Most Hotel Zone bars serve Cuervo and call it premium. These spots actually know agave.

Abolengo hidden upstairs at La Isla Shopping Village. Tourist mall downstairs, proper mezcalería above. 200+ labels. Bartender Carlos knows every distillery in Oaxaca.

Downtown try Parque de los Deseos near Mercado 28. Locals only. Incredible micheladas with house chamoy made from tamarind and chiltepin peppers. Nothing fancy but drinks mixed like they matter.