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

Megan joins the likes of other celebs who launched their own tequila brands including Kevin Hart, LeBron James and Michael Jordan among others—understandably so, since the sector is now valued at $20.6B globally, and projected to soar higher in the next few years. —Jasmine Browley, Essence, 19 Apr. 2024

What Kendall Jenner’s 818 tequila and Kylie Jenner’s Sprinter vodka soda brands are popping up in the desert for a one-day exclusive experience with cowboy hat customization, Anastasia Beverly Hills makeup touch-ups, snacks from Gopuff and more. —Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Apr. 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