Allow us to break it down.
AlinaYudina/Getty Images
Mezcal andtequilaare both Mexican distilled spirits and can often be confused with one another.
Technically speaking, all tequila is mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila.
Photo:AlinaYudina/Getty Images
Curious to learn more about mezcal vs. tequila?
Keep reading so you never mix up these two beverages again!
What Is Mezcal?
Bryan Gardner
What Is Tequila?
Tequila, which dates back to the 1620s, is another agave-based spirit that hails from Mexico.
However, unlike mezcal, tequila cant be made with just any agave plant.
Matt Taylor-Gross / Food Styling by Lucy Simon
Tequila is produced in the state of Jalisco and limited municipalities in other states, she explains.
What Are the Different Types of Tequila and Mezcal?
The longer a tequila has been aged, the darker it will be.
Liquor.com / Tim Nusog
It can also be called espadin, espadilla, pelon verde, or tepemete.
Its known for its sweet taste.
Mezcal made with agave from this plant often comes with a hefty price tag.
Dana Gallagher
Can You Substitute Mezcal For Tequila?
The short answer is: it depends.
Mezcal can add an outstanding twist to classic tequila cocktails, offering a smoky and robust flavor.
Greg DuPree
I think both spirits possess such distinct qualities that they cannot be substituted, argues Gonzalez.
Hedges has some suggestions.
Here are some of our favorite mezcal cocktails.
Debby Lewis-Harrison/Getty Images
This drink is so light and invigorating, you may have a problem enjoying just one.
Its made with reposado tequila, mezcal, Angostura bitters, and agave nectar.
Garnish with an orange peel and drink up!
Here are a few tequila cocktails you’re able to make in 15 minutes or less.
Classic Margarita
If you know one tequila drink, its probably a margarita.
Go ahead and add a salt rim for the ultimate margarita experience.
If youre up for it, go ahead and swap the tequila for mezcal.
Ranch Water
Think of ranch water as a lightened up version of a margarita.
The wildly popular cocktail includes blanco tequila, fresh lime juice, and seltzer, such as Topo Chico.
If you like mezcal, opt for mezcal over tequila for a smoky take on ranch water.
Since the agave used to make mezcal is roasted before its fermented, mezcal typically has smoky notes.
Not all mezcals are expensive, but there are some that are particularly pricey.
