The Best Mezcal From Oaxaca: 25 Must Try Brands for Mezcal Lovers
Wondering, What are the best mezcal brands to buy?
You’ve come to the right place to find out, as all the best mezcal from Oaxaca is featured here.
Oaxaca is considered the birthplace of Mezcal, so it’s only fitting you want to try Oaxaca mezcal — though Mexican mezcal can come from other states.
Mezcal can only be legally produced in nine Mexican states, and must be certified by the Consejo Regulador del Mezcal (CRM).
All of the mezcals listed in this article meet that criteria.
Below, you’ll discover the best brands of mezcal and 25 best Oaxaca mezcals, so you’ll know exactly what mezcal to buy.
Before we get to those, let’s quickly clear up some common mezcal questions, like What is mezcal?
What is mezcal?
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from the agave family, often the maguey plant.
Para todo mal mezcal y para todo bien, también. (For everything bad, mezcal, and for everything good, mezcal.)
see more Mexican quotes and IG Captions
Mezcal has been around for more than 400 years, and is the first known distilled spirit in Latin America and on the Americas Continent.
What is mezcal made of?
Mezcal can be made from more than 30 varieties of agave.
They all have different tastes and flavor profiles; there’s sweet agave, vegetal agave, and more.
When choosing a mezcal, be on the lookout for the different types of agave listed below.
You’ll find one of these words, espadin, robala, tepextate or ensamble, on the label of all the most popular mezcal available today.
Some, like espadín, are more commonly used than others, like madre cuishe.
- Espadin: Often described as the “workhorse” variety, the majority of mezcal in Oaxaca is made from the espadín agave plant.
- Tobala: Tobala is a type of maguey plant known for its light and floral notes.
- Tepextate: Tepextate agave is less commonly used to make mezcal due to its long harvesting time — it takes up to 25 years before it can be harvested!
- Ensamble: An ensamble mezcal means it contains at least two different agave plant species.
What are the types of mezcal?
There are also different types of mezcal based on how long the particular variety of mezcal is aged.
You’ll always see either mezcal joven, mezcal reposado or mezcal añejo printed on your bottle of mezcal, and here’s what they mean:
- Joven mezcal: Aged for less than two months.
- Reposado mezcal: Aged between two months to one year.
- Anejo mezcal: Aged mezcals, which must sit for one year or longer.
With the basics about mezcal out of the way, let’s get to this list of the 25 best Oaxaca mezcal brands and the best mezcal from Oaxaca, Mexico.
If you want to learn more about mezcal, check out the Mezcal FAQ at the end of the article.
The Best Mezcal from Oaxaca Mexico
1. Ilegal Mezcal Añejo
- 🥃 ABV: 40%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
This añejo is made by Ilegal Mezcal from espadin agave. It’s aged for 13 months in American and French oak barrels.
It’s the perfect choice for those who aren’t mezcal enthusiasts as its flavor is compared to scotch.
Ilegal mezcal was founded by John Rexer who initially smuggled the mezcal to his bar in Antigua, Guatemala.
Today, it’s one of the best brands of Oaxacan mezcal you can buy, with joven, reposado and añejo offerings.
2. Casamigos Joven
- 🥃 ABV: 40%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Casamigos is a popular tequila brand founded by George Clooney and his longtime friends, Rande Gerber and Michael Meldman.
They recently released their first mezcal, made from 100% espadin agave grown in Oaxaca.
Casamigos Joven has an herbal, fruity aroma, with black pepper and smoky notes.
Their espadin agave is harvested using traditional methods, by fourth-generation mezcaleros (mezcal makers).
Each bottle of Casamigos Mezcal is handcrafted using a unique process that ensures no two mezcal bottles will ever be the same.
3. Bozal Mezcal Ensamble
- 🥃 ABV: 47%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Mezcal Bozal is an artisanal mezcal brand handmade in Oaxaca by several master mezcaleros (artisan mezcal makers).
They make their mezcal using clay pots and ancient production methods that have been passed down through generations.
Bozal sells 17 different mezcals, but a fantastic option is the Ensamble Mezcal. It’s made from espadin, barril, and mexicano agave.
Ensamble blends both wild and cultivated agave to create an herby, smoky flavor, with hints of citrus and floral.
4. Del Maguey Chichicapa Mezcal
- 🥃 ABV: 48%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Del Maguey handcrafts mezcal throughout villages in Oaxaca, where they work to support the indigenous families producing local mezcal.
Each mezcal is named after the town it’s from, and you’ll want to start with the Chichicapa Mezcal.
Handmade in the Oaxaca pueblo of San Baltazar Chichicapa, this mezcal is made from espadin agave, and naturally fermented.
You’ll taste notes of toasted corn, sweet almond, and dried fruit, with a finish of mint chocolate.
5. Montelobos Tobala
- 🥃 ABV: 46.8%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Montelobos Mezcal was founded by Ivan Saldana, who partnered with mezcal producing families in Oaxaca state and Puebla state.
Montelobos focuses on sustainable mezcal production, made exclusively from wild agave.
The Montelobos Mezcal Tobala is made in small batches from cultivated tobala maguey.
It has a citrus flavor, with hints of tropical fruits, basil, macadamia nuts and even truffle.
♻️ Sustainably Produced: Sadly, the tobala maguey plant is often exploited in the mezcal industry.
For this reason, Saldana partnered with a mezcalero in Puebla who has been harvesting wild Tobala sustainably for more than 15 years.
6. Dos Hombres Mezcal Joven
- 🥃 ABV: 42%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.8 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Dos Hombres is a multi-generational, family-run mezcal company in San Luis del Rio.
It was brought to the mainstream by Breaking Bad actors, Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, after they tasted “the best mezcal ever” from a third-generation mezcalero.
Bought it because I’m a breaking bad fan but will buy another one because it does taste good.
—burbon thomas (Read more dos hombres mezcal reviews)
They produce Dos Hombres Joven and Dos Hombres Tobala; the joven is a great way to get to know this brand.
It is made from a unique blend of the finest espadin agave, which is hand-selected from the hillsides in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca.
7. Mezcal Rey Campero Tepextate
- 🥃 ABV: 47.8%
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Rey Campero, meaning “King of the Countryside,” is a mezcal brand from Candelaria Yegolé, a small pueblo in the Southern Highlands of Oaxaca.
It was founded by master mezcalero (mezcal expert), Romulo Sanchez Parado.
This family-run brand produces 12 different types of mezcal, but a great one to start with is their Rey Campero Tepextate.
It’s made from wild wild tepextate agave (Agave marmorata), and aged 15-18 years.
♻️ A Sustainably Produced Mezcal: Rey Campero has a strong commitment to local sustainability.
For each plant they harvest for mezcal, they replace it with several others. This is particularly important for tepextate, which takes 25 years to mature.
8. Del Maguey Vida
- 🥃 ABV: 42%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Del Maguey Vida Mezcal is unique because it’s a certified organic mezcal.
Founded by Ron Cooper, he worked with the local Zapotec people of Oaxaca to bring traditionally made, organic mezcal to a larger market.
Del Maguey Vida is widely used and beloved by bartenders, and it’s considered the best mezcal for cocktails.
Thanks to its versatile flavor, Del Maguey Vida is typically used in mezcal cocktails like the Paloma, but you can sip it as well.
9. Ojo De Tigre Mezcal Artesanal
- 🥃 ABV: 40%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.2 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Ojo de Tigre is one of the best artisanal mezcals from Mexico.
Founded by Luis Gerardo Mendez, Ojo De Tigre Mezcal Artesanal combines Oaxacan espadin agave and tobala agave from Puebla.
The result is a sweet, herbal, complex flavor.
Ojo de Tigres mezcal is known to be sweet at the start, with notes of citrus at the finish.
They recommend sipping it with fresh pineapple to really bring out all the fruity notes. It also pairs well with most cheeses.
10. Sombra Joven Mezcal Artesanal
- 🥃 ABV: 45%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.6 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Produced in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, Sombra Joven is made of espadin agave that’s hand-harvested.
This mountainous area in the Oaxacan Sierra has about 140 mezcal distilleries, and produces the most mezcal in the state of Oaxaca.
Sombra Reposé
For a real treat, be on the lookout for Sombra Repose, an espadin mezcal made from Sombra Joven Mezcal.
After the Joven mezcal is ready, it is placed in Bordeaux wine barrels to age for six months.
Sombra Repose is a smooth, smoky mezcal with notes of vanilla, orange peel and blackberries.
The agave is harvested in two different villages in the Oaxacan Sierra. It is difficult to find online, though the Sombra Joven is readily available.
11. Fidencio Único Mezcal Joven
- 🥃 ABV: 46.7%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Fidencio Mezcal offers nine different types of small batch mezcal, all made by fourth generation mezcalero, Fidencio Jimenez.
The business, equipment, and land in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, were passed down through his family.
Among their most popular types, there’s Fidencio Único Mezcal Joven.
They also make this Fidencio Unico Sin Humo. In Spanish, sin humo means “without smoke,” as this is one of the best non-smoky mezcals available.
12. Madre Mezcal Ensamble
- 🥃 ABV: 45%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Madre Mezcal is handmade from espadin and cuishe agave in the Oaxacan Sierra.
It’s produced by three different families who started distilling mezcal not only for celebration, but to use as a plant medicine.
For many in Oaxaca, mezcal is what one could call a spiritual spirit. It has been used in traditional medicine for generations.
Madre Mezcal became an official, international brand after two friends from the United States met one of the mezcaleros in Oaxaca.
Madre offers two different varieties of mezcal, and a unique line of sparkling, botanical mezcal beverages.
13. Alipus San Luis del Rio
- 🥃 ABV: 48.1%
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Alipus San Luis del Rio is an artisanal mezcal made from espadin agave by Don Baltazar Cruz.
He is a master mezcalero (mezcal maker) who produces several different mezcals for various brands.
Alipus San Luis del Rio has a rich, fruity flavor. This comes from the sandy, rocky, terrain, and hot climate the agave comes from in San Luis del Rio, Oaxaca.
14. El Jolgorio Madrecuishe
- 🥃 ABV: 47%
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Mezcal is an integral part of any celebration in Mexican culture, and El Jolgorio captures that fun essence.
From the festive bottles, to their unique, small-production, artisan mezcals — this is a brand beloved by all true mezcal connoisseurs.
El Jolgorio is a collective mezcal brand, named after the festivals in the small villages of the Oaxacan mountains.
El Jolgorio mezcal is produced by more than 16 families throughout Oaxaca, to create unique varieties of mezcal.
El Jolgorio Madrecuishe is one of those unique options, handmade from madrecuishe maguey, which is similar to cuxie maguey.
This lesser-used agave produces a unique, mineral and floral flavor in mezcal, different from their more popular El Jolgorio Tobala.
15. Nuestra Soledad Santa Maria Zoquitlán
- 🥃 ABV: 48%
- ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Nuestra Soledad Mezcal is produced in the small pueblo of Santa Maria Zoquitlán, located about 1.5 hours south of Santiago Matatlán.
This town is considered the epicenter of Oaxacan mezcal production, as so much of it comes from here.
Nuestra Soledad Santa Maria Zoquitlan is made by master mezcalero, Ignacio Parada.
He is known locally as Don Chucho, and considered the best distiller in this region. Don Chucho is part of the famous Casa Cortés Collective.
Nuestra Soledad Santa Maria Zoquitlan Mezcal is handcrafted from 100% espadin agave, using ancient methods of production.
This particular mezcal has a strong finish, with notes of lemon zest, tropical fruit and red pepper.
16. Los Amantes Mezcal Joven
- 🥃 ABV: 42%
- 🛒 Get it direct from Los Amantes
Los Amantes produces four types of mezcal, joven, reposado, añejo, and silvestres — made from one-of-a-kind batches of wild agave.
Each super-premium mezcal is made in Tlacolula de Matamoros, a town in Oaxaca’s Central Valley near Oaxaca City.
17. Derrumbes San Luis Potosí
- 🥃 ABV: 44.3%
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Derrumbes San Luis Potosi is a very unique mezcal made from salmiana, a wild agave in San Luis Potosí state.
It has a pronounced, yet different, taste than most mezcals, and only a very subtle smoke flavor.
🌵 Note: Derrumbes San Luis Potosi is not produced in Oaxaca, but was added to the list because it is so unique. If you’re looking for a truly special Mexico mezcal artesanal (artisanal mezcal), you will love trying this one.
Made by master mezcalero Manuel Perez, he has to forage for four times the normal amount of agave to produce the mezcal from salmiana.
Derrumbes Mezcal is a great brand if you want to try one of the most unique mezcals from Mexico.
18. Mezcales de Leyendas
- 🥃 ABV: 50%
- 🛒 Get it direct from Mezcal de Leyendas
This is a great choice if you’re looking for a sustainable mezcal.
Not only was Mezcal de Leyendas the first company to produce mezcal using solar energy, they make other efforts to produce sustainably as well.
They also partner with different mezcaleros to create mezcal that’s made from less-commonly used varieties of agave plants.
They offer 12 different types of mezcal, including the popular Maguey Espadín from Oaxaca.
19. Pensador Mezcal
- 🥃 ABV: Varies by type
- 🛒 Get it direct from Pensador Mezcal
Pensador Mezcal creates three different types of mezcal: espadin, ensamble and tepextate.
Their mezcal is made in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca, by a father and son duo. Each artisanal, small-batch mezcal is rich in minerals, with an earthy and aromatic flavor.
20. Santo Fino Mezquila
- 🥃 ABV: 40%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.3 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Santo Spirits is a tequila brand founded by Sammy Hagar and Guy Fieri.
A few years back, their Santo Mezquila, was released. The first of its kind, this is a mix of mezcal and tequila (as the name implies).
Mezquila blend of 100% Blue Weber agave tequila that’s distilled in the state of Jalisco, Mexico — and mezcal that’s made of 100% espadin agave from Oaxaca state.
Taste-wise, Mezquila has a smooth, earthy, herbal, and a light smoke flavor.
Best Espadin from Oaxaca Mexico
If you’re buying a bottle of mezcal, there’s a very good chance it was made with espadin agave.
But just what is espadin? — Let’s clear that up quickly, and then highlight five of the best Oaxaca espadin mezcals.
WHAT IS ESPADIN MEZCAL?
Espadin (Agave angustifolia) is a type of agave plant most commonly used to produce mezcal.
In short, espadin is to mezcal what the blue agave plant is to tequila, as 90% of all mezcal produced in Mexico is made with the espadin type of agave.
WHERE IS ESPADIN FROM?
About 75% of all espadin harvested in Mexico comes from the state of Oaxaca.
With its warm desert climate, mountainous terrain and high altitude, Oaxaca State is the perfect place for the espadin agave plant to grow.
HOW LONG DOES ESPADIN TAKE TO GROW?
The espadin plant is easily cultivated, thanks to its high sugar content. It grows relatively fast, and usually reaches full maturity in 8-10 years.
21. Mezcal el Silencio Espadín
- 🥃 ABV: 43%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.9 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
El Silencio’s Espadin is a “mixing mezcal,” designed for mezcal cocktails and mixed drinks made with this spirit.
It has an earthy, slightly spicy flavor, and comes from their eco-distillery in Oaxaca.
22. Montelobos Espadín Mezcal Joven
- 🥃 ABV: 43.2%
- ⭐️ Rating: 4.7 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Montelobos Mezcal Joven showcases the balance between the four flavor profiles of mezcal.
Made from 100% sustainably grown and organic espadin agave, it is a complex spirit that perfectly blends smoky and Earthy flavors with mineral notes.
23. Gracias A Dios Mezcal Espadín
- 🥃 ABV: 45%
- ⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Gracias A Dios is one of the best mezcal distilleries in Santiago Matatlan.
Their espadin blanco mezcal is cultivated in this small pueblo in Oaxaca, considered the most important place for mezcal.
It has a smoky, spicy, fruity, and dry flavor profile.
24. Cruz de Fuego Mezcal Espadín
- 🥃 ABV: 45%
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
Cruz de Fuego, produced by a mother and son duo in Santiago Matatlan, Oaxaca, is a certified artisanal mezcal brand.
Their signature Mezcal Espadín is a sweet and smooth mezcal, made from 100% espadin agave.
25. The Lost Explorer Mezcal Espadín
- 🥃 ABV: 42%
- 🛒 Order it from Total Wine
The Lost Explorer makes their espadin in San Pablo Huixtepec, Oaxaca. It has a unique taste with hints of red apple and herbs, and a smoky finish.
BONUS: A Few More of the Best Oaxaca Mezcals
Need even more suggestions for some of the best mezcals from Oaxaca, Mexico? No worries, here are 15 more Oaxacan mezcals you’ll enjoy trying.
Best Mezcalerias in Oaxaca: Where to Drink Mezcal
1. La Mezcalerita
La Mezcalerita Oaxaca has a casual atmosphere, with three rooms downstairs and a big rooftop patio.
There are a lot of rooftops in Oaxaca to choose from, so make sure you visit this one (or any of them) to enjoy the beautiful Oaxaca sunset and live music one evening.
Along with their extensive list of Oaxaca mezcals, they also have a huge list of artisanal beers from Mexico.
La Mezcalerita is also a brewery so this is both a great Oaxaca mezcaleria and one of the best Oaxaca beer bars.
2. La Casa del Mezcal Oaxaca
Founded in 1935, this is one of the oldest mezcal bars in Oaxaca.
It is located in Centro Historico, AKA Downtown Oaxaca City, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
They offer many different varieties of mezcal, and have a charming old timey aesthetic.
When you walk through the doors at La Casa del Mezcal Oaxaca, it feels like you’ve traveled back in time.
3. La Mezcaloteca Oaxaca City
La Mezcaloteca Oaxaca is part mezcal school, part mezcal tasting room.
After your time here, you can take your knowledge of mezcal to all other mezcalerias in Oaxaca you visit.
🥃 Note: There’s free admission, but reservations are required for the mezcal tastings.
You can visit for a drink or two when they aren’t busy, but for tastings, make a reservation.
4. Sabina Sabe Oaxaca
One of the best mezcalerías in Oaxaca is Sabina Sabe. This is a local and visitor favorite as the perfect place to try mezcal.
Here, you can enjoy traditional Oaxacan food while tasting endless varieties of Oaxacan mezcal.
If sipping mezcal straight isn’t your thing, try one of their creative mezcal cocktail recipes.
The bartenders at Sabina Sabe Oaxaca are very knowledgeable, and can mix the perfect drink to wow even the staunchest of mezcal aficionados.
5. Los Danzantes
Los Danzantes is one of the best restaurants in Oaxaca City, and they also have a location in Mexico City’s Coyoacan neighborhood.
In May 2024, the Oaxaca location became one of the Mexican restaurants with a Michelin Star, along with only 17 other restaurants in the country.
They make their own brand of mezcal, Los Danzantes Mezcal, which you can sample while eating at the restaurant.
Also, if you’re looking for the best mezcal cocktails in Oaxaca City, head here (or Sabina Sabe, my personal favorite Oaxaca bar).
Beyond their own brand, they also have many other great mezcal Oaxaca options served straight up, or in creative cocktails.
Best Mezcal From Oaxaca: FAQ
Is mezcal from Oaxaca?
Most of it is — and in fact, more than 70% of mezcal is made in Oaxaca Mexico!
Can mezcal only come from Oaxaca?
No — While Oaxaca is considered the Capital of Mezcal, and Oaxaca State is the biggest producer of mezcal in the world, mezcal can come from nine states in Mexico, according to the Denomination of Origin for Mezcal (DOM).
The DOM defines mezcal as an exclusively Mexican spirit, and allows it to be produced in the states of:
- Oaxaca
- Puebla
- Guerrero
- Guanajuato
- Michoacán
- San Luís Potosí
- Zacatecas
- Durango
- Tamaulipas
In short: Mezcal is simply a spirit distilled made from the agave plant.
While it’s very closely associated with Oaxaca, you can also find it in other places that have a desert climate similar to that of Oaxaca.
Mezcal vs Tequila: What’s the difference?
Mezcal and tequila are both made from the agave plant.
Tequila is a type of mezcal, but it’s only made from the Blue Weber agave plant.
Conversely, mezcal can be made from any type of agave, but it’s always 100% agave, while tequila is 50% agave.
Is mezcal tequila?
No — They are two separate spirits, though they share similarities.
Tequila can only be legally called tequila if it’s produced in Tequila, Mexico (and some surrounding areas).
This is similar to how champagne can only come from the Champagne Valley in France, otherwise it must be labeled “sparkling wine.”
To further clarify, there’s a common saying: All tequilas are mezcals, but not all mezcals are tequila.
This is the same principle that applies to whiskeys, as all bourbons are whiskeys, but not all whiskeys are bourbons.
Mezcal doesn’t come from a specific region, but it can only be legally produced in nine Mexican states.
The Consejo Regulador del Mezcal must certify it, otherwise it has to be labeled “distilled agave spirits” or “agave distillate,” but not mezcal.
Mezcal vs Tequila: How they’re made
When it comes to how they’re made, mezcal and tequila differ again.
Both involve growing agave for several years, but the traditional mezcal production process is where they differ.
The blue agave piña (agave hearts) for tequila goes through a steaming process in an industrial oven, whereas the piña for mezcal is roasted in a fire pit in the ground.
This time in the underground pit is why mezcal often has a smoky taste.
They then go through a different extraction process, with tequila being largely mass-produced, whereas mezcal is handcrafted.
Each batch of mezcal will be different, even when it’s made by the same producer, whereas tequila has a more uniform taste.
Are there any Oaxaca tequila brands?
No — True tequila can only come from the town of Tequila in Jalisco state, as well as a few parts of Guanajuato, Michoacán, Nayarit and Tamaulipas states.
Is mezcal stronger than tequila?
Yes — Mezcal is usually quite a bit stronger than tequila, though this isn’t always the case so check the label.
In general, most mezcal alcohol by volume (ABV) is between 48%-55%, while tequila is usually 40% ABV.
🥃 Looking for a mezcal with low ABV?
Opt for Mezcal Monte Alban Mezcal con Gusano, which is 40% ABV alcohol content.
This is one of the most popular mezcals in the United States, and it’s readily available.
Is there a mezcal worm?
No — While you’ll find the infamous tequila worm in most bottles, mezcal does not contain a worm in the bottle.
That same worm is what’s used to make sal de gusano (worm salt), which is traditionally served with mezcal in Mexico.
How do you drink mezcal?
Mezcal aficionados use the kiss technique or kissing technique to sip mezcal.
The kissing technique to sip mezcal is a has a few steps to it, and here’s how you do it.
- Smelling the mezcal three ways: Right under your nose, at a 45° angle, and finally, with your mouth open.
- “Kissing” the glass with a small sip, swishing it, then swallowing, and then immediately exhaling.
Does mezcal give you a hangover?
It can — But one of the reasons mezcal is so popular is because this spirit miraculously leaves few with a hangover after imbibing, especially when you’re sipping it straight up.
Since mezcal is a pure spirit, it doesn’t have additives as most liquors do, and doesn’t lead to hangovers the same as other alcoholic drinks do.
While it’s rare for drinkers to feel side effects the day after, you probably don’t want to test your limits with mezcal because it’s pretty strong.
In short, mezcal can give you a hangover, but only after seriously overindulging.
What’s the best way to enjoy mezcal?
Mezcal is meant to be drunk at room temperature, sipped from a mezcal copita (meaning “little cup”) — not taken as a shot.
You’ll hear people describe sipping mezcal as “kissing the glass,” which is the best way to enjoy the unique flavors.
In Mexico, mezcal is typically served with oranges and sal de gusano on the side.
This is a salt mixture with chiles and dried larvae from the chinicuil worm. Alternatively, you can also enjoy mezcal in cocktails.
How does mezcal taste?
Wondering, Is all mezcal smoky? It’s actually not! While mezcal is known for its smoky flavor, that’s only the case for certain types of mezcal from Mexico.
One of the most popular and best mezcals in Mexico, 400 Conejos, is only slightly smoky.
Mezcal can also be fruity, floral, citrusy, and even a little spicy.
Some mezcals are quite neutral and mild in flavor; it just depends on what type of mezcal you’re drinking and how it’s processed.
What are the best mezcal cocktails?
When it comes to mezcal cocktails, you have a lot to choose from. One of the best simple mezcal cocktails is the Paloma, made with mezcal and grapefruit soda.
🍹 Wondering, What’s the best mezcals for cocktails?
Ilegal Mezcal Joven, Cruz de Fuego Espadín, Agave de Cortés Mezcal Joven and Pelotón Mezcal are all high quality options that work nicely.
You can substitute mezcal for tequila in many drinks, so if you love margaritas with tequila, next time try Mezcal Margaritas.
For a bit more kick, there’s also Spicy Mezcal Margaritas made with jalapeño or a Mexican hot sauce, like Tapatio.
Thanks to mezcal’s versatile flavor, it’s actually easy to substitute for the liquor in most cocktails.
Some popular options include the Mezcal Negroni, Mezcal Manhattan and Mezcal Mule, a Moscow mule with mezcal instead of vodka.
My Final Thoughts on the Best Mezcal From Oaxaca Mexico
When most think about Mexico drinks, it’s usually tequila, not mezcal.
However, when you’re visiting Mexico, you’ll quickly see that the locals don’t drink tequila, they sip mezcal. It’s even considered the national spirit of Mexico.
In recent years, mezcal has become increasingly popular outside of Mexico.
However, there’s still no better place to try it or learn about it than in Oaxaca state, Mexico, known as “The Birthplace of Mezcal.”
It’s the best region to visit small-production mezcal distilleries, taste different versions of this versatile spirit, and learn about its history.
When doing a mezcal tour, you’ll see the whole process — from agave harvest, to fermentation process, to final product.
If you’re traveling to Oaxaca City, don’t pass up the chance to do one of the best mezcal tours Oaxaca has.
You can also visit the amazing restaurants in Oaxaca, like El Destilado, for unique food and mezcal pairings.