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

Made with a simple syrup that's a little sweet from strawberries and a little tart from the rhubarb, these sippers can be splashed with gin, vodka, or tequila. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 11 Apr. 2026

Clase Azul is known for its expensive tequilas in handmade ceramic decanters, which customers often save long after the liquid is gone as art pieces in their homes. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 9 Apr. 2026

Larson loves a splash of cucumber juice in her Gin and Tonics for crispness, and just like Reese Witherspoon, Piva is wild about watermelon and tequila together. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Apr. 2026

Her tequilas are featured in many of the restaurant’s signature cocktails, including a take on a Paloma, and the Dragones Rosa, with Casa Dragones Blanco tequila, Bianco vermouth, tomato, guava and lime. —Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 6 Apr. 2026

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

Rhymes for tequila

• drosophila
• philomela
• sheila

Kids Definition

tequila

noun

te·​qui·​la tə-ˈkē-lə 

tā-

: a Mexican liquor made from the fermented juice of an agave