Don Julio Brings Mexico to Kampala for an Unforgettable World Tequila Day Celebration
On Sunday, July 26, Mediterraneo Restaurant and Lounge in Kampala swapped its familiar Italian charm for the vibrant spirit of Mexico as Don Julio, the world’s first luxury tequila brand, hosted an immersive World Tequila Day celebration.
Dubbed the “Tequila Sundowner,” the afternoon-to-night experience blended premium cocktails, live entertainment, authentic Mexican-inspired fashion, and tequila education into one of Kampala’s standout lifestyle events.
From the first pour to the final DJ set, guests were treated to an experience that celebrated not just tequila, but the culture, craftsmanship, and community behind it.
A Taste of Mexico in the Heart of Kampala
The venue came alive long before sunset.
Guests arrived dressed in sombreros, cowboy boots, ponchos, and other Mexican-inspired outfits, embracing the event’s theme with enthusiasm.
Inside Mediterraneo, the sounds of cocktail shakers, clinking crystal glasses, and lively conversations mixed effortlessly with live music, creating an atmosphere that felt more like Cancun than Kampala.
The setting encouraged guests to relax, mingle, and discover tequila beyond the familiar shot glass.
Learning the Craft Behind Don Julio
One of the day’s biggest attractions was the elegant Don Julio cocktail trolley, where Reserve Ambassador Steve Baguma guided guests through the history and craftsmanship behind the premium tequila.
Rather than simply serving drinks, the interactive experience invited visitors to become bartenders themselves.
Fresh pineapples were sliced, citrus fruits squeezed, and ice poured into shakers before carefully measured servings of Don Julio Blanco completed each cocktail.
With Baguma’s guidance, guests learned how to prepare classics including the Margarita, Paloma, and other tequila-based creations while gaining a deeper appreciation for the spirit’s complexity.
“Today, Don Julio is hosting its consumers to celebrate World Tequila Day,” Baguma said.
“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.”
He added that allowing guests to make their own cocktails offered a practical way to appreciate tequila’s versatility without overwhelming the palate.
Latin Music Sets the Perfect Mood
No celebration inspired by Mexico would be complete without music.
The Latin Roots Band brought authentic Latin rhythms to the venue, filling the afternoon with energetic performances that transported guests far beyond Kampala.
One of the standout moments came from saxophonist Daniel Oquiel, who repeatedly paused mid-performance and encouraged the audience to sing the next lyrics themselves.
What began as hesitant participation soon evolved into confident singalongs, creating an atmosphere where performers and guests shared the spotlight.
Following the performance, Latin Roots member Jessica Abelo reflected on the cultural connection between music and tequila.
“Latin music is everything for us, just like tequila.”
She added that seeing Ugandans embrace Latin culture made the celebration even more meaningful.
“Sharing that feeling on World Tequila Day makes perfect sense, because tequila, like music, brings people together around stories, celebration and community.”
DJs Keep the Celebration Alive
As daylight faded, the event shifted into full nightlife mode.
DJ Dash, Don Julio’s Core Ambassador, took over with a blend of EDM and Amapiano, gradually filling the dancefloor.
He was followed by DJ City Girl, whose mix of R&B and reggae kept guests dancing while seamlessly connecting different musical styles.
The evening reached its peak when celebrated producer and DJ duo 2woBunnies stepped behind the decks.
Their signature Afro-electronic and Amapiano fusion elevated the atmosphere, with guests dancing, filming moments on their phones, and singing along late into the evening.
The celebration became as much about shared experiences as it was about premium tequila.
Celebrating More Than a Drink
For Judie Nandekya, Senior Brand Manager for Tequila and Rum East Africa, the event represented an opportunity to introduce consumers to tequila in a more engaging way.
“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.”
She said the event was designed to give guests a fresh understanding of tequila through education, live entertainment, and responsible enjoyment.
“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.”
Why the Celebration Stood Out
World Tequila Day has become a global celebration of one of Mexico’s most iconic spirits, but Don Julio’s Kampala edition went beyond simply serving drinks.
The event combined education, culture, fashion, music, and hospitality into a carefully curated experience that appealed to both longtime tequila enthusiasts and newcomers.
By inviting guests to learn about tequila’s origins, prepare their own cocktails, and immerse themselves in Latin-inspired entertainment, the celebration offered something more memorable than a typical night out.
Long after the music ended and the final cocktails were served, the biggest takeaway wasn’t just the tequila.
It was the feeling of connection created through shared conversations, live performances, and new experiences.
For one evening, Kampala embraced a different culture without leaving the city.
From handcrafted Margaritas to unforgettable performances, Don Julio’s World Tequila Day celebration proved that the best journeys aren’t always measured by distance—but by the memories made along the way.