Mezcal vs tequila, the most common agave spirits, are both rooted in ancient Mexican culture, and each brings something unique to the sip. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Mezcal and tequila are both agave spirits
- All tequilas are mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila
- Tequila is made only from blue agave, and mezcal has more varieties
- Choose tequila if you like clean, bright, straight, and mixing
- Choose mezcal if you prefer complex, smoky, and unique flavors with a higher ABV
If you already love tequila and want to try mezcal, or you’re exploring zero-proof options for your favorite agave spirit, here’s what you need to know.
Agave Spirits
All agave spirits originated in different regions of Mexico and South America, with a long history and roots in ancient Mayan and Aztec culture. Today, agave spirit production is cropping up in other countries, including the U.S., South Africa, Australia, and India.
Both tequila and mezcal are spirits distilled from the agave plant. Agave is part of the asparagus family and thrives in rocky, mountainous environments. It has spikey, thick leaves that protect a sweet, soft center, or heart.
The heart is what’s roasted in the process of making agave spirits, giving it that signature taste. There are six types of agave spirits, mezcal and tequila being the most popular. The other three types are raicilla, bacanora, pulque, and sotol, with pulque most likely being the oldest recorded agave spirit, originating roughly 3500 years ago.[1]
Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s The Difference?
- Mezcal: Any agave variety, roasted underground, smoky, earthy, higher ABV
- Tequila: Only blue weber agave, roasted in brick ovens, clean, crisp vegetal profile
Mezcal is a broader term for agave spirits made from many different agave varieties and is roasted underground, resulting in the signature smoky profile. There is more range in the taste and profile of mezcals than in tequilas. To be considered mezcal, it must originate from one of nine Mexican states, but the most common is Oaxaca.
Tequila is made only from the Blue Weber agave, giving it a clean and crisp profile. Agave hearts for tequila are roasted above ground in traditional brick ovens. To be considered a tequila, it must be produced in one of five Mexican states, with Jalisco being the most common region.
All tequila is technically a mezcal, but a mezcal is not always a tequila.
Top Mezcal & Tequila Labels
Del Maguey Mezcal: Puebla & Vida de Muezlos
Del Maguey is a single-village mezcal, handcrafted using 400-year-old ancestral methods native to the Oaxaca region. It’s a 2026 award-winning mezcal, as recognized by Drinks International, and twice distilled. The finished product is nuanced and smoky, smooth and complex.
The Vida de Muezlos is made from Espadín agave in the San Luis del Rio village, roasted in underground ovens, distilled in copper stills, and has an ABV of 45%. Tasting Notes:
- An intense smokiness
- Creamy texture
- Hints of ginger and tangerine
The Vida Puebla has a lower ABV (40%) and is made in Axocapan, Puebla, from Espadín agave, which is naturally fermented on-site using the location’s rich volcanic minerals before being distilled twice. Tasting Notes:
- Light and sweet
- A fruity, tropical aroma
- Smoky with floral notes
Perfect for mixing with your favorite cocktail.
Olmeca Altos: Altos Margarita (Classic & Strawberry)
If you prefer tequila-forward cocktails without the prep work, Altos Margarita offers ready-to-serve convenience while maintaining a true agave base.
Altos Margarita (Classic) delivers a balanced blend of tequila, lime flavor, and sweetness, bright, crisp, and perfect over ice.
Altos Margarita (Strawberry) adds a fruit-forward twist with ripe strawberry notes layered over citrus and agave, making it ideal for summer gatherings or patio nights.
Both options highlight tequila’s clean profile while offering an easy entry point for those exploring the mezcal vs tequila conversation through cocktails rather than straight pours.
Choosing The Best For You: Mezcal vs Tequila
- Choose Tequila IF: You love something smooth, neat, and bright
- Choose Mezcal IF: You love something smoky, complex, and earthy
- Choose Tequila IF: You want a clean base for your favorite cocktail or mocktail
- Choose Mezcal IF: You prefer unique flavors with a higher ABV
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