Are you a fan of agave based spirits? Then you have likely tried both tequila and its more refined cousin, mezcal. Both alcoholic beverages are produced from agave but have some key distinctions. See our guide to find out more about the contrast between mezcal vs. tequila.

In 1902, tequila was given its official definition to distinguish it from other agave spirits known as mezcals. Technically speaking, tequila is a type of mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. So what is the difference? The main differentiating factor between tequila and mezcal is where and how they are produced. tequila is made in five Mexican states and must be made with a specific type of agave – blue agave plant – to qualify as true tequila. The agave plant, also called Maguey, has around 200 different varieties, with 30-50 of those varieties being used to make agave spirits, also known as Mezcal.

Mezcal, however, can be made anywhere in Mexico, and with a variety of agave plants, including the blue agave. Mezcal is often smokier in flavor than tequila, but this is not always the case. Tequila is typically distilled twice, while mezcal can be distilled up to four times. Tequila is also usually aged in oak barrels, while mezcal is not. The agaves themselves are a patient plant taking anywhere from 7-14 years to become ripe and ready for harvesting.

The Different Cooking Processes

The biggest difference between tequila and mezcal production is the cooking process. The piña, the heart of the agave, must be cooked before the distillation process begins. Mezcal piñas are placed into a pit lined with hot rocks and buried for days as they char to perfection. This process gives the mezcals a chargrilled flavor to the final product. In contrast, tequila lacks that chargrilled flavor because the cooking process is different. The piñas are instead steamed, or slowly baked, in above-ground ovens called a horno. More recently, larger distilleries have been using autoclaves instead of the horno to speed up the process.

Mezcal vs. Tequila Flavor Profiles

Mezcal vs. tequila comes down to flavor preference when you are trying to decide which spirit to have in your cocktail. If you want a cleaner, more consistent taste, go for a tequila. If you like the chargrilled and artisanal aspects of a spirit, go with mezcal. Mezcals have a wide selection of unique flavors as they are all made a little differently and in smaller batches. Try a few out to see which mezcal is right for you. Who knows, it may be tequila!

Peak Beverage’s Agave-Based Specialty Cocktails

We have an extensive variety of tequila and mezcal cocktails on our specialty menu! Keep it simple with our perfectly balanced margarita or get fancy with our spicy mezcal Negroni. Below are some of the most exciting tequila and mezcal drinks we offer.

Tequila Cocktails

The Melon Baller is a delicious and surprisingly strong tequila-based cocktail you can sip and enjoy. This drink is an excellent combination of sweet melon and tart lemon with the perfect tequila kick. It’s the best way to enjoy a spring evening, or to spice up any party. This cocktail would also be delicious subbed out with mezcal for an herbal and dynamic flavor.

The Melon Baller

Recipe:

1.5 oz Tequila
0.5 oz Sterlino Aperitivo
0.75 oz Lemon
0.5 oz Aelred Melon Aperitif
3 dashes of salt

1. Add the tequila, Sterlino Apertivo, lemon, Aelred Melon Aperitif, and salt into a shaker tin.
2. Fill the tin with ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass, add fresh ice and garnish with a melon ball.

This tasty drink has bright floral flavors with hints of berry and citrus. I personally love this recipe for the way the flavors blend together seamlessly with a subtle tequila flavor. Sip on this refreshing beverage poolside and be transported to vacation mode! This cocktail would also be delicious subbed out with mezcal for a smoky and boozy flavor.

Roses Are Red

Recipe:
1.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz Cointreau
4 raspberries
0.5 oz hibiscus rose syrup
0.75 lime juice

1. Add the tequila, Cointreau, raspberries, and hibiscus rose syrup into a shaker tin.
2. Fill the tin with ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Double strain into a coupe glass and garnish with raspberries.

Mezcal Cocktails

This unique bloody mary packs a punch with smoky and spicy flavors and is tasty at any time of day. Mezcal has a smoky and earthy flavor that is distinct from vodka, and it adds a bold dimension to the drink. This combination of flavors makes for a drink that packs a punch and is not for the faint of heart.

Spicy Bloody Mary

Recipe:
1 oz mezcal
0.5 oz tequila
0.5 oz Ancho Reyes Rojo
5 oz spicy bloody mary mix

1. Add the tequila, mezcal, Ancho Reyes, and spicy bloody mary mix into a shaker tin.
2. Fill the tin with ice and shake well until chilled.
3. Strain into a Collins glass and garnish with any toppings you desire.

This mezcal negroni with charred chili spice is a delicious and unique twist on a classic cocktail, perfect for those who enjoy bold and spicy flavors. The complex flavors of mezcal blend seamlessly with the bitter notes of Campari and the spice of Ancho Reyes.

Spicy Mezcal Negroni

Recipe:
1 oz mezcal
0.5 oz Campari
0.75 oz Ancho Reyes
0.5 oz vermouth

1. Add the mezcal, Campari, Ancho Reyes, and vermouth into a large glass.
2. Fill glass with ice and stir until chilled.
3. Strain into a rocks glass and add fresh ice.
4. Optional: Place into a smoking box and smoke to perfection.

While both mezcal and tequila are made from the agave plant and share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of production methods, flavor profiles, and regional regulations! They both make for delicious and bright cocktails perfect for any event at any type of year. Reach out to our team to learn more about our agave-based cocktails and even schedule a private tasting to curate the perfect menu for your event!