How Do You Spell MEZCAL?

Pronunciation: [mˈɛzkə͡l] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "mezcal", a type of Mexican distilled alcoholic beverage, is somewhat confusing. It is often mistaken for "mescal", which refers to a type of cactus. The correct spelling of "mezcal" is pronounced as /ˈmɛz.kal/. The "e" is pronounced as an open-mid front unrounded vowel, while the "z" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative. The "c" is pronounced as a voiceless velar fricative, similar to the "ch" sound in English "loch".

MEZCAL Meaning and Definition

1. Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that originates from Mexico, particularly from the state of Oaxaca. It is made from the fermented juice of the agave plant, which is also commonly used in the production of tequila. Mezcal has a strong cultural significance in Mexico and is often associated with traditional rituals and celebrations.

   The process of making mezcal involves harvesting the agave plant, which can take up to twelve years to mature, before the leaves are removed to reveal the piña or heart of the plant. The piñas are then roasted in underground pits for several days, imparting a distinct smoky flavor to the beverage. Once roasted, the piñas are crushed and fermented, usually in large wooden vats, before being distilled in copper or clay pots.

   Mezcal is known for its complex flavors and aromas, which can range from earthy and herbal to smoky and fruity. It is often enjoyed neat or as the main ingredient in cocktails, such as the classic mezcal margarita or the Oaxaca Old Fashioned.

   In recent years, mezcal has gained popularity globally, not only for its unique and artisanal production methods but also for its rich cultural heritage. It is considered a premium spirit and is highly sought after by enthusiasts and connoisseurs for its distinctive taste and connection to Mexican traditions.

Common Misspellings for MEZCAL

• nezcal
• kezcal
• jezcal
• mwzcal
• mszcal
• mdzcal
• mrzcal
• m4zcal
• m3zcal
• mezxal
• mezval
• mezfal
• mezdal
• mezczl
• mezcsl
• mezcwl
• mezcql
• mezcao
• mezca
• mezcah

Etymology of MEZCAL

The word "mezcal" comes from the Nahuatl language, the indigenous language of the Mexica people (also known as the Aztecs) who inhabited central Mexico. In Nahuatl, the word for "agave" is "metl" and "cooked" is "ixcalli". When combined, they form "metl-ixcalli", which means "cooked agave". Over time, the term evolved into "mezcal" as it traveled through the Spanish language and has come to specifically refer to the distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant.

Similar spelling words for MEZCAL

• Mechelle,
• mescal,
• mesial.

Plural form of MEZCAL is MEZCALS