Agave is one of those spirits that manages to surprise you every time. Everyone knows tequila, it’s lively, upfront, and instantly recognisable. Mezcal, on the other hand, has this smoky, earthy side that takes a little more getting used to, but once you do, it stays with you. Tequila grabs the spotlight, mezcal earns your quiet respect.
Indians who have travelled and experienced agave culture abroad are coming back with a taste for it, and here they’re finding it expressed in more ways than one. India’s cocktail culture has matured rapidly. Guests today want more than a classic Margarita. They are looking for inventive flavours, balance, and a story in the glass. That curiosity has created the perfect stage for tequila and mezcal to thrive.
Tequila is in its golden hour in India. It has moved beyond the party image into something people savour, invest in, and celebrate with. Mezcal is following a similar path, winning over those who once turned to smoky whiskies for depth. What makes agave exciting right now is its ability to carry both heritage and versatility, which aligns perfectly with how India’s cocktail culture is evolving.
Tequila’s crisp, citrus driven character makes it a natural partner for spice. It works beautifully with street style chaat, seafood dressed in chili and lime, or smoky tandoori meats where its brightness cuts through heat and richness. Mezcal brings something different with its earthy smoke that complements kebabs and richer curries, balancing spice with depth.
The arrival of labels like Patrón El Alto, Don Julio 1942 and 1800 Milenio has reshaped the way India views tequila. These spirits bring craftsmanship, heritage, and a sense of luxury, moving tequila from being seen as a party shot into the same aspirational space that single malts once occupied. For bartenders, they open an entirely new canvas, allowing cocktails to be built around refined expressions of agave that simply were not available a decade ago.
Western cultural influence has shifted drinking preferences, with agave spirits stepping into the spotlight. Unlike gin, which quickly rose thanks to its easy production and celebrity endorsements, agave spirits require meticulous craftsmanship and labour-intensive processes. Consumers are now appreciating that complexity and heritage. Add to that the wave of celebrity investments, and you’ve got a real shift in what people are choosing to drink.
Read the full story that first appeared in The New Indian Express dated Oct 12, 2025 here:
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