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

The parents to Levi, 15, Vida, 14, and Livingston, 11 turn to one another with a knowing look before Matthew jumps into shaking up a classic margarita with lime juice and their tequila. —Sabrina Weiss, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

So of course a Long Island iced tea, which includes pretty much everything, from vodka to tequila to rum to gin, is the good time in a glass that an Aries can appreciate. —Patrice J. Williams, Essence, 4 June 2024

In addition to the rooftop bar and live DJs, the bar boasts a menu of craft cocktails, more than 20 varieties of local and international beers, and 16 different tequila bottles available with prices that’ll make your eyes pop out of your head. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 3 June 2024

The reverse is true if serving the whole family—simply leave out the tequila for a non-alcoholic version. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 15 May 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