Yup, tequila is old news and mezcal is now officially the best thing to come out of Mexico since fajitas. This smokey spirit, similar to tequila, is made from agave (technically, tequila is actually a type of mezcal), but where tequila can only be made from blue agave, mezcal can come from a number of different species of agave, usually a variety called Espadin.
Lecture over, get OUT there and get sipping. Here’s where to get your smokey fix.
El Bandito, Liverpool
Hidden a short tumble from street level, this late night Mexican lair is everything BarChick wants from a bar; naughtiness, hot bartenders and a sod load of mezcal. Drink the stuff straight or get daring and dip into a Jungle Juice, this is one of the latest licences in town and Sunday night parties are notorious. Hangover Mondays are the new thing don’t you know?
Lucha Libra, Manchester
What started in Liverpool has now opened up in Manchester and we’re all over it. The industrial style bar opened in the Great Northern warehouse over two floors, with plenty of leather booths to chill out in and wooden barrels to perch your drinks on while you dance (because mezcal will TOTALLY make you wanna do that). They have a killer selection of tequilas and mezcals - we’re all over the dangerously named Illegal Mezcal. Party time people.
El Nivel, London
Hidden behind an unassuming door above La Perla is London’s newest tequila and mezcal hangout. It’s next level intimate up here and the service is kinda like you’re in someone’s house rather than a London bar. The drinks menu is a short list of tequila and mezcal cocktails – choose your poison. If you’re a mescal virgin loosen your knickers for a La Poderosa made with Vida Mescal, lavender honey, lime juice, cardamom bitters and topped with sparkling wine.
Neon Cactus, Leeds
First up, anywhere with this name is going to be pretty epic. This party joint has an insane tune selection, awesome Mexican street food and of course a bad ass tequila and mezcal list to keep the party going. They are serious cocktail makers here so the sky’s the limit, let them know you’re there for some mezcal action and they’ll whip you up something next-level. If in doubt always go for a Mezcal Tommy’s Margarita - probably the best drinks in the world.
Carlito Burrito, Brighton
Brighton's got the Mexican fever and boy are we happy about it. Carlito Burrito is a burrito bar with Mexican street food, seafood tapas, Mexican beers, organic mezcals (fancy), tequilas, cocktails, great tunes and festival vibes all year long. Get involved baby, ‘cos we cannot get enough of this place. There are about 16 different mezcals to choose from and these guys get straight to business- they encourage you to sip the stuff straight up as an aperitif or after dinner served with an orange slice and cinnamon. Boom.
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This article originally appeared on The Debrief.