National Lemon Juice Day is Here!

National Lemon Juice Day is celebrated on September 29th. And since the lemon is the protagonist of our favorite cocktails, we pay tribute to this fruit from which we take advantage of absolutely everything! As the central player of flavoring and decorating—providing its fresh, tangy flavor—the lemon is essential in a balanced cocktail.

Scientific name: Citrus limon

Place of origin: The Citrus species originated from a large area in southeast Asia. 

Since when has it been cultivated: More than 2500 years ago. 

How it arrived in Europe: Arabs introduced it to Spain in the 11th century. It was then widely cultivated throughout the Mediterranean. The Crusaders returning from the Middle East took it to the rest of Europe.

Curiosities

• The word lemon comes from the Arabic word “laymūn.”

• Before being cultivated for consumption, it was used as a decorative plant, for its aroma, and for therapeutic purposes. 

• The largest lemon producer is China with 2,300,000 tons, followed by India, Mexico, Argentina and Brazil. 

• Did you know that Tucumán in Argentina is considered the lemon capital of the world? Check out this video about the plantations and production: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrJMbQ6EmcA

Understanding the Citrus Family: National Lemon Juice Day

But first, we invite you to register and join now this Altos tequila VIP cocktail courses issued by our Altos tequila International Global Ambassadors @dremasso and @megsmiller

Source: Recent Insights on Citrus Diversity and Phylogeny, by François Luro, Franck Curk, Yann Froelicher and Patrick Ollitrault. 

Nutritional Values in Our Cocktails? Yes!

Bartenders’ Favorites lemons an limes: National Lemon Juice Day

According to Dré Masso @dremasso, co-creator of Altos tequila and one of the most iconic bartenders in the world, the lions share of cocktails are made complete with citrus fruit, and the humble lemon is quite possibly one of the most important ingredients to have close to hand at all times behind the bar. 

From the showering twists of essential oils extracted from the shiny skin , the squirts of juice when the fruit is turned inside out, or even at the role, it plays when coating the edge of a glass to allow salt crystals to stick confidently. Lemon has a way of enhancing the qualities of every type of drink!

The acidic levels in lemon play beautifully against the alcohol and sugar in cocktails, as they cross, cut and marry each other’s extremes. Lemons can often collaborate extremely well especially when you have a spirit, which already has some kind of citrus note like tequila or gin.

Lemons

Lisbon

Lisbon lemons should feel heavy for their size and have a slight give when gently squeezed. When the peel is scratched, rubbed or sliced, it will release a fragrant, citrusy aroma, and the flesh is highly acidic, creating a sour, tart and tangy taste balanced with a subtle sweetness.

Eureka

Eureka lemons contain volatile aromatic oils that are released through the peel, emitting a bright, sweet and refreshing scent. The lemon’s juice, zest and flesh are highly acidic, creating a sour, tart and tangy taste balanced with a subtle sweetness.

Amalfi Coast

The rind of this lemon has an especially intense aroma because of the essential oils it contains. Inside, the flesh is acidic, semi-sweet and very juicy. Amalfi Coast lemons tend to contain few seeds.

Meyer 

Meyer lemons are sweet and juicy: a combination of a sweet orange and lemon. Their smooth semi-thin peel is fragrant and oily. Their flesh is low acid, aromatic, floral and sweet.

Yuzu 

Yuzu lemons are highly aromatic, and the rind is rich in essential oils that are released when the fruit’s surface is scratched or cut. The juice and zest have a unique, acidic blend of sour, sweet and floral flavors mixed with notes of lime, grapefruit and mandarin.

Limes 

Mexican Key or West Indian Lime

The rind of this lime is full of volatile oils, which can be released by zesting or scratching the surface, and is aromatic with floral notes. Underneath the rind, the yellow-green flesh is juicy, fine-grained, soft and filled with inedible seeds. They have a tart, very acidic taste with floral, herbal notes and some bitter undertones.

They are also Julio Bermejo’s favorite for preparing his iconic Tommy’s Margarita! Discover Lime Secrets for the Perfect Margarita! 

Persian or Tahiti Lime

Tahiti limes have an acidic, bright, and subtly sweet, green flavor. The juice and zest are used to add bright, acidic flavors to cocktails. It is less acidic than other varieties of lime. 

Emblematic Cocktails that Use Limes in Their Preparation

Altos Margarita

Our Margarita recipe is adaptable so locally-sourced substitutions for both the citrus and sweetener can be made, making it a more sustainable drink that makes sense anywhere you want to prepare it. Pretty cool, huh?

If you choose to use local citruses, opt for those that create the perfect balance between the acidity and sweetness of your cocktail.

Join the Altos Margarita cocktail and get the complete Margaritas Cocktail Book! Download the booklet here.

Tommy’s Margarita

Discover the Tommy’s Margarita authentic recipe here.