The smoky spirit mezcal has made its mark across the Mexican border, exploding in popularity in the U.S. in the past few years. There's good news for D.C.-based fans of the strong (yet seductive) spirit: mezcal can be found all over the city at the moment.
Still wondering what, exactly, is the difference between mezcal and tequila? It all boils down to three main components: location, agave variety, and production. Mezcal and tequila are produced in different regions of Mexico (though there is some overlap) and tequila is only made from blue agave, while mezcal can be made out of many different varieties of agave, including blue agave. Finally, mezcal is produced by baking the agave in an underground pit, a process that dictates its distinctive flavor.
Now on to the important question at hand: where can great mezcal cocktails be found in D.C.? From an extensive list at the newly-opened Espita Mezcaleria in Shaw to a mezcal-infused twist on a classic at The Riggsby in Dupont, here are 12 places to find new mezcal cocktails around the District.
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