What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila?
Have you ever found yourself so perplexed that you asked a bar or store, “What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?” It’s practically everywhere. Distinct as they are, these two alcoholic beverages indigenous to Mexico may look the same, but their taste, production, and even how they’re enjoyed are worlds apart.
We will discuss the dissimilarity of mezcal and tequila, specifically based on taste, alcoholic strength, and agave, as well as the right spirit for one’s margarita.
What Is Mezcal?
Made from the spiky, big succulent agave plant, a native of Mexico, mezcal is a distilled spirit. Metl and ixcalli, Nahuatl words meaning “oven-cooked agave,” provide the name “mezcal.” Usually roasted in ‘subterranean pits’, the heart of the agave—known as the piña—gives mezcal its distinctive smoky taste. Mezcal is smoky, unlike tequila, in great part because of this cooking technique.
Although mezcal is made in several Mexican states, most comes from Oaxaca. Among other mezcal-producing areas are Guerrero, Puebla, and Durango.
What Is Tequila?
Conversely, tequila is a kind of mezcal; consider it as bourbon’s equivalent in whisky terms. Made only in ‘certain areas’, most famously Jalisco, tequila must be created from at least 51% Blue Weber agave. One thing that makes tequila unique is that it uses roasted agave, which is done by steaming it in big industrial machines instead of roasting it. This makes the flavour lighter and cleaner than mezcal.
What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila?
Not only have you ever questioned, ‘What’s the difference between mezcal and tequila?’ But many others have as well. The two drinks are created from the agave plant in Mexico, and both have similarities that may not be visible to the naked eye. But, if you examine closely, you will find a bunch of differences — from the output to the way of enjoyment. Mezcal is a broad category, and tequila is only one type of it; hence, not all mezcals are tequilas. This is similar to bourbon and whiskey, where tequila is a kind of mezcal, which is essentially more like an ‘umbrella category’. It is necessary to understand this concept to respect the spirits’ myths.
The next step is to get acquainted with the things that make mezcal and tequila different in their taste, production, origin, how to drink them, and even how they play in a cocktail like margaritas. This guide will serve whether you are a spirits expert or just a curious person.
Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila Taste
To be honest, the most significant difference in taste between mezcal and tequila is the smokiness factor. Much greater depth and richness, with smoky and earthy notes, are the reasons for which it is prepared. If necessary, you may also notice tastes of sweet potatoes, vanilla, chocolate, or even flavorful tropical fruits due to the variety of the agave used and the region of establishment.
Rather than the other spirits, which generally can be strong, citrusy, grassy, and peppery, tequila tends to be lighter. The spirit is fresher and has a unique profile, perfect for a ‘classic Margarita’ or Paloma cocktail.
What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila Alcohol Content?
If you think that mezcal has more power than tequila, the answer could be maybe.
- The standard tequila ABV is in the range from 35 to 40%, but some premium tequilas can go above this.
- Mezcal is usually in the range from 40 to 55% ABV, often the case with artisanal varieties.
That is to say that not only does mezcal usually have more alcohol than tequila, but its taste is much stronger too.
What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila for Margaritas?
Your Margarita’s flavour is essentially dictated by the variety of spirits that you will utilise.
- Tequila Margarita: tequila margarita. This margarita is zesty. In addition, it’s full of freshness and citrusy at the same time.
- Mezcal Margarita: Original take on the traditional. This is a margarita with a sophisticated taste combining smoky, earthy elements.
Start with a half-mezcal, half-tequila Margarita if you have not tried mezcal before; this will help you to ‘gently introduce the taste’ of the spirit. This simple approach helps one find mezcal’s capacity in cocktails.
What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila, and Agave?
One plant from which both of the spirits are created is the agave. But in this context, one item is rather fascinating:
- Blue Weber agave is the sole ingredient needed to make tequila.
- Mezcal comes with different flavours since more than thirty different agave species can be used in preparation.
The several agave options make mezcal considerably more varied in taste. One instance might be
- Espadín (most common) is slightly sweet and grassy.
- Tobalá is earthy, floral, and complex.
- Tepeztate has bold, herbal, and vegetal notes.
- Cuishe offers tropical and citrus undertones.
Why Is Mezcal Smoky?
The presence of ‘smoky flavour in mezcal’ is a result of the production process. The heart of the agave is baked in a hole in the ground that is lined with hot stones and wood. This method of cooking very slowly creates a caramelisation of the sugar and also a specific smoky flavour of the sap.
It is true that not all the types of mezcal have a really strong smoky flavor. The majority of them are still carrying at least a hint of the taste that has made it recognizable, one of the things that make it different from tequila.
What’s the Deal with the Mezcal Worm?
It is possible that you have come across mezcal bottles containing a worm inside… but what’s the deal with it?
The “mezcal worm” is in fact a caterpillar, usually a red one or a white one that can be found in the agave plants. It was introduced as a market lure in the 1950s and is not a local variant. There is no worm in high-quality and traditional mezcal, which typically features the skills of a local producer and the agave flavor.
In this way, well, the worm in the mezcal can be visually interesting; still, its presence is not a criterion for the drink’s quality.
Popular Mezcal and Tequila Brands
These are among the best mezcal and tequila brands to consider:
Top Mezcal Brands
- Del Maguey
- El Buho
- Montelobos
- Mezcal Vago
- Illegal Mezcal
- Los Amantes
Top Tequila Brands
- Tequila Ocho
- Patrón
- Don Julio
- Espolòn
- Casa Noble
- Clase Azul
With these names, you can easily make a satisfactory start toward the captivating world of premium agave spirits.
How to Drink Mezcal and Tequila
- Tequila: Great for sipping neat at room temperature, which allows for full enjoyment of the natural flavors. It is also the base for many popular cocktails such as margaritas, palomas, or tequila sunrises.
- Mezcal: The best way to drink it is to ‘sip and savour’ it in copitas (small glasses) undiluted. Now, let’s come to the point where I also drink mezcal in mixed drinks like a Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Mule, or Mezcal Sour.
There are so many ‘food pairing ideas’ where mezcal can be a hit; for instance, very spicy Mexican dishes, barbecue meats, or even sushi will give you a new and extraordinary flavor experience.
Can You Substitute Mezcal for Tequila?
Of course, you can substitute mezcal for tequila in almost every cocktail. It gives drinks an earthy twist and injects them with flavour and complexity. A few good places to use mezcal are
- Margaritas
- Palomas
- Daiquiris
- Mules
- Old Fashioneds
In addition, you can mix tequila and mezcal to get the flavor that is more balanced and at the same time seems to be adventurous but not too strong.
Final Thoughts: Mezcal vs. Tequila
Well, how is it? What is the difference between tequila and mezcal? In summary:
- Agave Blue Weber is exclusively used for making tequila among the mezcal types.
- Mezcal can be created from a variety of agave plants and implements ancient methods of production.
- Mezcal is smoky; tequila is clear.
- Mezcal is more often than not higher in alcohol.
- Both are Mexican in origin and have different drinking experiences.
The choice is yours whether you are sipping an untouched smoky mezcal or whipping up a fresh tequila margarita. No matter how you take it, you can never go wrong with the depth and tradition of these spirits.
