The definitive guide to enjoying it like an expert
Mezcal is much more than an alcoholic beverage: it's a symbol of Mexico , a spirit steeped in history, tradition, and culture that has transcended generations. Recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO , its origin dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when indigenous peoples fermented agave for sacred rituals. With the arrival of the Spanish and the introduction of distillation, what we know today as mezcal was born.
Unlike other drinks, mezcal isn't just any old drink. Its sensory richness deserves attention and a ritual that does it justice. The question many people ask is: What do you drink mezcal with? Here we'll tell you.
The traditional way of drinking mezcal
In Mexico, mezcal is best served straight and in small sips, never in one gulp. It's ideal to serve it in a small glass or in jícaras (containers made from dried gourds) that allow its aromas and flavors to be fully appreciated.
Tradition dictates three steps:
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Observe : appreciate the color and viscosity.
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Smell : Gently bring your nose closer and detect smoky, herbal, fruity or floral notes.
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Taste : Sip in short sips and let the flavor invade your palate.
A popular saying in Oaxaca says: “ Mezcal is drunk by kissing, not by biting .”
What to pair with mezcal?
Mezcal can be enjoyed on its own, but there are also traditional and modern pairings that enhance its flavor:
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With orange and worm salt : the most typical way. The acidity of the orange and the smoky, spicy touch of the salt balance the intensity of the mezcal.
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With tropical fruits : such as pineapple, mango or guava, which soften the smokiness.
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With chocolate or cocoa : the natural bitterness and sweetness of cocoa highlight the toasted and earthy notes.
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With aged or goat cheeses : ideal contrasts for young or aged mezcals.
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With edible insects (grasshoppers, chicatanas) : an ancestral tradition that remains alive in mezcal communities.
Cocktails with mezcal
Although purists prefer mezcal neat, modern cocktails have made it a staple in creative drinks. Some of the most popular are:
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Jamaican Mezcalita: Made with a hibiscus infusion, lemon juice, and a touch of agave. Refreshing and with its characteristic smokiness.
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Mezcal Negroni: By replacing gin with mezcal, you create a sophisticated cocktail.
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Paloma with mezcal: a variation on the classic tequila with grapefruit, but with a smoky twist.
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Smoky Margarita: a reinvented margarita with mezcal instead of tequila.
Which mezcal should you choose for your experience?
At vinosylicores.com you'll find a special selection to discover the different facets of mezcal:
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Señorío Joven Mezcal 750ml: ideal for those seeking a young, fresh mezcal with intense notes of agave and smoke. Perfect for cocktails or for beginners in the mezcal world.
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Mezcal Alipus San Juan Del Rio : handcrafted in Oaxaca, with agaves grown in red soils that provide a fruity and spicy profile.
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Mezcal 400 Conejos Reposado : one of the most iconic brands, smooth and balanced, perfect for drinking alone.
Each bottle is a reflection of the place where it is produced: from the valleys of Oaxaca to the mountains of Durango, every sip tells a story.
Curiosities that will make you love mezcal
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The word mezcal comes from the Nahuatl mexcalli, which means “cooked maguey.”
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It is made with more than 40 varieties of agave, unlike tequila, which only allows blue agave.
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Oaxaca produces more than 70% of Mexico's mezcal , but it is also produced in Puebla, Durango, Guerrero, San Luis Potosí, and Zacatecas.
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There is a popular saying: “For every bad, mezcal; for every good, mezcal too.”
Mezcal is a drink best enjoyed with calm, respect, and pride. Whether served neat, with worm salt, accompanied by hot chocolate, or in a modern cocktail, each sip connects with the history and soul of Mexico.
If you want to experience the true art of this drink, explore our selection at Mezcal – Vinosylicores.com and take home a bottle that's not just a spirit, but a cultural experience.
