You might have seen (or even tried) swapping mezcal into your favourite tequila-based cocktails. The smoky, vegetal, and herbaceous spirit adds a unique edge to classic drinks like the Margarita, Paloma, and Old Fashioned, and it’s likely featured on a cocktail menu at your favourite bar. But what exactly is the difference – and which should you be drinking or buying?
What Are the Differences Between Tequila and Mezcal?
Both are agave-based spirits, distilled from the fermented juice of the agave plant, specifically from the central core of the mature plant, called the piña.
To be labelled as tequila, it must be made in one of five areas of Mexico – Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit, or Tamaulipas – and be distilled from only one species of agave: Blue Weber Agave. This agave is slowly steamed in brick ovens or pressurised steam ovens (called autoclaves) to release the native aromas of the agave.
To be labelled as mezcal, it must be made in one of nine areas of Mexico – Oaxaca, Guerrero, Michoacán, Puebla, Durango, San Luís Potosí, Zacatecas, Guanajuato, and Tamaulipas – and is typically distilled from more than 30 different varieties of agave, each with slightly different nuances depending on where it was grown.
In mezcal production, the traditional method, especially in the state of Oaxaca, where most mezcal is produced, involves roasting the piñas in stone-lined pits. This gives mezcal its signature smoky aroma. However, keep in mind: not all mezcal is smoky!
What Do Tequila and Mezcal Taste Like?
In terms of flavour, tequila tends to be more agave-forward, with a smoother, sweeter profile often accented by hints of citrus, pepper, and vanilla. Mezcal, on the other hand, is known for its smoky, herbal character, imbued with fruity, floral, and earthy notes.
Traditionally, tequila is paired with Sangrita (a spicy tomato-based chaser), and mezcal is often paired with orange slices and Sal de Gusano (that’s worm salt to us!).
Both spirits are delicious, and there are lots to choose from, so here are some standout options to get you started!
Tapatio Blanco Tequila
Handcrafted in Tapatio by a family-owned distillery, forget the throat-burning shots you are used to and embark on this smooth profile of citrus and white pepper. Located in the mountainous region of Jalisco, Mexico – known for growing the best Blue Agave – the Tapatio brand has been making tequila since 1937, with a lineage of tequila distillers dating back to the 1800s.
Tapatio Blanco is rested in stainless steel tanks for two months, giving the overall effect of a smooth yet spicy pepper expression. With a touch of sweetness, expect notes of vanilla, apple, and cooked agave with an earthy and oaky finish.
Size: 500 ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £28.25
Cazcabel
Nestled in the highlands of the Jalisco Mountains lies the Cazcabel Distillery, an area surrounded by natural water springs and vast agave fields. This independent, family-owned distillery is run by the Vázquez family, who have mastered the art of crafting premium tequila. Fermented in steel tanks for 10 days and then distilled in traditional copper pots, the spirit is chill-filtered to remove impurities, resulting in an incredibly smooth and balanced flavour.
Whether you're after a traditional Tequila Blanco or Reposado, or prefer a flavourful twist like coffee, honey, or coconut tequila, you’ll likely find Cazcabel on the shelves of your local bar. It’s perfect for cocktails – or as a delicious shot to share with friends!
Size: 700ml
ABV: 38%
Find Here: £29.95
El Rayo Tequila Plata
El Rayo Tequila Plata is a clean, zesty tequila crafted for cocktails and effortless mixing. Rooted in Mexican folklore, the bottle’s name recalls the myth of a lightning bolt – El Rayo – splitting the sky and striking the Blue Agave plant. A curious campesino, drawn by the distant glow, discovered the roasted heart of the agave. From fire and folklore, tequila was born.
Made with 100% agave and a dash of spring water, this bottle offers a bright and peppery profile, with hints of pineapple and wildflowers.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40%
Find Here: £37.25
ArteNOM Seleccion de 1579 Blanco Tequila
This tequila is made by slow-roasting 100% blue weber agave in brick ovens and then fermenting in steel tanks with local rainwater. Bright and complex with an oily texture, this tequila is well-rounded with aromas of mint, roasted agave, and a creamy tropical note reminiscent of ripe mango. These flavours linger softly, complemented by sweet, clean layers of toffee and a warm hint of cinnamon and brioche.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 40.7%
Find Here: £62.95
Mezcal Amaras Verde
Dipping your toe into the world of mezcal? This bottle is the perfect entry point. Crafted artisanally from Espadín agave, it delivers a smooth, smoky, and vegetal expression – made using natural and sustainable methods. For every agave harvested, the brand replants ten more, and 20% of net profits are given to ecological and social sustainability programs.
Mezcal Verde is a project made with love, featuring unique labels designed by contemporary Mexican artists. Cooked using a blend of three woods – ocote, red oak, and pepper tree – this mezcal offers a complex yet balanced profile with notes of smoked candied fruit, jasmine, pine, and fresh herbs.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 42%
Find Here: £40.50
Pensador Ensamble Mezcal Joven
This bottle is made with a small batch of mezcal coming from Southern Oaxaca. This is a blend of Espadin and Madrecuishe agaves, which offers sweet, caramel, custard-like aromas on the nose yet is clean and grassy on the palate. An easy drinker, this is smoky, smooth, and velvety.
Size: 500ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £42.75
Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal
Montelobos Mezcal was created by agave specialist Iván Saldaña, PhD in Botany, and fifth-generation mezcalero Don Abel López Mateos. Their vision was to craft a mezcal that reveals something new with every sip. Produced in small batches using organic agave, Montelobos is roasted underground in traditional pits, resulting in a complex and harmonious blend of flavours. Smoky, sweet, and vegetal notes come together beautifully, offering aromas of fresh-cut grass, ripe tomato, damp earth, and ash – perfect in a smoky margarita.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 43.2%
Find Here: £54.50
Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
If you are a fan of peaty whiskies, this is one to try! Del Maguey may very well be one of the most well-known mezcals on the international market. Founded in 1995 by artist and mezcal visionary Ron Cooper, the brand was born from deep cultural relationships with Zapotec Mexican producers. Del Maguey is known for merging ancient artisanal practices with organic, sustainable methods.
Deep and sweet on the tongue, Chichicapa is lithe and elegant on the palate. The nose offers aromas of citrus, butter, slight smoke, and a subtle salinity, while the finish brings notes of chocolate and mint.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 48%
Find Here: £78.95
So, whether you prefer the crisp, smooth notes of tequila or the smoky and savoury complexity of mezcal, both spirits offer a rich taste of Mexican tradition. Explore both, experiment with cocktails, and let your palate decide which one deserves a place in your glass.
If you’d like to see more from Adele including the best Cognac to try and why Vermouth should be on your radar, make sure you click here!
