Hi, Club Solaris friends! Today, I want to answer a common question that our bartenders frequently get:

Which Mexican Liquor is Better: Tequila or Mezcal?

You may not know this, but both tequila and mezcal come from the same plant—the agave. The key differences between them depend on the type of agave used and the aging process, similar to how whiskey can be classified as Scotch or bourbon.

While tequila has been Mexico’s most famous spirit for years, mezcal has gained popularity worldwide in recent years due to its distinctive smoky flavor.

All tequilas are technically mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequilas. Tequila is made exclusively from the blue agave (Agave Tequilana), which grows primarily in Jalisco. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from more than 30 different types of agave and is produced in various regions of Mexico, with Oaxaca being the most renowned.

How Are Tequila and Mezcal Made?

The distillation process for these spirits is quite different. Tequila is produced using an industrialized method, where the agave is steamed in ovens and distilled multiple times in copper pots. Depending on the type—silver, gold, or aged—tequila can contain up to 49% additional sugars and chemicals.

Mezcal, on the other hand, is completely artisanal, with no additives. The agave is roasted in earthen pits using lava rocks, wood, and charcoal, which gives mezcal its signature smoky flavor.

Types and Aging Process

Both tequila and mezcal have three main classifications based on aging:

• Blanco (White): Aged for up to two months. Tip: This is the best stage for mezcal, as it preserves the pure essence of the agave.
• Reposado (Rested): Aged between two months and one year, developing a light golden color.
• Añejo (Aged): Aged for one to three years in barrels, resulting in a smoother, more refined taste. Tip: This is the best tequila stage, as it offers a neutral and balanced flavor.

Both spirits are aged in wooden barrels, but tequila often uses old whiskey barrels, while mezcal typically ages in standard wooden casks.

Flavor Profile: Tequila vs. Mezcal

Tequila has a sweet, fruity taste with a slight burn when swallowed. It pairs well with fruity cocktails like the Margarita and Paloma.

Mezcal, on the other hand, has a bold, smoky, and earthy flavor. A key advantage of mezcal over tequila is that it is said to cause fewer hangovers.

Tequila has a smooth and neutral taste, making it easy to mix in cocktails. Mezcal, with its strong, aromatic profile, is best enjoyed on its own or paired with specific foods.

The Right Way to Drink Them

Tequila is often enjoyed with salt and lime or mixed into sweet and salty cocktails. The traditional Mexican way to drink tequila is in a shot glass, following the toast: "¡Arriba! ¡Abajo! ¡Al Centro! ¡Y Pa’ Dentro!" (Up! Down! Forward! And Inside!).

Mezcal should never be paired with lime, as it dulls the complex flavors and aromas. Instead, it is commonly enjoyed with worm salt (a reddish seasoning) and fruit like oranges, strawberries, or truffles. A popular saying in Mexico goes: "Para todo mal, mezcal. Para todo bien, también." (For everything bad, mezcal. For everything good, too.)

Unlike tequila, mezcal bottles often contain a worm inside. This is because mezcal has a higher alcohol content, which preserves the worm.

Where to Try Them

Want to taste both and decide for yourself? You can try tequila and mezcal at our bars in Cancun or Los Cabos. You can also attend one of our tequila tastings, where our bartenders will guide you through the differences and show you how to properly enjoy each drink.

So, which one is your favorite—tequila or mezcal? The best way to find out is to try them both!