Five things you need to know about Mezcal: Tequila's smokier cousin

If you’ve heard of tequila, it might be time to introduce you to its smokier cousin, mezcal. With Cinqo de Mayo around the corner, there has never been a better time to stock up on your agave favourites, and maybe experiment with something new.

1) Tequila is a type of Mezcal

Simply put, like tequila, mezcal is made from agave plants. More specifically, mezcal is made from over 30 Agave species, varieties, and subvarieties, in contrast with tequila, which is made only with blue agave.

Technically speaking, all tequila is mezcal as the term mezcal refers to spirits made from the agave plant, while tequila refers to a specific type of mezcal that can only be made from blue Weber agave in certain Mexican states. It’s a bit like the Latin American version of the Champagne vs Prosecco debate.

2) It's generally consumed straight

Whereas tequila is often (beyond the age of 20) consumed via cocktail rather than a shot, mezcal is generally consumed straight - usually over ice.

3) It's a lot smokier than tequila

Mezcal has a strong smoky flavour thanks to its agave plants being roasted as opposed to tequila where the agave is steamed. For mezcal, it’s often roasted in underground pits which help contribute to that heavenly smokey, earthy flavour.

Interestingly, the word mezcal comes from Nahuatl (languauge of the Aztecs), and their word mexcalli which means "baked agave" - metl meaning "agave" and ixca "to bake". No need to thank us if it comes up in a pub quiz.

4) It has fewer hangover effects

Compared to other spirits, mezcal has a lower methanol content, meaning there is generally way fewer hangover effects - which might help explain its rising popularity.

5) It's a very accessible spirit

There are a load of fantastic mezcals to try out. The best thing about it is pretty much all of it is 'entry level' unlike other spirits such as whiskey. If you're looking for some good bottles to start with, we'd recommend Casamigos Mezcal, Zacal Mezcal, or for something a little more unusual, Rosaluna Mezcal Joven. Also, if you’re a bit bored of margaritas (god forbid), may we suggest trying out a mezcalita? It provides the same strong, zesty kick as a marg but with a lot more depth. If you’re looking for a good spot in London that does good mezcal based cocktails, we’d definitely recommend La Bodega Negra, and Zum Barbarossa.

Mezcalitas are actually very easy to make at-home too. Glenn Gicquel, Head Bartender at Downstairs at Sucre (formerly the Alma bar, Soho) shared his mezcalita recipe and some tips on how to give it your own twist, in case you fancy mixing it up.

• 2 parts spirit (Tequila or Mezcal)
• 1 part triple sec (like Cointreau)
• 1 part fresh lime juice

• Swap the triple sec for Blue Curaçao or Grand Marnier to introduce different citrus notes.
• Add a spicy kick by muddling fresh chilli in the shaker, or by infusing your spirit with chilli beforehand.
• For a sweeter profile, include a dash of agave nectar—either alongside or instead of the triple sec.

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