The art of creating mezcal can be simplified into several steps: harvesting, cooking, fermentation, and distillation.

While mezcal and tequila are both made from agave, there are important differences between the spirits, including species of agave, regions the spirits are made, and the distillation process.

Due to its natural and diverse flavors, the best way to drink mezcal is on its own–without ice, mixers, and garnish. While it can be used in a cocktail, neat is preferable.