Raicilla (pronounced "rye-see-ya," which means "little root" in Spanish) is a type of Mexican moonshine distilled from the fermented roots of the maguey cactus, the same plant from which tequila is made.

It is much more potent than tequila, usually well over 100 proof. Like American moonshine, raicilla is illegal since it is produced and sold without government license. But it is easily available in the Mismaloya-Yelapa area where it is considered a traditional art form and largely tolerated by local police.

Even in small amounts, raicilla can produce a sudden violent and unpredictable inebriation that has been compared to the effects of a psychedelic drug.