mezcal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “mezcal” mean?
A Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant.
A category of agave-based spirits, often artisanal, produced primarily in Mexico, with tequila being a specific type of mezcal made from blue agave in designated regions. It is known for its smoky flavor, which comes from roasting the agave hearts in underground pits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is a loanword from Spanish used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes authenticity, Mexican culture, and craft spirits. In the US, it may be more frequently encountered in bars and restaurants due to proximity to Mexico.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to greater cultural and commercial exchange with Mexico.
Grammar
How to Use “mezcal” in a Sentence
drink [mezcal]produce [mezcal] in [region]make [mezcal] from [agave type]serve [mezcal] with [orange slice and salt]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mezcal” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The mezcal production process is fascinating.
- They offer a mezcal tasting experience.
American English
- The bar has a great mezcal selection.
- We visited a mezcal distillery in Oaxaca.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of import/export, hospitality, and spirits retail.
Academic
Used in anthropological, culinary, or ethnographic studies of Mexican culture.
Everyday
Used when discussing drinks, ordering at a bar, or talking about travel experiences.
Technical
Used in distilling, sommelier contexts, and food & beverage regulations distinguishing it from tequila.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mezcal”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mezcal”
- Misspelling as 'mescal'. While an older variant, 'mezcal' is the standard modern English spelling.
- Pronouncing the 'z' as /z/; it is /s/.
- Using it as a general term for any strong spirit.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Tequila is a type of mezcal, but legally, tequila must be made specifically from blue agave in designated regions, primarily Jalisco. Mezcal can be made from many types of agave and in several regions, most famously Oaxaca.
The smoky flavour comes from the traditional production method where the hearts (piñas) of the agave plant are roasted in underground pits lined with hot stones before fermentation and distillation.
No. The 'worm' (actually a moth larva) is a marketing gimmick for some commercial brands. High-quality, traditional mezcal rarely includes it.
It is traditionally sipped neat to appreciate its complex flavours. It is often served with slices of orange and sal de gusano (worm salt) as accompaniments, not as shooters.
A Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant.
Mezcal is usually formal/technical, culinary in register.
Mezcal: in British English it is pronounced /mɛˈskal/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɛˈskɑl/ or /məˈskɑl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the worm in the mezcal (refers to the larva sometimes found in bottles, signifying authenticity or potency)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'MEXican' + 'alcohol' = MEZCAL. It's the Mexican spirit with a Z for zest.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEZCAL IS A CRAFTED ARTEFACT (implying tradition, skill, and authenticity).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary source plant for mezcal?