Tequila or Mezcal: What's the Difference Between These Two Mexican Spirits?
Tequila or mezcal? That's the question to ask yourself when you're about to craft a Mexican cocktail! These two agave-based spirits are both similar and distinctly different…
Tequila or mezcal? That's the question to ask yourself when you're about to craft a Mexican cocktail! These two agave-based spirits are both similar and distinctly different… Production regions, manufacturing processes, distinctive tastes, and tasting advice: join us for a sensory journey through North America.
Tequila or Mezcal: What Are the Differences Between These Two Spirits?
Tequila and Mezcal are both spirits—that is, distilled spirits obtained through distillation, a technique that extracts alcohol from a liquid by heating it. Both hail from Mexique, and both are made from agave: a succulent plant native to the arid regions of North America.
Resembling a cactus, it features fleshy leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. Used across many industries (cosmetics, biofuels, and more), agave is the star ingredient in the production of both Tequila and Mezcal—or more precisely, its heart: the piña. Once harvested, the piña (which looks like a pineapple) is cooked, fermented, and then distilled to produce two very different spirits!
Their Origin and Production
The first major difference between these two spirits is their origin. While tequila is produced in only five Mexican states—Michoacán, Guanajuato, Nayarit, Tamaulipas, and Jalisco (the most renowned)—mezcal can be produced throughout various parts of the country.
Furthermore, although both come from the same plant, the two spirits don't come from exactly the same agave variety. Tequila is made exclusively from blue agave (otherwise, the spirit cannot be sold under this designation), while mezcal is made from several agave varieties—up to thirteen different ones!—including Espadin agave, particularly beloved by aficionados.
To Know Since 1974, tequila has been a protected beverage under an AOC (Appellation of Controlled Origin). To be considered as such, it must come exclusively from the aforementioned states and contain at least 60% blue agave—the remaining 40% typically comes from sugarcane alcohol (this is called mixed tequila). Made with 100% blue agave, it is classified as premium tequila. |
Their Production
While both spirits come from the agave heart and follow the same production process (harvesting, grinding and pressing, cooking, fermentation, distillation, and aging), the details differ slightly.
For tequila? The hearts are harvested at maturity, between 7 and 10 years. Before grinding them, it's necessary to separate the fibers from the piñas to extract the juice and obtain highly concentrated agave nectar. The hearts are cooked in ovens or autoclaves. Distillation then takes place in a copper or stainless steel still.
For mezcal? The production process requires agave hearts harvested between 7 and 15 years old. These are cooked whole in underground pits heated by stones—which gives mezcal its characteristically smoky flavor. Distillation occurs in earthenware or wooden vats.
Their Aging
The aging duration of these two spirits reinforces their specific characteristics and determines their respective classifications:
Tequila Types
Tequila blanco (obtained directly after distillation, thus unaged);
Tequila reposado: at least 2 months;
Tequila joven (or tequila gold): between 2 and 11 months;
Tequila añejo: aged for 1 to 3 years (extra añejo beyond that).
Mezcal Types
Mezcal joven: up to 2 months;
Mezcal reposado: 2 to 12 months;
Mezcal añejo: aged at least 1 year.
Their Flavor
The origin, production method, and aging ultimately give these two Mexican spirits their distinct character… While tequila is prized for its vibrant agave notes, hints of caramel and wood (which offer a lingering taste), mezcal is celebrated for its smoky aromas and earthy notes!
How to Drink Tequila or Mezcal
Tequila can be enjoyed in several ways. You can drink it "tequila shot" style with its iconic ritual: lick salt from your fingers, shoot a glass of reposado tequila in one go, then bite into a lime wedge. You can also enjoy it as a cocktail, with tequila blanco (whose clean taste adds real character to the drink), such as the iconic Tequila Sunrise and Margarita!
Mezcal, by contrast, is never drunk as a shot, but instead should be savored in small sips. To perceive all its flavors? It's best enjoyed very chilled, then by wetting your lips first to detect the top notes…
For a perfect tasting experience, it's recommended to hold a small sip in your mouth for a few seconds to trigger an explosion of flavors… A classic cocktail? The Mezcal Paloma! After the aperitif comes dinner time… Here's a glimpse of the best vegetarian dishes to try in Mexique.
Frequently asked questions
Tequila is produced exclusively from blue agave in 5 Mexican states, while mezcal can be made from 13 different agave varieties across many regions of Mexique. The major flavor difference also comes from cooking: mezcal is cooked in underground pits, which gives it its characteristic smoky aroma.
No, mezcal is never drunk as a shot. Unlike tequila, which can be enjoyed all at once with salt and lime, mezcal should be savored in small sips, served very chilled, and with lips moistened first to perceive its aromatic top notes.
One hundred percent blue agave tequila (also called premium tequila) is made exclusively from blue agave hearts, without any addition of sugarcane alcohol. It's the purest form of tequila, as opposed to mixed tequila, which can contain up to 40% other spirits.
Mezcal can be produced from up to 13 different agave varieties. The most common and beloved is Espadin agave, but other varieties like Tobalá or Cuishe agave are also used, each bringing distinct aromas.
The most iconic mezcal-based cocktail is the Mezcal Paloma, which blends mezcal, grapefruit juice, and sparkling water. Mezcal can also replace tequila in a Margarita to bring an original smoky note to the classic recipe.
