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

The ecosystem at the higher elevation there, with firs, pines, and even a few aspen, contrasts sharply with the spear-like sotol and prickly pear of the desert floor. —Pam Leblanc, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Jan. 2023

Irish whiskey had a moment, then tequila was set to overtake American whiskey sales, and apparently even sotol might be a thing now (at least Lenny Kravitz hopes so). —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 3 May 2024

The method for harvesting dasylirion to make sotol is also considered more eco-friendly. —Jordyn Noennig, Journal Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2024

Swizzles are usually made with rum, but this version uses sotol instead, for a more earthy cocktail, balanced with the sourness of fresh citrus and sweetness of the liqueur. —Aly Walansky, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Nahuatl zōtōlin palm tree

First Known Use

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1