Both tequila and mezcal are made from the distilled juice of the agave plant.

Tequila, however, is made from the blue agave plant, and mezcal may be made from any variety of the agave family. While tequila may only be produced in the state of Jalisco, mezcal can be produced anywhere in Mexico.

The flavor of tequila is often described as more refined and less smoky than the flavor of mezcal. Both spirits come in the aged varieties añejo and reposado, but only mezcal includes a maguey larva -- the infamous tequila worm -- in the bottle. Contrary to urban legend, the "worm" does not cause hallucinations when eaten, and is even a popular ingredient in tacos.

Related article: What is tequila? (Cookthink)