Time for a tequila, plus new drinks to try.

explores the worlds of quality tequila and mezcal NIKKI BIRRELL

Perhaps few beverages speak to their origins as much as tequila and mezcal. While tequila is already popular the world over, mezcal is only now becoming more well known outside of Mexico.

Tequila has an Appellation of Origin regulated by the government of Mexico, which means to be called tequila it has to be made from a minimum of 51 percent blue agave plant and can only be produced in one of five states. The making process often involves steaming the heart of the agave inside industrial ovens before two or three distillations in copper pots. The production method and how long a tequila is aged for changes its flavour profile. Choose from blanco (white, also called plata or silver), reposado (rested) or anejo (old). If a bottle is less than 100 percent agave it will likely mean additives are added and it risks being poor quality. A quality tequila is actually smooth and delicious and is best served neat at room temperature, savoured slowly in small sips.

If straight spirits are a hard sell for some, we’d never deny ourselves a delicious margarita.

When it comes to mezcal, there is more variance in flavour from brand to brand. While mezcal is also an agave liquor, it can be made from many different types of this magical plant. It’s also name-protected but can be produced in nine designated Mexican states. The production of mezcal differs to tequila, too, in that the agave is often cooked inside earthen pits, which impart a distinctive smoky flavour, before being distilled in clay pots. Artisan varieties are often crushed by hand or by livestock, and can be distilled with seeds, fruits or even meat. Again, the thing to look for is the 100 percent agave label.

A glass of mezcal in Mexico will often be served with orange wedges dipped in a spiced salt made from a type of worm, called gusano, which you can buy here online. For the worm-averse, mezcal’s smoky profile lends itself wonderfully to a range of cocktails too, much like whisky. Now all that’s left to do is find your favourite.