Though without many classic cocktails of its own – the Mezcal Margarita lies 20th and the Naked & Famous in 44th in our list of most-made – one wonders where future growth is coming from. Is mezcal’s best route to more volumes to convince tequila drinkers to diversify or further develop its own audience? Certainly, there are more brands than ever in the UK market to answer that question. 

In just over a quarter of cases, the mezcal most likely to meet lips is Del Maguey, Pernod Ricard’s legacy brand founded by industry legend Ron Cooper. Its Vida expression is a bartender favourite, blending mixability with affordability. 

Siete Misterios in second is built on quality and is a rung up on the price ladder, but through its Doba-Yej expression it can get close to the competition, while still being a premium step up. Around 9% of bars said it was their go-to, but 20% made it among their top two mezcals. Having climbed four places on last year, plus once again finishing second in our Bartenders’ Favourite league, Siete Misterios is clearly on the march. 

Ojo de Dios is another on the move. Up from fifth to third, it is benefiting from continued investment in the trade by Nightcap Brands. In our poll of the UK’s Best Bars, 8% said it was their bestseller, while 17% made it among their top-two serves. 

Similar numbers were posted by Bacardi’s Ilegal mezcal, which took its share of house pours (7%) and was the second choice in 9% of bars. 

The Lost Explorer has dropped a couple of places in our results. Though with 6% making it a top seller and 12% suggesting it’s among their bestselling two bottles, the brand’s luxury position is holding. 

QuiQuiRiQui which is at the more affordable sub-£40 bracket, is a an OG of the UK market and retains a strong bartender connection – 12% said it was among their two most-served mezcals. Pensador registers in our list again, while in small numbers, as does Campari’s Montelebos, Diageo’s Casamigos and the Pernod-distributed Ojo de Tigre.