Here are the three differences. This is likely because Mezcal is pure, 100% agave, and free of any additives or sweeteners (like the different flavors infused into other alcohols, like vodka). out of a snifter (a low-ball glass also works) served at room temperature, or on the rocks. For one thing, a lot more people are drinking mezcal today. For instance, many drinkers find that watering down a high-proof bourbon like Knob Creek makes it more enjoyable to sip. Perhaps the most famous is the White Russian, which is made by mixing 1 ounce (45 mL) of Kahlua, 1 ounce of vodka, and 1 ounces of table cream over ice in a glass. In the same way that real champagne comes from France and true scotch is made in Scotland, tequila and agave have different “homes,” if you will. Tequila can only be made from one: weber blue agave. Combine tequila, mezcal, agave, and bitters in a cocktail shaker with ice. As the ice melts, the heat of the alcohol becomes diluted, which some people prefer to the occasionally fiery punch of sipping it straight. This is a great drink to try if you are new to the world of mezcal. Finally, the traditional way to drink mezcal is a bit different. Mezcal can be made from more than 30 of them, which allows for versatility with blending different agaves to create different final products. Will ice dilute the whiskey and ruin the experience? Something as simple as sealing ice trays in plastic bags can make a big difference. However, this measure of convenience is elevated even more when purchasing a luxury RV. Is mezcal good for margaritas? Joven is Mezcal that’s bottled right after it’s distilled or aged for less than two months. Tequila is, of course, usually paired with a lime and salt (ed. So, all tequilas are Mezcals, but not all Mezcals are tequilas. The plants are constantly cleaned and cared for as they grow in fresh Matatlán soil; this gives the Mezcal its hearty and earthy essence later in the process. This is where Mezcal coined its name from Nahuatl mexcalli, the oven-cooked agave. Make sure to throw out ice that has been in the freezer for too long. A fire with pine wood logs in the ground is covered in stones, and the agaves are carefully piled on top. Jalisco, a state northwest of Oaxaca, is where tequila comes from. It is a nice option for those times when you want to limit your alcohol consumption and enjoy a longer-lasting drink that happens to include a straight sipper of whiskey. It is small, dilutes very quickly, and may not be made with the cleanest water. Your margarita mix will miss you. If drinking something good, an aficionado will drink 3-5oz. The moral of the story is that while Mezcal can’t technically be a stimulant, it often feels like one. ... Definitely not one to mix, it’s perfect neat or on the rocks. Taste, and if you would like it to be sweeter (most people do! Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of agave. Questions, answers, and cocktail recipes. Then, in the second distillation, the head and heart of the first distillation are taken and distilled another time. Here are the three differences. By allowing our agaves to mature to almost 8-years, they begin fermenting before harvest – ensuring a refreshing citrus top note with a more subtle hint of smoke; this truly makes us the Mezcal for everyone. When someone orders a "scotch on the rocks," they are asking for a straight pour of the house scotch served over ice. Reposado is tequila or Mezcal that’s been in oak barrels for at least two months but less than a year. But usually they are wondering if I like to drink it on the rocks, neat, chilled, in cocktails, or whatever. You can apply most of the same rules to tequila that you would to whiskey or scotch. When it comes to bourbon and rye whiskeys, it really depends on the flavor intensity and strength of the whiskey. note: known in the bar business as “training wheels”). Mexican mezcal (or mescal) is one of the most fascinating spirits around. Mezcal plays a big role in the culture of Oaxaca. Mezcal can be made from over 30 different types of agave, but the vast majority is made from a variety known as Agave espadin. It’s commonly served in a Margarita or Old-Fashioned Cocktail. 2) They’re made from different types of agave. While this is intended to be a marketing tool to get people talking about worms in their bottle, it’s actually a real part of the Mezcal culture and tradition. Here you’ll get stronger aromas and characteristics." Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. “Usually, mezcal has an intense smokiness flavor profile with the fruit and salt undertones of tequila. “At its most basic, mezcal is an agave distillate,” explains Ivy Mix, co-owner of Brooklyn’s Leyenda and author of Spirits of Latin America, “But it is not just smoky tequila.” Tequila is technically a mezcal, but it is only produced in Jaliso and three surrounding states using at least 51 percent blue agave.Mezcal is made … With this request, the bartender would give you a glass of whiskey served over ice with a draw of beer. There are almost 200 types of agave plants. The association between ice and rocks extends to the type of glass as well. They can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a craft cocktail. You are, however, going to be less likely to request a coveted (pricey) glass of the brand's Blue Label served the same way. The versatility of Mezcal is part of what makes it so lovable. The Classic Whiskey Manhattan Recipe With Variations, Bartender's Guide to the Most Popular Bar Drinks, The 10 Best Cheap Whiskeys to Drink in 2021. "On the rocks" can also be used when describing the preferred way to serve a mixed drink such as a screwdriver or sea breeze. On the other hand, a softer bourbon like Maker's Mark doesn't necessarily require any additions because it has a lower alcohol content and less bite. It all starts with farming. You can serve this cocktail straight up or on the rocks, whichever your prefer. If you enjoy it, then drink it. Is It Neat, Up, Straight Up, or Straight? And Extra Añejo is tequila or Mezcal that’s been aged for at least three years in oak barrels. Originating in the mystical hills of Oaxaca, Mexico, Rosaluna is handmade by a sister and brother duo whose family has been lovingly creating the spirit for over six generations. ... Strain the drink into a rocks glass over ice. If you’ve drunk a good deal of tequila or mezcal in the past, then you can go straight to a higher proof like 48 or 52. Mezcal is known for its sharp, distinctive finish, which often lingers on the tongue. From inventive new mint mezcal cocktails, to mezcal-infused takes on classics like the Bloody Mary, these mezcal mixed drinks can expand your palate in ways you may never have expected. It’s a nice gesture and very tasty, but in the end, think of it as just another mixer. A "back" is nothing more than a tall drink that accompanies that whiskey on the rocks (or a straight shot of liquor). When they’re ready, the heart of the agave is harvested, and the leaves are removed in order to get only the pineapple (the “piña”), which contains the most sweetness. In a nutshell, mezcal is a distilled alcohol made from the agave plant — much like tequila. After all, it's only natural that ice melts and the longer you take to sip your whiskey, the more diluted it will get. All ice is not created equal. It’s more than just something to drink; it’s almost a family member and a part of heritage. In reality, the majority of premium Scotch whiskys are perfect exactly how they are bottled. The thing is, tequila is actually a type of mezcal. If you’re aiming to taste the spirit, neat is the way to go, says Suro, the restaurateur and tequila executive . Article Summary X. Kahlua is a tasty coffee liqueur that can be used as an ingredient to make many famous cocktails and popular drinks. By law, tequila can only be produced from Blue Agave. It’s crafted. No, it’s not from the fresh strawberries (though those certainly help!). It may be a bit of a stretch to call any kind of alcohol healthy, but as far as alcohols go, Mezcal is one of the best. Baby agaves are planted and nurtured with water and sun for up to eight years. Those short drinks are often called lowballs and served in tumblers called an old-fashioned glass. This is when alcohol starts being created. You don't have to travel to Iceland to get it, but it makes for a good excuse to drink under the Northern Lights: The best place to stock up on a stash is the duty-free shops at Keflavik International Airport. https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/24/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-mezcal/, First things first, Mezcal isn’t simply made. Tequila is made by steaming the heart (or piña) of the agave plant in above-ground ovens and then distilling the liquid in copper pots. Garnish with celery, shrimp and olive. It has traditionally been used to rub into children’s rashes, welcome home loved ones, or be used as a social glue at gatherings and celebrations. Hopefully the answer isn’t “drunk.”. You'll be surprised at how much depth a spirit swap to Mezcal can add to a cocktail classically made with Tequila, like a Paloma or Margarita! The beautiful thing about Mezcal is its simplicity in ingredients. ), stir in a half teaspoon of agave or simple syrup until the mix reaches your desired level of sweetness. It usually comes back to location; the Mezcal taste will vary depending on where the agave was grown and the production process used. This is what helps Mezcal drinkers feel light and uppity rather than heavy and “drunk.”. Whiskey happens to be the one that is most often ordered this way. Instead, it’s from beets. If you are freezing your ice next to fish fillets, the ice is probably going to pick up fishy nuances. And while pouring Black Velvet onto a handful of ice cubes probably won’t impress anyone, knowing which drinks serve best over ice in a rocks glass will impress your friends, peers and family, as well as inform your future drinking choices.. It is a statement that any whiskey or cocktail lover needs to wrap their brain around because it's true. Traditionally, a glass of Mezcal is also served with a pinch of salt and an orange slice. Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world. Hold a lighted match over the drink in one hand and the orange peel in the other. It is common to serve them straight, with no ice. That said, its red winter wheat notes do open up with a hint of water. Serve it neat, on the rocks, or in place of tequila in your favourite cocktails. It seems simple, right? First of all, with any drink, there is no right or wrong answer. What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila? What Is Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky? The final step is a double distillation. Rosaluna is an all-natural, handmade agave spirit distilled in the rolling hills of Santiago, Matatlán—the heartland of Mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico. The same can be said for the flavorful rye whiskey options available today. Dilution is the major disadvantage of adding ice to whiskey. Add mezcal, lime juice and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker, and shake or stir until combined. Both liquors are harvested from the agave plant’s core, but it’s in the production process where the two start to differ. In fact, ordering a drink off of a craft cocktail menu can often feel more like an AP chemistry oral exam you didn't study for. Many drinkers and bartenders will also call this a rocks glass and the larger version a double rocks glass. I love this drink because there are so many ways you can play it depending on how much smoke you like in your drinks. Others prefer the kick that a whiskey like that gives. Blanco or Silver tequila is usually bottled right after it’s distilled or aged for less than two months in stainless steel or oak barrels. It’s. Mezcal is 100% agave and free of additives and sweeteners, which in general is a good thing when compared to other, highly processed drinks. There’s some overlap for regions producing these two liquors, but the true connoisseurs know that the devil is in the details, and in this case, in the regions. The "back" can be any tall drink—beer or a nonalcoholic option like water or soda are most common—that is served in a tall glass. It’s complex, sweet, and has all kinds of unique undertones that leave you wanting more. Milling is the next step where the juices and fiber are either mashed or milled out of the cooled agave plant. It’s smoky, earthy, and complex with a touch of sweetness. But each day, more people are giving it a try and we wanted to break down the basics about mezcal for people to better understand what they are drinking. In Mexico, it’s customary to be served a little botana, or snack, when you order mezcal: slices of oranges, jicama and carrot, often dusted with sal de gusano (a mix of rock salt, ground chiles and roasted ground worms). Bartending 101: A Crash Course in Making Great Cocktails. This may have prompted you to ask, what is mezcal? There are, however, legitimate arguments and instances that you may want to think about when exploring your options. 1 ½ oz. There’s something about sipping a drink on the rocks that makes anyone come off as a class act. Garnish with an orange peel. But it doesn’t always need to taste like smoke. Made of materials like stainless steel or soapstone, they are tiny cubes that get ice cold in the freezer and can be added to any drink for an instant chill. If you’ve dined at a Mexican restaurant lately in the U.S., you may have noticed mezcal on the drink menu right near tequila. A splash of lime or honey never hurt anyone either. 11 bartenders tell us the one mezcal they'd drink for the rest of their lives. Everything You Can Order Online To Stock Your Home Bar For The Long Haul Germain Canto, a bartender at Bar Louise in Cognac, France, believes Cognac is the best spirit for cocktails. Mezcaleros will tell you that a neat pour at room temperature is the preferred way to enjoy quality mezcal. "On the rocks" can also be used when describing the preferred way to serve a mixed drink such as a screwdriver or sea breeze. Mezcal gets its signature smoky flavor from cooking the agave in underground pits, which are lined with hot rocks that burn for about 24 hours before the agave is added to begin the cooking process. First things first, Mezcal isn’t simply made. Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. However, Oaxaca (a southern state of Mexico) is where most of Mezcal is made, thus granting it the unofficial title of “The World Capital of Mezcal.”. There can only be one! Technically, any spirit made from agave is classified as a type of. This process separates the water from the alcohol and truly captures the alcohol into the final spirit. There is no need to doctor them up, and if you do want to enjoy one slightly cold, chill your glass. In the bar, the term "rocks" refers to ice. The world of mezcal has come a long way since we launched Mezcalistas in 2012. It is also common for mezcal to be served in vaso veladora, small glasses commonly used by the Catholic church to hold candles. However, in the bar, the primary purpose of ice is to chill drinks. Mezcal is instead matched with oranges and, if you are in a good mezcal bar, sal de gusano, or “worm salt.” A worm that inhabits agave plants is … Then, it’s on to fermenting. Then, it’s on to the roasting. This process can take up to five days and is what adds the distinct note of cooked agave to the final product. You do have to remember to rinse them off after each use and refreeze them. Neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it’s up to you. These whiskeys tend to be more expensive and rarer than their blended counterparts. How 29 defensive assistants have done as NFL head coaches, All the things that made Nickelodeon's Bears-Saints broadcast so great, Dwayne Haskins continues abysmal history of Ohio St. QBs in NFL, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Flavored Mezcal is no such thing. Mezcal isn’t like other spirits, such as vodka, that can be created using different flavors. The average ice that your bartender scoops out of the bin is not going to be the best choice for your whiskey on the rocks. Scotch whisky is a different story and you can read thousands of pages of advice on the matter. While it requires more attention to detail and takes longer, this extra love and care are what give Mezcal its special smokiness and multi-dimensional taste. scotch is made in Scotland, tequila and agave have, It may be a bit of a stretch to call any kind of alcohol. Add ice. The word Mezcal comes from the Nahuatl words “metl” and “ixcalli”, which means “oven-cooked agave.” Agaves are found in many parts of Mexico, as well as south of the equator. The best ice for whiskey on the rocks is: Your freezer makes a difference because it can contaminate your ice with extra and unwanted flavors. Neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it’s up to you. , but as far as alcohols go, Mezcal is one of the best. If you want to play around with the taste of Mezcal, cocktails open doors to a wide variety of mixes and recipes you can try. It allows you to experience its earthy and subtle tones in a familiar environment. green Chartreuse 3/4 oz. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. lime 1/2 oz. You might say, "I'll have a scotch on the rocks with a beer back." Mezcal usually tastes a little charred because of the way it’s produced, but it can have other profiles like floral, fruity, or earthy. Strain into rocks glass. Sign up for the List Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, For lovers of travel and adventure, owning a RV or motorhome can be an amazing experience. 2 oz Casamigos Mezcal 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice.75 oz Agave Nectar 2 Dashes Orange Bitters. Being able to take trips without giving up the comfort of your home is a privilege that most travelers miss out on. Whenever people ask me how I like to drink mezcal, I say “often”. Whether you’re a parent looking to spruce up your family vacations, or someone who needs to constantly be on the road for work, or you’re simply a fan of long road trips, investing in an RV could be a wise decision both practically and financially. Gin: Gin is a drink … Can you drink mezcal on the rocks? Rosaluna is made purely with our own agave, water, and obviously, lots of love. Garnish with celery, shrimp and olive. Fermenting can take up to eight days. simple syrup 1/4 oz. 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