Seven Tequilas and Mezcals You Have to Try

By now you know that Cinco de Mayo isn't Mexican Independence Day, that not all tequila is created equal, and that sipping it—or a smoky mezcal—is a much better way to celebrate Mexican heritage than throwing back shots with salt and lime.

But with about 1,700 tequila brands to choose from, and a much smaller but growing number in the mezcal category, how to find the right ones?