By The Tahona Society Editorial Team
Squeeze the Juice out of Those Limes, Julio! Celebrating National Margarita Day
Celebrating Six Decades of the World’s Best Margarita: A Tribute to Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant
Margarita Day is just around the corner. In honor of the 60th anniversary of the legendary Tommy’s Restaurant—the home of the world’s best Margarita—we’re taking the opportunity to pay tribute to its creator: Julio Bermejo. Where would the global bartending community be without Julio and his legendary tips on squeezing limes for the perfect Tommy’s Margarita?
For 60 years, a humble, flavorful spot in San Francisco has been shaking more than cocktails. It’s been crafting legends!
Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, located in the Richmond District, is celebrating its 60th anniversary, and it’s not just a milestone: it’s a testament to tradition, innovation, and an unwavering passion for high-quality tequilas!
The Heart and Soul: Julio Bermejo
No story about Tommy’s would be complete without honoring Julio Bermejo (@julio.bermejo.718), the man whose vision and dedication transformed a neighborhood cantina into a pilgrimage site for tequila lovers worldwide. As the beverage manager and driving force behind the bar, Julio didn’t just make drinks. He crafted high-quality experiences.
Julio’s journey wasn’t just about serving tequila; it was about redefining it. In the late 1980s, he began focusing on 100% agave tequilas at a time when the industry was dominated by “mixtos.” However, his passion for educating customers and bartenders about the purity and complexity of agave spirits laid the groundwork for a revolution in how tequila is perceived today.
The Legacy of the Tommy’s Margarita
In 1989, Julio did something extraordinary. He reinvented the classic margarita by replacing triple sec with agave nectar, creating the now iconic Tommy’s Margarita, which is considered the best margarita in the world!
Tommy’s Margarita was simple and elegant, and most importantly, it let the 100% agave tequila take center stage. This bold move wasn’t just about flavor; it was about respect for the spirit, its origins, and its potential.
This creation didn’t just stay at Tommy’s. It traveled the world, becoming a staple in bars from San Francisco to London and influencing countless mixologists and tequila enthusiasts.
Today, the Tommy’s Margarita is celebrated as a modern classic, a tribute to Julio’s vision and his commitment to authenticity.
A Global Ambassador for Tequila
Julio Bermejo isn’t just a bartender and tequila lover; he’s the global Ambassador for Tequila, a title officially recognized by the Mexican government.
But beyond the accolades, it’s his genuine passion and humility that have earned him respect across the industry. Julio has traveled the world, spreading the gospel of high-quality tequila, educating bartenders, and sharing his knowledge and love for the spirit. That’s what a true maestro does!
For many bartenders and mixologists, visiting Tommy’s isn’t just about tasting the Tommy’s Margarita; it’s about meeting Julio, the man behind it, hearing his stories, his obsession for the perfect limes, and experiencing his contagious enthusiasm.
But most importantly, Julio’s legacy isn’t just in the drinks he makes but in the community he’s built—a global network of tequila lovers united by a shared respect for craftsmanship and authenticity.
A Toast to the Next 60 Years!
As Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant celebrates 60 years, it’s not just marking the passage of time. It’s celebrating a legacy of passion, innovation, and authenticity. It’s honoring Julio Bermejo’s lifelong commitment to elevating tequila from a misunderstood party drink to a respected, world-class spirit.
To all the bartenders, mixologists, and tequila lovers out there—from San Francisco to London or Australia—Tommy’s is more than just a bar. It’s a place of pilgrimage, a source of inspiration, and proof that the best drinks are made with love, tradition, and a touch of daring creativity.
Here’s to Tommy’s, Here’s to Julio, and Here’s to Altos Tequila!
Raise your glass and take a sip of history. Because at Tommy’s Mexican Restaurant, every margarita tells a story, and it’s one worth celebrating. Cheers to the next 60 years!
Finally, here is the classic Tommy’s Margarita recipe:
Tommy’s Margarita
Ingredients
- 60 ml / 2 parts Altos Plata
- 30 ml / 1 Part Lime juice
- 15 ml / 1/2 Part Agave Syrup
- Lemon wedge and salt rim
Method
Add all of the ingredients into a shaker with ice and shake. Fine-strain over ice into a glass. Garnish with a lemon wedge and salt rim.
For more Margarita recipes to celebrate Margarita Day, click here.
