Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how scotch and bourbon are types of whiskey. Mezcal is defined as any agave based spirit. This includes tequila, which is made in specific regions of Mexico and must be made from only blue agave (agave tequilana), whereas Mezcal can be made from a wide variety of agave.
Which one is better tequila or mezcal?
Tequila is lower in calories, with a shot being almost 30 calories less than a shot of mezcal. Many people say that mezcal is healthier because it’s always 100% agave nectar (by law). Tequila, however, is only required to be 51% agave. The rest can be corn syrup or other fillers.
Is mezcal just fancy tequila?
That’s because tequila can only be made from one kind of agave plant: Blue Weber Agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, can use any kind of agave plant. “They’re all the same plant but they have different varieties. Mezcal is made from all 40 of them, and it can be made from wild and cultivated,” Block says.
Do tequila and mezcal taste the same?
They have different flavors
On the most basic level, tequila tends to have a smooth, sweet flavor, whereas mezcal is often described as savory and smoky. The smoky quality is usually attributed to the underground ovens used to cook the agave.
What’s stronger mezcal or tequila?
Yes, mezcal is stronger than tequila. Both drinks have a high alcohol content, with an average of 40% ABV, but mezcal has a higher alcohol concentration – 55% ABV, 15% stronger than regular tequila.
Why does mezcal not give you a hangover?
This is what is known as hangover. But mezcal is made of polysaccharides. Therefore, the process of transformation is faster than with other alcohols. Since it enters in contact with the mouth, it begins to disintegrate and, therefore, it doesn’t cause a hangover”.
Do Mexicans drink tequila or mezcal?
With a certain degree of confidence, I can say that two of the most popular and internationally recognised Mexican drinks are tequila and mezcal, their role in the cultural construct about Mexican gastronomy has been key to the idea that fiery Mexican food must always be paired with throat burning liquors, after even
Do you drink mezcal straight?
Sip it neat
“The best way to drink mezcal will always be clean, in small sips similar to small kisses, always accompanied by a little water to cleanse the palate and hydrate,” Medina says. “In this way you can appreciate the different flavors and aromas of mezcal.”
Why do people drink mezcal?
“It is a plant that is made up of many organic compounds, or terpenes, commonly known as essential oils, that lend to the herbal, citrus and fruity flavors, as well as the ‘magical’ feeling we get when we drink mezcal.” Valencia echoes that point, stating: “Mezcal is also an upbeat spirit that gives you a euphoric
Why is mezcal so popular?
Part of the popularity is owed to its versatility. Mezcal can fill in just about anywhere tequila can but can also plug into drinks that involve Scotch or other types of whiskey.
Can you drink mezcal as a shot?
Stop, Don’t Shoot
“The first mistake many people make is pouring mezcal in a shot glass and pouring it down their throat,” says Reyes. Instead, he recommends sipping from a shallow clay cup called a jicara. “It’s open so you can smell what you’re drinking. You smell, you taste, you take it from there.”
Why is it called mezcal?
The term mezcal is derived from the Nahuatl word for cooked agave, the paramount plant involved in the spirit’s production. While its tall, spiky green leaves are an iconic emblem of mezcal, it’s the piña, the rounded stem that resembles a pineapple, that’s used to make the spirit.
What does mezcal stand for?
oven-cooked agave
Mezcal means “oven-cooked agave”, which is how the pina are cooked to extract the sugars that will be fermented and then distilled. The ovens are deep pits lined with lava rocks that are filled with wood and charcoal as the source of the heat.
Can mezcal get you drunk?
Mezcal is going get you drunk but not high.
The confusion about whether mezcal makes you high is because people think it contains mescaline. I must clarify that mezcal does not contain mescaline, it is peyote that contains mescaline.
Why is mezcal healthier?
“If sugar is your main concern, mezcal has the lowest sugar and calorie count when served straight without mixers.” But the moderated consumption of Mexico’s prized nectar also has potential health benefits aside from the obvious decreased cortisol levels and jubilance that comes with sharing a glass with an old friend
What is tequila called when not made in Mexico?
Any agave-based distilled spirit outside those regions are called “mezcal.” Other subtypes of mezcal you might see are Bacanora, Sotol and Raicilla. In other words, all tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.
What is a good mixer for mezcal?
5 Mezcal Cocktail Mixers
- Ginger Beer. Ginger Beer is used in a Moscow Mule, but it’s better in a Mezcal (or Mexican) Mule!
- Grapefruit Soda. Grapefruit soda, when found in glass bottles, is usually made with real sugar.
- Seltzer.
- Beer.
- Apple Cider.
- Don’t Forget the Salt.
- Shaken or Stirred?
- It’s Not a Party Without Ice.
Why is tequila the healthiest alcohol?
Tequila is considered a healthier choice than other alcoholic drinks because it has less sugar and calories. Unlike most distilled spirits, tequila also has low levels of impurities like methanol or fusel oil when consumed in reasonable amounts.
Is mezcal a stimulant or depressant?
Stimulant
Is Mezcal a Stimulant? Technically, all alcohol is a depressant, but calling mezcal a stimulant is not completely off-base. Mezcal can give you a euphoric and energized feeling. Some sources point to its mild hallucinogenic properties as a primary cause for this elation.
Why is mezcal more expensive than tequila?
Mezcal does tend to be more expensive than tequila because of the way it’s made, mostly in small batches by small distilleries. It not only makes it more expensive to produce, it’s also more expensive to export in relatively small quantities compared to tequila.
What is the national drink of Mexico?
Tequila: Mexico’s National Drink.