As Saint Patrick's Day approaches, many are gearing up to celebrate with green beer and Irish whiskey. However, for those looking to add a splash of creativity and cultural flair to their festivities, why not consider raising a glass of Frida Kahlo tequila?
This unique high-end tequila pays homage to Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist known for her vibrant personality, bold fashion choices, and, of course, her love for tequila.
Her family has said it chose to create a Frida Kahlo brand tequila, which range from around $50 to $90 a bottle, “because it is uniquely Mexican and is forceful like Frida.”
Frida Kahlo and Tequila
Kahlo's affinity for tequila is well-documented, with anecdotes from those who knew her best.
“ … Lupe Marín, Rivera’s second wife, marveled at how Kahlo, ‘this so-called youngster,’ drank tequila 'like a real mariachi,'” the Smithsonian magazine writes.
Marin wasn’t the only one to comment on Kahlo’s love affair with tequila.
“Tequila was Frida’s favorite drink, and she drank a lot of it,” Mara Romeo Pinedo Kahlo, Kahlo’s grand-niece, tells the Los Angeles Times.
The LA Times goes on to describe Kahlo as “Mexico’s original party girl” who wore “flamboyant clothing” and enjoyed “her nation’s signature distilled spirit.”
But does this mean she would support a tequila company named after her? That’s up for debate.
The Frida Kahlo Tequila Controversy
It's not difficult to imagine Kahlo raising a glass of tequila to celebrate occasions like Saint Patrick's Day.
However, the idea of a tequila brand bearing Kahlo's name raises questions about authenticity and ethics. Some argue that Kahlo, known for her strong political views and disdain for commercialization, would be appalled by the commercial use of her name.
Others suggest that Kahlo's playful nature and appreciation for irony may have led her to find the idea amusing.
“There has been controversy surrounding using the artist’s name to brand a for-profit product,” 19th Hole Magazine writes. “Some groups have said that Ms. Kahlo would have been appalled by the prospect. However, Frida Kahlo, by all accounts, never took herself too seriously and may have even found the irony amusing.”
Despite the controversy, Dorado, Pizzorni and Sons, the company that makes the tequilas, partnered with the Frida Kahlo Foundation has taken steps to honor Kahlo's legacy in a meaningful way.
By partnering with the Frida Kahlo Foundation, the company introduces the "Frida Foundation Margarita," a cocktail crafted in collaboration with philanthropic-minded restaurateurs. A portion of the proceeds from each margarita sold goes towards supporting community-based nonprofits dedicated to aiding women and children in need.
This philanthropic initiative aligns with Kahlo's own experiences of resilience and perseverance.
Frida Kahlo’s LifeLong Pain
Some say she turned to alcohol to numb her lifelong chronic pain from her horrible bus accident.
“At 18 years of age on September 17, 1925, Kahlo and her boyfriend, Alejandro Gómez Arias, were on their way home from school when the wooden bus they were on collided with a metal streetcar,” Google Arts and Culture explains. “Several people were killed and the artist suffered near fatal injuries from an iron handrail impaling her through her pelvis, fracturing the bone. She also fractured several ribs, her legs and her collarbone.”
Despite the physical and emotional challenges she faced, Kahlo emerged as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
So, as Saint Patrick's Day approaches, consider raising a glass of Frida Kahlo tequila to toast to resilience, creativity, and philanthropy.
The tequila company lists several cocktail recipes on its site, inspired by Kahlo and her husband, Diego Rivera. From the Frida Margarita with “muddled watermelon” to the Diego Rivera with “Aztec chocolate bitters,” each cocktail pays tribute to the artistic and cultural legacy of the iconic couple.
Cheers to Frida for making yet another positive impact in the world.
