sotol

noun

so·​tol ˈsō-ˌtōl 

1

: any of several plants (genus Dasylirion) of the southwestern U.S. and Mexico that are related to the agave and are often grown for ornament or to produce an alcoholic beverage

2

: an alcoholic beverage especially of northern Mexico that is made from the distilled fermented sap of a sotol (such as Dasylirion wheeleri)

Examples of sotol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There’s also the Agave Studio, where the in-house mixologist leads guests through a tasting of several Mexican spirits, including sotol, tequila, mezcal, and raicilla. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Mar. 2026

One of my favorite spots, The Owls Club—located inside a dark, roomy former funeral home—has a number of signature cocktails featuring mezcal and sotol, each with a unique flavor profile and presentation. —Von Diaz, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Dec. 2025

Tequila is one of the world’s most popular spirits, and mezcal and sotol have been increasing in popularity in recent years. —Erik Ofgang, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025

Made from desert plants known as Dasylirion, sotol is produced across northern Mexico. —Ryan Craggs, Travel + Leisure, 12 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Nahuatl zōtōlin palm tree

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1