The blood of Mexico is distilled in two spirits, tequila and mezcal. These two also share a bond built over history and a distinctive production process. Owing to their wide range of taste and mixology, both have been an integral component of signature cocktails throughout the globe. To begin with, understanding the juxtaposition of these two interesting drinks could help in establishing one’s understanding of spirits and how they can be incorporated in cocktails.

Exploring the Foundations of Tequila

Tequila is produced using a plant known as blue agave which is native to certain parts of Mexico, widely in Jalisco. The culinary arts involved in the tequila process starting from harvesting the piña through cooking and fermentation till the end where the liquor gets distilled into tequila is elaborate tequila-making technique.

Tequila types vary based on the periods they were aged for. The silver one or more popularly known as the blanco hasn’t aged at all thus is more transparent. On the contrary, the reposado has been barrel aged for at least two months and is thus aged and has rich flavors of vanilla and caramel. Vamos a aprender hablar español , A following one, the añejo has been aged for more than a year but is not darker in shade, its color is richer and oak, spice and chocolate taste is more prominent.

Tequila has a unique element and a touch of sweetness, with earthy accents of the agave. On the other hand, because tequila is made from the blue agave, it can possess varying qualities depending on the amount of time spent in the barrel.

Understanding Mezcal

Just like tequila, mezcal is made from agave; however, it can be made from several varieties of the agave plant as opposed to solely the blue agave. Although the distribution of tequila is geographically restricted to the Jalisco region, mezcal can be produced in various states throughout Mexico, especially in Oaxaca, known as the center of mezcal production.

Tequila and mezcal differ in the process of extracting their base, as mezcal undergoes a more complex method. With mezcal though, cooked agave takes a rather smokey taste due to it being buried in holes and then roasted which explains why the two spirits taste different. With tequila production though, steam is used in addition to large ovens enabling this spirit to take on a more characteristic sweet tasting note. Additionally, the fact that mezcal is made from a wild type of agave adds even further volatility to the finished product’s flavor profile.

Like all spirits, mezcal can be classified into four bases depending on the age of the spirit. Joven mezcal is clear, and not aged; whereas, the other two types which are reposado and añejo mezcals have been aged in barrels like tequila, however, aging does not make the mezcal quite smooth rather the smoke intensity gets stronger.

The Profiles of Flavor

The characteristics of flavor are the most important distinguishing factor between tequila and mezcal. Although tequila is derived from the same plants as mezcal, it is more earthier with citrus notes and possesses a much more clean single-note taste. Mezcal, in contrast, is praised for being smokier and containing flavors that could be herbaceous, floral or even umami.

Tequila has a very light and smooth profile making it a perfect ingredient in a cocktail that makes use of fruity and citrus notes. Meanwhile, mezcal has deep smoky notes allowing the result of cocktails that have a stronger taste and are often made with abundant earthy flavors that are either similar or do the complete opposite.

Classic Cocktails with Tequila

The cocktail that has become the most popular across the world and is particularly well known for containing tequila is the Margarita. Prepared with tequila, lime juice, and orange liqueur, and served with a salted rim, margaritas contain a perfect mix of sweet, sour, and salty notes.

The Paloma is one of the oft-ordered tequila cocktails in the world. It is a mixture of grapefruit soda and tequila. The bitterness from the grapefruit compliments the sweet smooth tequila beautifully. This cocktail is enjoyed in Mexico, and several countries worldwide. On the other hand, a little more complex is Tequila Sunrise, a cocktail that has tequila with orange juice and grenadine which is sweet and fruity.Mezcal’s potency is one that would bring excitement rather than just boredom when making classic cocktails, because of its great smokiness. The Mezcal Margarita is a twist on the typical Margarita by replacing tequila with mezcal giving the drink an exotic spin. This tantalizing drink would blend the three key ingredients seamlessly: lime, orange liqueur, and of course mezcal.The Mescal Negroni is a classic example which replaces gin with mezcal. This classic drink is enhanced by the smoky notes of mezcal. The mellower campari & herbal bits of vermouth laced within smoke provide classic depth to the cocktail.Another classic mescal cocktail is the Oaxacan Old Fashioned. This smoked whiskey cocktail mingles mezcal with agave syrup and bitters.

Mixing Cocktails with Tequila and Mezcal

Tequila and mezcal cocktails have different tastes and provide a unique experience worth indulging in. We can recommend to use tequila which would tone down the strong flavor depicting the smokiness of mezcal allowing the cocktail to be better suited for people who are unfamiliar with calling for a more robust flavor or those coming back for a twist from their tequila drinks. An example would be a cocktail made with a blend of blanco tequila and roasted mezcal, lemon, and agave syrup, which can be carried out in a sophisticated pot.

An alternative would be to mix the two spirits in a more thorough cocktail. One example would be a Mezcal and Tequila Sour: this could consist of the spirit mix, along with lemon juice, simple syrup, egg white, one part each of Tequila and Mezcal, and lemon juice. The smoky flavor from the mezcal stands up nicely against the freshness of the tequila, making the cocktail thoroughly enjoyable.

Trends and Innovations

In recent times, there has been rising popularity for both tequila and mezcal. The bartenders and mixologists are always trying out new ways of using them while making new cocktails. Tequila and mezcal are indeed being used less traditionally, rolling in earthquake margaritas or making bookshelf-style cocktails. One trend is to use mezcal in tiki-style drinks since it goes well with fruits such as pineapple and passion.

Organic mezcal and tequila brands are also rising due to the demand of environmentally friendly alcohol. As customers get more and more concerned for the environment there is more need for alcohol made in a sustainable way. This has also opened opportunities with brands who employ organic agave and traditional means of production with local farmers to make the agave community strong.