mezcal

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Mezcal is a general name for Mexican spirits made from agave, and it often has a smoky taste because the agave is cooked before distillation. Tequila is one kind of mezcal, but it must be made from blue agave and comes from specific regions of Mexico. Whisky is distilled from grain, so its flavour is usually shaped by grain and barrel ageing rather than agave. Vodka is also a distilled spirit, but it is usually cleaner and more neutral in taste. You might ask for mezcal when you want an agave drink with a strong smoky character, but choose tequila when you mean that narrower style.

Common collocations

Etymology

Mezcal entered English through Mexican Spanish mezcal. The Spanish word goes back to Nahuatl and originally referred to agave that had been cooked. In modern English, the word names the distilled drink made from agave.