tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə 

tā-

plural tequilas

: a Mexican liquor made chiefly from the fermented sap of the blue agave that has been subjected to two separate distillations

Tequila is a form of mezcal that enjoys a regional appellation—it must be produced in Tequila, Jalisco (a state in Mexico), entirely from the nectar from the blue agave plant.

—Justin Grant

The most important difference between fine tequila and ordinary tequila is that the good stuff is made from 100 percent blue agave—the desert succulent that is pressure cooked, then fermented.

—Food & Wine

Note: Tequila is often distinguished from other mezcals because it can only be made from the blue agave and has more restrictive guidelines regarding its production.

"We're going to offer wine, beer, cocktails, a lot of tequila and mezcal, and margaritas on tap," said [bar] owner Patrick Todd.

—Jordyn Noennig

Examples of tequila in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Another new Día de Muertos release of note, albeit one that is very different, comes from G4, an exceptional tequila brand run by Felipe Camarena and his family. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2024

As the name suggests, there was an abundance of tacos and tequila in addition to vendors selling items, taco and jalapeño eating contests, and performances from local as well as international artists. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 9 Oct. 2024

One of the biggest differences between tequila and mezcal is how they’re made. —Emily Price, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

All major categories were affected including tequila, American whiskey, beer and wine. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 4 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from Tequila, town in Jalisco state, Mexico

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tequila

• tequila sunrise

Kids Definition

tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə 

tā-

: a Mexican liquor made from the fermented juice of an agave