Out of Mezcal, one case
Substitute for mezcal in cooking
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Tequila
Same amount as the mezcal
The best substitutes for mezcal in cooking are tequila, smoky scotch, or a combination of liquid smoke with apple cider vinegar. Choose based on whether you need the smoky flavor or just the alcohol content.
- Verdict —
- Tweak it
- What changes —
- different taste, similar texture
- Best for —
- marinades
One casethe full mezcal card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mezcal | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tequilamarinades | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 2 | Smoky Scotch whiskysauces | Same amountWorks | Works |
| 3 | Liquid smoke + apple cider vinegarmarinades | ½ tsp liquid smoke + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar per 1 oz mezcalTweak it | Tweak it |
| 4 | Sotolcocktails | Same amountTweak it | Tweak it |
| 5 | Smoked paprika + tequilamarinades | ½ tsp smoked paprika + 1 oz tequila per 1 oz mezcalTweak it | Tweak it |
Tequila
different taste, similar texture
Same agave base as mezcal, provides alcohol content and some complexity without the heavy smoke
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, glazes, baking, flambéing
Best for recipes where you need the alcohol content but can sacrifice some smokiness. Add a pinch of smoked salt if you want more smoky flavor.
Smoky Scotch whisky
similar taste and texture
Provides the smoky flavor profile of mezcal with similar alcohol content and cooking properties
- Best for
- sauces, marinades, braising, smoky glazes
Choose Islay scotch for maximum smokiness. Works well in savory dishes and adds depth to sauces.
Liquid smoke + apple cider vinegar
similar taste, different texture
Non-alcoholic alternative that mimics mezcal's smoky acidity and complexity
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, glazes, vegetarian dishes
Good for non-alcoholic cooking. Add a pinch of smoked salt for extra depth.
Sotol
different taste, similar texture
Another agave spirit with similar cooking properties but different flavor profile
- Best for
- cocktails, marinades, sauces, cooking
Similar agave spirit with less smoke. Use in recipes where you want agave flavor without heavy smokiness.
Smoked paprika + tequila
similar taste, different texture
Combines the alcohol content of tequila with the smoky depth of paprika
- Best for
- marinades, sauces, rubs, glazes
Mix the paprika with the tequila and let sit for 10 minutes before using. Strain if needed.
How it behaves in this recipe
Cooking with mezcal substitutes requires considering both the alcohol content and flavor profile. The best choice depends on whether your recipe needs the smoky flavor, just the alcohol content, or both.
Tips for substituting mezcal
6 tips- Add mezcal substitutes early in cooking to allow alcohol to cook off and flavors to develop
- For flambéing, use tequila or smoky scotch as they have similar alcohol content
- In marinades, let ingredients sit for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor
- For sauces, add substitutes gradually and taste as you go
- When baking, the alcohol will mostly cook off, so focus on flavor rather than alcohol content
- For non-alcoholic cooking, use liquid smoke combinations and add them at the end of cooking
Notes on mezcal
- Use smoked ingredients like chipotle peppers or smoked salt to add smokiness
- Try different types of smoky spirits like peated scotch or smoked vodka
- For non-alcoholic cooking, experiment with smoked teas or smoked water
- Consider using smoked agave syrup for sweetness with smoky notes
Questions
5 questionsCan I use mezcal substitutes in baking?
Yes, but the alcohol will mostly cook off during baking. Focus on choosing substitutes that provide the flavor profile you want rather than alcohol content.
Do I need to adjust cooking times when using substitutes?
No, cooking times remain the same. The alcohol content and cooking properties are similar between mezcal and its substitutes.
Which substitute works best for marinades?
Tequila works well for most marinades, but if you want the smoky flavor, use smoky scotch or add liquid smoke to tequila.
Can I use these substitutes for flambéing?
Yes, tequila and smoky scotch work well for flambéing as they have similar alcohol content to mezcal.
How do I choose the right substitute for my recipe?
Consider whether you need the smoky flavor (use smoky scotch or liquid smoke) or just the alcohol content (use tequila). For non-alcoholic cooking, use liquid smoke combinations.