When we think about typical Mexican drinks, we always think of tequila. However, in recent years, another drink typical of the Mexican culture has gained in popularity and has become internationally famous. 

That’s right, we’re talking about Mezcal.

What is Mezcal and how is it made?

The word “mezcal” comes from Nahuatl (indigenous Mexican language) and it means cooked maguey.

It is a drink originating in Mexico and is made from the fermented juice of the agave plant after it has been cooked. 

It all starts with the selection and harvesting of the maguey. It should be noted that not all species of maguey are permitted for the production of Mezcal, only maguey espadín, cenizo, maguey de mezcal and agave salmiana are used as ingredients.

They are then placed in ovens on the ground, into which hot stones, agave leaves, woven palm mats, earth and, finally, the maguey hearts are placed.

The “pineapples”, as the heart of the agave is called, are baked in the oven for three days while they absorb the smoky and woody flavours that characterise mezcal. 

When the cooking is finished, the pineapples are placed in a system consisting of a stone ring and a large stone wheel, which is pulled by a horse to crush the cooked pineapples. 

After grinding, the pineapples are placed in wooden vats, where water is added and the fermentation process begins, which lasts between five and fifteen days. 

Once the appropriate levels of fermentation are reached, the liquids and fibres are distilled using a copper still heated with a fire made of mesquite and guamuche wood. This process is completed one or two times until the desired percentage of alcohol is reached. 

Mezcal vs Tequila: what’s the difference?

Choosing between the two is not easy as both drinks are part of Mexico’s culinary heritage and although both come from the fermentation and distillation of agave (maguey), there are in fact some differences. 

The preference for one or the other is usually based on flavour: 

• Mezcal has an intense smoky flavour. 
• On the other hand, tequila tends to be a little sweeter and more floral, but the agave flavour is less intense than in mezcal.

We must not forget that they also have very different alcohol concentrations, which can make a difference when choosing between the two: 

• Tequila is always between 36 and 40 percent. 
• Mezcal can exceed 40 percent.

The production of both drinks is entirely artisanal in origin, albeit with some differences: 

• Mezcal is cooked in a wood-fired oven, underground, and then milled in a mill. 
• While the tequila process respects the traditional method of cooking in masonry ovens for the preparation of pineapples, the production is more industrialised than it is for mezcal.

Without a doubt, these two drinks are a part of the Mexican national identity. Which is better, Tequila or Mezcal? Neither is better than the other; they have different qualities and are both perfect for enjoying on special occasions.

How is Mezcal drunk?

Mezcal is best drunk neat and perhaps accompanied with a couple of slices of orange and salt. It is advisable to serve it in a Riedel glass or candle glass, and it should be enjoyed and should be sipped not gulped.

If cocktails are your thing, our recommendation is that you accompany Mezcal with typical Mexican flavours. Here are a couple of options:

1. Cantarito de mezcal

Ingredients: Mezcal, 1 lemon, 1 orange, ½ grapefruit and grapefruit soda.
Garnish: Glass frosted with salt and chilli, and a slice of lemon.

2. Mezcal with dragon fruit

Ingredients: Mezcal, dragon fruit, agave honey and mineral water.
Garnish: Two halves of a dragon fruit slice and a small rose.

3. Mezcal with hibiscus

Ingredients: Mezcal, hibiscus water, sugar and lemon juice.
Garnish: Mint and hibiscus leaves.

If you’re staying at any of our Princess Riviera Maya hotels, you can sample our house Mezcal at any of our bars and, if you really love it, you can order one of the bottles available on our menu (not included in all-inclusive packages, extra charges apply).  

Finally, we would like to remind you that too much alcohol, salt, sugar and other ingredients used in mezcal can be harmful to your health, and that you should drink alcohol responsibly. 

What about you? Have you tried Mezcal? What did you think?

Categories: Caribbean, Gastronomy, Riviera Maya