Tequila | Distilled Liquor - Britannica

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External Websites

• National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Tracing of Di-Ethylhexyl Phthalate in the Tequila Production Process
• Healthline - Tequila Is Being Touted as a ‘HealthÂ’ DrinkÂ… But Read This Before You Say ‘Cheers!Â’
• UNESCO World Heritage Centre - Agave Landscape and Ancient Industrial Facilities of Tequila
• Verywell Fit - Tequila Nutrition Facts and Health Tips
• ACS Publication - A Critical Review of the Flavor Chemistry of Tequila (PDF)
• The Spruce Eats - What is Tequila?

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tequila, distilled liquor, usually clear in colour and unaged, that is made from the fermented juice of the Mexican agave plant, specifically several varieties of Agave tequilana Weber. Tequila contains 40–50 percent alcohol (80–100 U.S. proof). The beverage, which was developed soon after the Spaniards introduced distillation to Mexico, is named for the town of Tequila in the Mexican state of Jalisco where it is produced.

Upon maturity the pineapple-like base of the agave plant fills with sweet sap, or agua miel (“honey water”). The bases are steamed to aid in extracting the sap; this juice is fermented and then distilled twice to achieve the desired purity. Some brands are aged in oak vats, which allows the distillate to mellow and take on a pale straw colour.

Tequila is mixed with lime juice and an orange-flavoured liqueur to make the Margarita cocktail, which is served in a glass rimmed with salt. Mexicans usually prefer tequila unmixed, accompanied by salt and a wedge of lime. The drinker takes salt, tequila, and lime in rapid succession, thus combining all the flavours.

Related Topics: mezcal margarita agave paloma blue agave (Show more) On the Web: Healthline - Tequila Is Being Touted as a ‘Health’ Drink… But Read This Before You Say ‘Cheers!’ (Jan. 14, 2026) (Show more) See all related content

Mescal (also known as mezcal), a similar distilled beverage, is less expensive and stronger in flavour and is made from an agave plant that grows wild in the Oaxaca region.