Mezcal substitutes
The closest substitute for Mezcal is Tequila, which works but the drink will taste a little different. Loses the smoke; a drop of Islay scotch brings some back. Tequila Reposado also works.
What to use instead of Mezcal
| Substitute | How much | Strength |
|---|---|---|
TequilaWorks, tastes different Loses the smoke; a drop of Islay scotch brings some back. Same amount | Same amount | 38–40% ABV |
Tequila ReposadoWorks, tastes different Loses the smoke. Same amount | Same amount | 38–40% ABV |
Almost the same: most people won’t notice. Works, tastes different: still a good drink, just a different one. Last resort: better than skipping the drink.
Swap it in your drink
Pick a substitute to see how much to pour in each drink with Mezcal, how strong the drink ends up and when to adjust the sugar.
- Mezcal Margarita
45ml (1½ oz) Mezcal → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila
About 23% ABV → about 22% ABV−1 point
- Mezcal Negroni
30ml (1 oz) Mezcal → 30ml (1 oz) Tequila
About 22% ABV → about 21% ABV−1 point
- Naked and Famous
22.5ml (¾ oz) Mezcal → 22.5ml (¾ oz) Tequila
About 18% ABV → about 17% ABV−1 point
- Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
15ml (½ oz) Mezcal → 15ml (½ oz) Tequila
About 29% ABV → about 28% ABV−1 point
- Devil's Soul
15ml (½ oz) Mezcal → 15ml (½ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Division Bell
30ml (1 oz) Mezcal → 30ml (1 oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Dizzy Mezcal
45ml (1½ oz) Mezcal → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Illegal
30ml (1 oz) Mezcal → 30ml (1 oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Mezcal Mule
45ml (1½ oz) Mezcal → 45ml (1½ oz) Tequila
Same strength
- Palomezcal
50ml (1⅔ oz) Mezcal → 50ml (1⅔ oz) Tequila
Same strength
How they compare
| Property | Mezcal | Tequila |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–55% ABV | 38–40% ABV |
| Taste | Smoky, Sweet agave, Mineral, Pepper, Complex | Sweet agave, Citrus, White pepper, Herbal |
| Aroma | Smoke, Roasted agave, Earth, Citrus, Herbs | Cooked agave, Citrus, Pepper, Earthy, Vegetal |
| Finish | Long, Smoky, Warming, Clean | Clean, Peppery warmth, Medium length |
| Property | Mezcal | Tequila Reposado |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | 40–55% ABV | 38–40% ABV |
| Taste | Smoky, Sweet agave, Mineral, Pepper, Complex | Agave, Vanilla, Caramel, Pepper, Oak |
| Aroma | Smoke, Roasted agave, Earth, Citrus, Herbs | Cooked agave, Vanilla, Light oak, Citrus |
| Finish | Long, Smoky, Warming, Clean | Warm, Agave, Light oak |
Already have one of these?
If you have Del Maguey Vida, Montelobos Espadín or El Silencio Espadín, you don't need a substitute: they are all Mezcal. How they differ
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a smoky Mexican spirit distilled from various agave species. While tequila is technically a type of mezcal, mezcal typically features bold, smoky flavors from pit-roasted agave.
Got Mezcal? It also replaces
Questions about Mezcal substitutes
What is the best substitute for Mezcal?
Tequila is the closest substitute for Mezcal, though the drink will taste a little different. Loses the smoke; a drop of Islay scotch brings some back. Use the same amount.
What can I use instead of Mezcal in an Illegal?
Tequila: swap 30ml (1 oz) of Mezcal for 30ml (1 oz) of Tequila.
Which Mezcal brands can I use?
If you have Del Maguey Vida, Montelobos Espadín or El Silencio Espadín, you don't need a substitute: they are all Mezcal. They differ in style and price, not in how you use them.
Does Tequila instead of Mezcal change how strong the drink is?
It can. The biggest change is in the Mezcal Margarita, which goes from about 23% to about 22% ABV. The swap calculator on this page works it out for every drink.
More spirit substitutes
Out of Mezcal?
Proof knows these swaps. Tell it which bottles you have and it shows the drinks you can still make.