fruit mixed with aguardiente—an exciting fusion perfect for summer parties, adventurous palates, or a casual Taco Tuesday.
Pairs Well With: Baja fish tacos. The delicate lychee, fresh mint, and bubbly tonic water offer a light, refreshing counterpoint to crispy fish and creamy slaw.
5. Guarorita Pa’ Ahorita
Ingredients (Full Recipe):
- 2 oz Bacan Guaro 24
- 1 oz lime juice
- ½ oz agave nectar
- ½ oz Ancho Reyes Verde
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz real mango puree
- Tajín (for the rim)
About the Cocktail: Here’s our signature twist on the classic margarita! The tangy lime juice complements the salty rim, delivering a uniquely tropical experience.
Pairs Well With: Chicken tinga tacos. The smoky, mildly spicy chicken complements the cocktail’s Ancho Reyes Verde and Tajín, while sweet mango, agave, and tangy lime provide a refreshing contrast.
Final Recommendations
Remember: Taco Tuesday is all about fun and community. If this is your first time trying aguardiente with your tacos, keep an open mind! You might need to try a few different cocktails to find one you really love—especially if you pick a harsher, high-ABV aguardiente as your base.
Bacan Guaro ranges from 48 proof to 58 proof, which makes it a low-ABV option compared to other spirits.
Cheers!
If you’re ready to try Bacan Guaro, visit our website to purchase your first bottle or find a store near you.
