Mezcal is a type of spirit that is traditionally made from the agave plant in Mexico. It has a distinct smoky flavor, which is a result of the roasting process that the agave hearts go through before they are distilled. Mezcal is often compared to tequila, which is also made from agave, but while tequila can only be made from blue Weber agave in specific regions of Mexico, mezcal can be made from a variety of agave species and in different regions of the country. Mezcal can be enjoyed neat, but it is also used as a key ingredient in a wide range of cocktails.