The origins of the word tequila can be traced back to an 1844 diary entry by American merchant Josiah Gregg. He used the term to refer to the drink in the region of Jalisco, Mexico, known for its production of high-quality tequila. The word itself was borrowed from Spanish, with variations like tequilla and tequela, ultimately derived from the Nahuatl noun tequillan. Various theories exist about its meaning, including “place of work”, “place of tricks”, “rock that cuts”, and a diminutive of “breast”, but the most widely accepted translation is “place of tribute”. The popular cocktails tequila sunrise and tequila sour emerged in the mid-20th century, adding to the cultural significance of this beloved spirit.
