Mediterraneo Restaurant and Lounge in Kololo came alive on Sunday as Don Julio marked World Tequila Day with a Mexican-themed celebration that blended culture, music, food and premium tequila experiences.
Dubbed the Tequila Sundowner, the event transformed the Kampala venue into a vibrant Mexican-inspired setting, attracting tequila enthusiasts, socialites and music lovers for an afternoon and evening of entertainment.
Guests embraced the theme by turning up in sombreros, boots and other Mexican-inspired outfits as they experienced the traditions and craftsmanship behind one of the world’s renowned tequila brands.
A major highlight of the celebration was the Don Julio trolley experience, where Reserve Ambassador Steve Baguma took guests through the history of the brand before guiding them in creating their own tequila cocktails.
Using fresh fruits, citrus flavours, agave notes and Don Julio Blanco, guests learnt how to prepare classic cocktails including the Margarita and Paloma while exploring the versatility of tequila.
“Today, Don Julio is hosting its consumers to celebrate World Tequila Day. Don Julio is crafted with incredible care, and every expression has its own personality. Once you understand the spirit, you begin to appreciate the craftsmanship behind every bottle,” Baguma said.
He added that the cocktail-making experience was designed to help consumers appreciate tequila beyond simply drinking it.
“Our consumers have got an opportunity to create their own cocktails, enabling them to appreciate the complexity of tequila without overwhelming the palate,” he said.
The celebration was further elevated by performances from Latin Roots band, whose fusion of Latin classics, live vocals and saxophone melodies created an engaging atmosphere throughout the afternoon.
One of the memorable moments came when saxophonist Daniel Oquiel lowered his instrument during performances, encouraging guests to complete song lyrics and turning the audience into part of the performance.
“Latin music is everything for us, just like tequila. I am so happy to see Ugandans show love and appreciation for Latin culture. Sharing that feeling on World Tequila Day makes perfect sense because tequila, like music, brings people together around stories, celebration and community,” said Jessica Abelo, a member of Latin Roots.
As night fell, DJs took over the entertainment, with Don Julio Core Ambassador DJ Dash introducing electronic dance music and Amapiano before DJ City Girl kept guests on the dance floor with a mix of R&B and reggae.
The celebrations climaxed with producer and DJ duo 2woBunnies delivering an energetic Amapiano and Afro-electronic set that brought the evening to a close.
For Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager, Tequila and Rum East Africa, the celebration reflected the spirit of World Tequila Day by introducing consumers to the culture and traditions behind the drink.
“World Tequila Day is an opportunity to celebrate tequila and everything about it. It is an opportunity for us to introduce people to the traditions, craftsmanship and versatility behind tequila in a way that feels authentic and welcoming,” Nandekya said.
She added that combining cocktails, music, conversations and responsible enjoyment created memorable experiences for consumers.
“Today is special because we have given our consumers new ways to understand and appreciate tequila. We know that when great cocktails, live music, meaningful conversations and responsible enjoyment come together, they create experiences that people genuinely remember,” she said.
The celebration ended with guests enjoying an experience that brought Mexican culture, premium tequila, live entertainment and fine dining together in the heart of Kampala.
