Mezcal and Tequila: A British Drinker's Guide to Mexican Spirits

Beyond the Shot Glass: Mexican Spirits Deserve Better

For decades, tequila's reputation in Britain was defined by one thing: shots. Cheap, harsh and designed to be knocked back quickly with salt and lemon. But the world of Mexican spirits has undergone a remarkable transformation, and the UK market is finally catching up.

Today, premium tequilas and artisanal mezcals rank alongside the finest Scotch whiskies and French cognacs in terms of complexity, craftsmanship and price. This guide will help British drinkers navigate this exciting landscape with confidence.

Tequila: The Basics

What Is Tequila?

Tequila is a spirit distilled from the blue weber agave plant, produced exclusively in designated regions of Mexico (primarily the state of Jalisco). It has a Denomination of Origin, similar to Champagne or Scotch whisky, meaning it can only be produced in specific areas using specific methods.

The Categories of Tequila

• Blanco (Silver/Plata): Unaged or aged less than 2 months. Clear, fresh and with the purest expression of the agave plant. The best blancos are complex and flavourful, not harsh. Ideal for cocktails and sipping.
• Reposado (Rested): Aged 2-12 months in oak barrels. Light golden colour with added notes of vanilla, caramel and wood whilst retaining agave character. Excellent for sipping and in premium margaritas.
• Anejo (Aged): Aged 1-3 years in oak. Deeper amber colour, richer and smoother with pronounced oak, vanilla and toffee notes. Best sipped neat like a fine whisky.
• Extra Anejo: Aged over 3 years. The most luxurious category, with complex flavours rivalling aged cognac. Prices can reach hundreds of pounds per bottle.

100% Agave vs Mixto

This is the single most important thing to look for on a tequila label. 100% agave (or "100% de agave") means the spirit is made entirely from blue weber agave. Mixto tequila (which will NOT say "100% agave" on the label) can contain up to 49% non-agave sugars. Mixto is responsible for tequila's bad reputation. Always buy 100% agave.

Mezcal: Tequila's Smoky Sibling

What Is Mezcal?

All tequila is technically mezcal, but not all mezcal is tequila. Mezcal is a broader category of spirit made from any variety of agave (there are over 40 permitted varieties), produced primarily in the state of Oaxaca. Whilst tequila is made exclusively from blue weber agave, mezcal celebrates the diversity of the agave world.

Why Is Mezcal Smoky?

The key difference in production is the cooking method. Tequila agaves are typically steamed in industrial ovens. Mezcal agaves are roasted in underground pits lined with hot rocks, which gives the spirit its characteristic smoky flavour. Think of the difference between boiled and smoked salmon: same base ingredient, completely different result.

Mezcal Categories

• Joven: Unaged, bottled directly after distillation. The purest expression of the agave and the roasting process.
• Reposado: Rested in oak for 2-12 months.
• Anejo: Aged 1+ years in oak.
• Ancestral: Produced using entirely traditional methods (clay pot distillation, no modern equipment).

How to Taste Mexican Spirits Properly

The Glass

Forget shot glasses. Use a wine glass, brandy snifter or, ideally, a traditional jicara (a small, wide-mouthed cup). The shape concentrates the aromas and allows you to appreciate the spirit's complexity.

The Tasting Process

1. Observe: Note the colour and viscosity. Swirl gently and watch the "legs" run down the glass.
2. Nose: Hold the glass slightly below your nose and breathe in gently. Avoid sticking your nose directly into the glass, as the alcohol will overwhelm everything else.
3. First sip: Take a small sip and let it coat your entire palate. Do not swallow immediately.
4. Second sip: Now you can begin to identify specific flavours. Look for fruit, herb, spice, smoke, earth and floral notes.
5. Finish: Note how long the flavour lingers and how it evolves after swallowing.

Traditional Accompaniments

In Mexico, good tequila and mezcal are sipped slowly, often accompanied by:

• Orange slices with sal de gusano (worm salt, a mixture of ground chinicuil worms, chilli and salt). Available from specialist Mexican shops in the UK.
• Sangrita: A non-alcoholic chaser made from tomato juice, orange juice, lime juice and chilli. Sipped alternately with the spirit, not mixed.

Cocktails: Beyond the Margarita

The Perfect Margarita

• 50ml blanco tequila (100% agave)
• 25ml fresh lime juice
• 20ml Cointreau or triple sec
• 10ml agave syrup (adjust to taste)

Shake with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed glass. Never use sour mix.

Paloma

Mexico's most popular tequila cocktail (more popular than the margarita domestically):

• 50ml blanco tequila
• Juice of half a grapefruit
• Juice of half a lime
• Top with sparkling water or grapefruit soda
• Pinch of salt

Mezcal Negroni

A smoky twist on the classic Italian cocktail that has become a favourite in London cocktail bars:

• 30ml mezcal
• 30ml sweet vermouth
• 30ml Campari

Stir with ice, strain into a rocks glass, garnish with an orange peel.

Recommended Bottles Available in the UK

Tequila (Entry Level, Under £30)

• Olmeca Altos Plata - Excellent 100% agave blanco, widely available at Tesco and Sainsbury's
• Espolon Blanco - Clean, citrusy and well-balanced. Available at Waitrose and specialist retailers

Tequila (Premium, £30-60)

• Fortaleza Blanco - Artisanal production, outstanding quality. Available from Master of Malt and specialist retailers
• Tapatio Reposado - Beautiful balance of agave and oak. Available from specialist spirits shops

Mezcal (Entry Level, Under £35)

• Banhez Espadin - Approachable smoke, good value. Available at some Waitrose stores and online
• Montelobos Espadin - Smooth and fruity with gentle smoke. Available at Sainsbury's and specialist retailers

Mezcal (Premium, £35-70)

• Del Maguey Vida - The gateway mezcal that launched a revolution. Complex and characterful
• Ilegal Joven - Herbaceous, clean smoke, excellent quality. Available from Master of Malt

Where to Drink Mexican Spirits in the UK

The UK's mezcal and tequila bar scene has exploded in recent years. London alone boasts several dedicated mezcalerias and tequila bars, and most quality cocktail bars now stock a decent range of Mexican spirits.

For the full dining experience, pair your drinks with food from one of our recommended Mexican restaurants in the UK. Many now offer curated tequila and mezcal selections alongside their food menus. Browse our recipe collection for dishes that pair beautifully with Mexican spirits, and check our shop directory for stockists of Mexican spirits and accessories.