🍷 Alcohol & Vinegars

What Can You Substitute for Mezcal? to Alternatives

Discover all the best substitutes for mezcal including tequila, smoky scotch, and non-alcoholic alternatives. Learn which options work best for different uses.

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Quick Answer

The best substitutes for mezcal are tequila, smoky scotch, sotol, and non-alcoholic options like Lapsang Souchong tea or liquid smoke. Choose based on whether you need the smoky flavor, alcohol content, or both.

Best Substitutes

Tequila

1:1

Most accessible substitute with similar alcohol content and agave base, just without the heavy smoke

Best for:

cocktailsmarinadessaucescookingmargaritas

Same agave base as mezcal, provides alcohol content and agave flavor. Add smoked salt for more smoky character.

Smoky Scotch Whisky

1:1

Provides the smoky flavor profile of mezcal with similar alcohol content and complexity

Best for:

cocktailsmarinadessaucessmoky drinks

Choose Islay scotch for maximum smokiness. Works well in savory dishes and adds depth to cocktails.

Sotol

1:1

Agave spirit with complexity similar to mezcal but without the heavy smoke

Best for:

cocktailsmarinadessaucescooking

Another agave spirit with similar complexity but different flavor profile. Good middle ground between tequila and mezcal.

Raicilla

1:1

Traditional Mexican agave spirit with earthy, complex flavor similar to mezcal

Best for:

cocktailsmarinadessaucescooking

Less common but excellent substitute. Has similar complexity and earthy notes to mezcal.

Lapsang Souchong Tea

1 cup strong tea per 1 oz mezcal

Non-alcoholic alternative that provides the smoky, earthy notes of mezcal

Best for:

mocktailsnon-alcoholic drinkscookingmarinades

Brew extra strong and let cool completely. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor profile.

Liquid Smoke + Apple Cider Vinegar

1/2 tsp liquid smoke + 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar per 1 oz mezcal

Non-alcoholic alternative that mimics mezcal's smoky acidity and complexity

Best for:

marinadessaucesglazesvegetarian dishes

Perfect for non-alcoholic cooking. Add a pinch of smoked salt for extra depth.

Cooking Tips

  • 💡For cocktails, choose substitutes based on whether you want smoky flavor or just alcohol content
  • 💡In cooking, consider whether the recipe needs the smoky flavor or just the alcohol
  • 💡For non-alcoholic options, use liquid smoke combinations or smoky teas
  • 💡When substituting, taste and adjust other ingredients to balance the flavor change
  • 💡For marinades, most substitutes work equally well for tenderizing meat
  • 💡In sauces, add substitutes gradually and taste as you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary

Discover all the best substitutes for mezcal including tequila, smoky scotch, sotol, and non-alcoholic alternatives. Learn which options work best for cocktails, cooking, and different uses.