What does pulque mean?
Pulque is a traditional Mexican alcoholic drink produced by fermenting the sap of the maguey agave. Unlike tequila and most mezcal, which are distilled, pulque remains a fermented beverage and is typically cloudy or milky, with a slightly sour, mildly sweet flavor and a low-to-moderate alcoholic strength. It has been made in Mexico for centuries and is closely associated with pulquerías, establishments where pulque is served in clay jars called cántaros. Traditionally, it may be drunk plain, mixed with water, or combined with fruit juices and spices such as salt, chile, and lime. Today it is especially associated with regional Mexican cuisine and traditional celebrations. The word is also important for understanding the history of Mexican alcoholic beverages, since pulque was widely consumed before distilled spirits such as mezcal and tequila became dominant.
nounAn alcoholic drink made by fermenting the sap of the maguey agave, traditionally consumed in Mexico. It is milky or slightly cloudy, with a mildly sour or faintly sweet flavor, and is commonly mixed with water or other beverages.
- A traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from fermented maguey agave sap.
"The vendor poured a tall glass of pulque, thinning the fermented agave drink with water and lime."
"After a long walk through the market, we shared a small bowl of pulque."
"The restaurant offers a traditional pulque flight alongside its mezcal selections."
The plural is uncommon and appears mainly when discussing different varieties or servings of pulque.
"The tasting included several pulques from different parts of Mexico."
Before tequila became Mexico's famous export, pulque was the traditional agave drink of the country, often served from large clay jars called cántaros.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pulque come from?
The English word pulque comes through Spanish from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs and many other Indigenous peoples of central Mexico. Its ultimate source is commonly connected with a Nahuatl term associated with foam or froth, reflecting the drink's characteristic effervescence. Spanish later developed related occupational and place names such as pulquero, meaning a pulque maker or seller, and pulquería, a place where pulque is made or sold.
How pulque is actually used
Pulque is primarily a Mexican cultural and culinary term. In English, it is often contrasted with tequila and mezcal because it is fermented rather than distilled; in Mexico, it may also be served diluted with water and lime.
Easily confused with pulque
Pulque is a fermented, milky agave drink, whereas mezcal is generally distilled and therefore clear, though some mezcals retain a smoky or cloudy character.