A mother in the US allegedly left her baby alone in a hot car so she could celebrate National Tequila Day.

Rachel Vanwagner, 26, from Tennessee, reportedly went in to the Cazadores Mexican Grill on Tuesday, leaving her child in her unlocked vehicle in the car park.

Despite being 7pm, temperatures were still a sweltering 33C (72F) and people passing by heard the baby crying and called 911, NBC reported.

Shelby County sheriff’s deputies pulled the distressed child from the car, which had no air-conditioning. The windows were slightly open.

According to reports, the mother ran barefoot from the establishment after authorities arrived, and spent the night following in jail.

She has been charged with child abuse and neglect.