What is "tequila"?

Tequila is an alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, native to Mexico. It is usually made from the fermented and distilled juice of the agave plant, but can also be made from the cooked and mashed agave hearts. Tequila is usually clear and has a strong, distinctive flavor. It is often served neat, but can also be used to make a variety of cocktails, such as the Margarita and the Paloma. Tequila is usually 40-50% alcohol by volume and is popular in Mexico, the United States, and other countries around the world.