This category encompasses agave-based spirits from Mexico, united by their use of the agave plant but diverging in production method and flavor — tequila offering clean, vegetal brightness and mezcal delivering smoky, artisanal complexity. They are the backbone of cocktails like the Margarita, Paloma, and Oaxacan Old Fashioned, bringing distinctive terroir-driven character that few other spirit categories can match. Their versatility ranges from refreshing highballs to rich, contemplative sippers.