Tequila or Mezcal: Which Spirit Is Ideal For Margarita Cocktails

Introduction

This National Tequila Day, let’s decode one of the most popular cocktails, the classic margarita, and its primary spirit. The drink is commonly made using lime juice and tequila or mezcal, among other ingredients. However, there is much more to a margarita cocktail recipe than most patrons realise. The drink needs to be made using freshly extracted and quality ingredients to get the correct concoction. 

Though a margarita cocktail is traditionally made using tequila, mezcal has carved a special niche in the hearts of mixology enthusiasts due to its smoky taste. Both mezcal and tequila are agave-based spirits. However, that is where the similarity ends, as both have distinctive flavour profiles and production processes. As a result, each spirit makes the drink’s final taste unique in its way. 

Technically, all tequila is mezcal. But not all mezcal is tequila. The key difference lies in their origin. Mezcal is a diverse category of spirits made from agave, while tequila is a small subset of Mezcal. That’s because tequila can only be made from one agave plant— cultivated Blue Weber agave. On the other hand, mezcal can be made using all 40 varieties of the plant, ranging from wild to cultivated. 

To make tequila, distillers usually steam the core or piña of the blue agave plant. Its strict production process ensures a consistent, crisp taste. Tequila’s flavour profile can range from slightly sweet and spicy to earthy. It depends on how long the tequila has been aged. 

Blanco means unaged tequila. It has a crisp and agave-forward flavour. Reposado means tequila that has been aged in oak barrels for 2 to 12 months. It has a smooth and slightly woody flavour. Añejo means tequila that has been kept in oak for more than 1 but less than 3 years. This tequila variety is not very suitable for margarita cocktails due to its oaky, complex flavours. 

To make mezcal, mescaleros roast the piña of agave plants in conical pits on the ground. This unique cooking process gives the spirit its iconic smoky flavour. Mezcal’s flavour profile often features earthy, herbal and even fruity notes that add great depth and taste to drinks. Like tequila, mezcal can also be aged in oak for a smoother, more balanced flavour. 

A Margarita is a cocktail usually mixed using three core ingredients: tequila or mezcal, lime juice and orange liqueur. Originally, tequila was used for the cocktail due to its complementary flavour profile. The spirit seamlessly fuses with the tartness of lime and the sweetness of orange liqueur. The result is a bright yet balanced beverage. 

However, when mezcal is used to make margarita cocktails, it adds a subtle smokiness. Using it instead of tequila creates a unique contrast between the citrus and sweet notes. This adds layers to the drink and makes every sip smooth yet complex. Both spirits add their own touch to the cocktail. Choosing between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference and compatible food pairings. 

To make this recipe for 4-5 people, you need 120 ml tequila (30ml per serve), 60 ml orange liqueur, 45 ml lemon juice, 45 ml agave nectar (optional), lime wedges and coarse salt for rimming the glass. 

• Run lime wedges across the rim of each glass before dipping it into a plate of coarse salt. Set aside. 

• Add tequila, orange liqueur, lemon juice and agave nectar to an ice-filled cocktail shaker. 

• Shake vigorously for about ten seconds before straining into the salt-rimmed glass filled with ice. 

• Garnish with a lime wedge and serve. 

To make this recipe for 4-5 people, use 120 ml mezcal (30ml per serve), 60 ml orange liqueur, 45 ml lemon juice, 45 ml agave nectar (optional), lime wedges and salt for garnishing. 

• Rim your glasses with salt and keep them aside. 

• Pour mezcal, orange liqueur, agave nectar and lime juice into an ice-filled shaker. 

• Shake properly before straining into the rimmed glass full of ice. 

• Garnish and serve. 

Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.