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

The new Gran Centenario Gallardo is an extra anejo tequila (more than three years old) that was initially aged in a combination of French and American oak for about three years before being finished in Bordeaux wine barrels from France for a few months. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 June 2024

From vodka to tequila to whiskey and beyond, each and every one of the brands featured in the directory is worthy of its awards and worth seeking out. —Sunset Staff, Sunset Magazine, 17 June 2024

Add ice and tequila, and then shake two or three times to combine. —Jeff Burkhart, The Mercury News, 13 June 2024

Its choices include more than 150 different tequilas, mezcals and other selections. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 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