Drinking mezcal “in little kisses” is a tradition that invites you to savor the drink slowly, like a whispered secret shared in the intimacy of a conversation. As Juan Rulfo described: “Mezcal is not for getting drunk, it is to accompany the soul.” This act reflects the essence of Mexican culture, where ritual and depth are valued over immediacy, as explored by Octavio Paz in The Labyrinth of Solitude. Drinking mezcal slowly is a way to stop time, to take a pause in a world that demands haste, and to reconnect with our roots.
From a sociological perspective, Roger Bartra points out that our customs are deeply tied to how we relate to others and our surroundings. Thus, drinking mezcal in small sips reinforces our connection to the land and the artisanal work of the master mezcalero. This ritual is also reflected in Mexican popular culture, where ranchera songs like “Cucurrucucú Paloma” by Tomás Méndez and “Amanecí en tus brazos” by José Alfredo Jiménez evoke the idea that the most valuable things are enjoyed slowly.
Mezcal experts also support this practice, noting that drinking the beverage “in little kisses” allows for:
- Appreciating the complexity and nuances of its flavor, which changes with each mezcal due to factors like the type of agave and distillation method.
- Honoring its artisanal origin and the effort involved in its production (each sip is a recognition of the work of the master mezcalero)
- Respecting its high alcoholic potency: mezcal typically has a high alcohol content, generally between 40% and 50%. Drinking it slowly helps control the amount consumed, avoiding rapid intoxication and allowing the body to process the alcohol more smoothly.
- Honoring the ritual (for many mezcal-producing communities, mezcal is more than a drink; it is a central element in rituals and ceremonies)
- Connecting with the Earth: Mezcal is a drink that is deeply connected to the land and the roots from which the agave comes.
- Enjoying the present moment.
In summary, mezcal, like life itself, is enjoyed with love and patience, slowly, in little kisses.
