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

Diners can choose from a wide selection of Mexican tequilas, mescals, and beers, as well as wines from around the globe and innovative cocktails like the Avocado Margarita and Oaxacan Old Fashioned. —Joe Yogerst, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025

The Daily Show alum appeared on the live special and rejected Cohen’s offer at a tequila shot to celebrate the new year. —Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 1 Jan. 2025

Cohen excitedly brought tequila to take a shot at the top of every hour with Cooper. —William Earl, Variety, 1 Jan. 2025

Alpine Glow Margarita Courtesy of Pradhan In a cocktail shaker filled partially with ice, add 2 ounces tequila, 1 ounce fresh lime juice, and 1 ounce pomegranate juice. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Dec. 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