Mezcal is made from the agave plant. The agave is also used to make tequila but in a different process. While tequila is made
exclusively in the state of Jalisco, mezcal is exclusive to Oaxaca.
Although tequila is most popularly consumed in the margarita, mezcal is almost exclusively served as a shooter, with or without a lick of salt and bite of
lime... Technically speaking it could be said that Tequila is a form of Mezcal, but it can not be said that Mezcal is a form of Tequila. Mezcal has a high potency and a strong smoky
flavor. Distillers insist the drink has medicinal and tonic qualities. In Mexico, tribal women drink mezcal to withstand the pain of childbirth, and laborers drink it for added
strength.