Why Everyone in Europe Is Suddenly Obsessed with Mezcal
If you’ve been to a cocktail bar lately or scrolled through your favourite mixologist’s Instagram feed, chances are you’ve seen mezcal pop up — maybe in a smoky Margarita or that mysterious-looking bottle with a handwritten label. So what’s the deal with this agave-based spirit, and why is it suddenly everywhere in Europe?
Wait, What Is Mezcal, Anyway?
Let’s break it down. Mezcal is basically tequila’s cooler, smokier cousin. While tequila can only be made from one type of agave (blue agave), mezcal can be made from loads — more than 30 types, actually. And the flavour? Think smoky campfire vibes, earthy richness, and a complexity that makes your go-to gin & tonic feel a little… one-note.
The secret sauce? Mezcal is made the old-school way: agave hearts (piñas) are roasted in underground pits with hot stones and wood, giving the drink its signature smokiness. It’s all very rustic and romantic, in the best way possible.
So, Why Is Everyone in Europe Suddenly Drinking It?
1. Crafty, Conscious Vibes
Let’s be real: we’re all a little more mindful about what we eat and drink these days. We want to know where our stuff comes from, who made it, and how. Mezcal ticks all the boxes.
Most mezcal is handcrafted by small family producers in rural Mexico using techniques passed down through generations. There’s no giant factory. No artificial nonsense. Just tradition, care, and actual flavour. It’s the drink version of vintage shopping or buying your veg from the farmers’ market — but way more fun on a Friday night.
2. It’s Like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure for Your Taste Buds
If you’re bored of basic vodka or tired of the same old gin, mezcal is a flavour bomb waiting to blow your mind. Each type of agave has its own personality, so every bottle of mezcal tastes different. Some are fruity and light. Others are bold, spicy, or as smoky as a bonfire on the beach.
Whether you’re sipping it neat (pro move) or mixing it into cocktails, mezcal gives you a whole new world to explore. It’s adventurous. It’s cool. It’s the opposite of boring.
3. Tequila Walked So Mezcal Could Run
Here’s the thing: tequila is already having a major glow-up in Europe. We’re no longer knocking back cheap shots with lime and salt — we’re sipping quality tequila like fine wine. And naturally, when people learn about tequila, they start hearing whispers about its wilder, deeper sibling: mezcal.
It’s like discovering indie music after listening to the radio for too long. Once you go mezcal, you don’t go back.
4. There’s a Story in Every Sip
Millennials love a good story (guilty), and mezcal has some of the best. Every bottle tells you where it came from, what agave it’s made from, who made it, and how. It’s not just booze — it’s a cultural artefact. A moment. A vibe.
Tasting events, agave festivals, pop-up mezcal bars — they’re happening across Europe, and they’re vibes. You’re not just getting tipsy; you’re going on a mini cultural trip to Oaxaca without leaving your city.
What’s Next for Mezcal in Europe?
Honestly? It’s only getting bigger.
More bars are stocking it. More brands are hitting the shelves — though we’ll admit it: we looooove ours the most. More people are falling in love with the flavours, the stories, and the vibes. And while it’s definitely still got that niche, under-the-radar appeal, mezcal is sliding its way into the mainstream — but hopefully without losing its magic.
So whether you're a total newbie or already low-key obsessed, now’s the time to get involved. Ask your bartender for a mezcal cocktail. Try a flight at your local spirits shop. Host a mezcal night with your mates. There’s no wrong way to get into it — just start sipping.
