Don Julio 1942 Intertwines Chinese and Aztec Iconography With Its Latest Tequila
(Photos: Don Julio)
Don Julio is reimagining its wildly popular 1942 expression with a colorful homage to the Lunar New Year.
Last week, the tequila brand unveiled a limited-edition Year of the Snake bottle that trades 1942’s clear amber hue for bright shades of gold and red. The decanter features a custom illustration merging the Chinese Zodiac snake with the Aztec feathered serpent, Quetzalcoatl, the patron deity of agriculture, merchants and wisdom.
The liquid contained within is exactly the same as usual. 1942 is an añejo tequila aged up to 32 months in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels. Following its launch in 2002, the expression has proved a consistent best seller for brand owner Diageo, the British firm behind heavy hitters including Guinness, Casamigos, Johnnie Walker and Tanqueray.
The company has doubled down on its flagship tequila time and time again with flashy one-off releases. Last year, the brand toasted Super Bowl LVIII with a light-up bottle paying tribute to the the climactic San Francisco 49ers vs. Kansas City Chiefs game. Other 1942-branded releases have included a quintet of NFTs, a collaboration with fashion brand Siegelman Stable and a $6,000 speaker system inspired by “the aesthetics of the iconic tall bottle.”
Don Julio’s latest limited-edition offering is now available through Reserve Bar for $199.99 while supplies last.
The brand is kicking off the release in collaboration with mixologist Fanny Chu, an alum of New York institutions including Donna Cocktail Club and Nitecap. In addition to a “Tea-quila Ceremony” that encourages the sipping of 1942 via bespoke enclosed teacups, Chu has created a pair of signature cocktails that explore traditionally Chinese flavors. If you’re interested in tasting one of the creations, find the lychee- and mandarin-centric Lunar New Year Margarita below.
Lunar New Year Margarita
Ingredients
- 1.25 oz Tequila Don Julio 1942
- .25 oz Lychee Liqueur
- .5 oz Fresh Mandarin Juice
- .25 oz Fresh Lime Juice
- .25 oz Ginger Syrup
- Citrus salt for rim
Preparation
- Coat the glass rim with citrus salt.
- Combine ingredients into a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly. Strain into a ridged rocks glass.
- Add Sichuan Peppercorn Syrup for those who want it spicy!
Follow The Daily Pour:
About The Daily Pour
Founded by Dan Abrams, The Daily Pour is the ultimate drinking guide for the modern consumer, covering spirits, non-alcoholic and hemp beverages. With its unique combination of cross-category coverage and signature rating system that aggregates reviews from trusted critics across the internet, The Daily Pour sets the standard as the leading authority in helping consumers discover, compare and enjoy the best of today's evolving drinks landscape.
