For centuries, mezcal, a spirit crafted by roasting agave hearts in subterranean pits, has held a special place in Mexican culture. Traditionally enjoyed neat, mezcal’s complex and smoky character has captivated bartenders in recent decades, finding its way into an ever-expanding repertoire of cocktails.
While legally permitted for distillation from over 40 agave varietals, the espadín variety, also known as angustifolia, dominates the market, comprising roughly 90%. Its consistent flavour profile makes espadín a popular choice among professional mixologists for crafting mezcal cocktails.
Dive into 5 Must-Try Mezcal Cocktail Recipes
Now, let’s get mixing! This section dives into five delicious smoky and sensational mezcal cocktails, guaranteed to tantalise your taste buds and impress your friends. We’ll explore variations for each recipe, allowing you to tailor the smokiness and flavours to your preference.
1. The Smoky Margarita (with a Twist!)
A refreshing take on a classic, this smoky margarita adds a delightful twist to the well-known tequila cocktail.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal (Espadín or a lighter smoke variety)
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice
0.5 oz Orange Liqueur (Cointreau, Triple Sec, or Agave Nectar)
Lime Wedge (for garnish)
Pinch of Kosher Salt (for rimming the glass – optional)
Optional Smoky Variation:
Chipotle Pepper Flakes (to taste)
Smoked Paprika (to taste)
Instructions:
Rim the Glass (Optional): If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim of a margarita glass. Dip the rim in a shallow dish filled with kosher salt.
Combine Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine mezcal, lime juice, and orange liqueur.
Shake it Up!: Shake vigorously for 1
Strain and Serve: Strain the margarita into the prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.
2. The Oaxacan Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned is a timeless cocktail known for its sophisticated simplicity. This mezcal variation, the Oaxacan Old Fashioned, adds a smoky twist that complements the rich sweetness of the traditional recipe.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal (Espadín or a smoky variety)
0.5 oz Agave Nectar (or simple syrup)
2 Dashes Angostura Bitters
Orange Peel (for garnish)
Optional Smoky Variation:
Oaxacan Chocolate Bitters (replace Angostura bitters)
Instructions:
Prepare the Glass: Add a sugar cube (or a bar spoon of sugar) to an Old Fashioned glass. If using a sugar cube, drench it with a few drops of water to help it dissolve.
Muddle the Orange Peel: Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the glass and then dropping it in. Muddle the orange peel gently with the sugar.
Add Remaining Ingredients: Pour in the mezcal, agave nectar, and bitters.
Stir and Dilute: Using a bar spoon, stir gently for about 15 seconds. Add a splash of water (optional) to dilute slightly, if desired.
Serve and Enjoy: Fill the glass with ice and garnish with a fresh orange peel.
3. The Spicy Paloma: A Refreshing Mezcal Twist with a Kick!
The Paloma, a vibrant tequila cocktail featuring grapefruit soda, gets a makeover with mezcal. This smoky and sensational version adds a layer of complexity while retaining the refreshing essence of the original.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal (Espadín or a light smoke variety)
4 oz Grapefruit Soda (freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and club soda can be substituted)
0.5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
Pinch of Kosher Salt (for rimming the glass – optional)
Lime Wedge (for garnish)
Optional Spicy Variations:
Jalapeño Slices (to taste)
Habanero Slices (use with caution!)
Spicy Simple Syrup (made with chilies)
Instructions:
Rim the Glass (Optional): If desired, run a lime wedge around the rim of a highball glass. Dip the rim in a shallow dish filled with kosher salt.
Combine Ingredients: In the prepared glass, add mezcal, lime juice, and your chosen spicy element (jalapeño slices, habanero slices, or a splash of spicy simple syrup).
Fill with Grapefruit Soda: Top the glass with chilled grapefruit soda.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge and enjoy!
4. The Mezcal Negroni
The Negroni, a classic Italian cocktail renowned for its bitter and boozy character, gets a smoky makeover with mezcal. This smoky and sensational version adds a layer of complexity while maintaining the elegant spirit of the original.
Ingredients:
1 oz Mezcal (Espadín or a smoky variety)
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Carpano Antica Formula or similar)
Orange Peel (for garnish)
Optional Smoky Variations:
Mezcal-infused Campari
Smoked Rosemary Sprig (for garnish)
Instructions:
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing glass filled with ice, combine mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Stir and Strain: Stir gently for about 15 seconds, or until well chilled and diluted. Strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with a large ice cube.
Garnish and Serve: Express the oils from an orange peel by twisting it over the glass and then discarding it. Garnish with the orange peel or a sprig of smoked rosemary (optional) and enjoy!
5. The Smoky Sunrise
Escape to paradise with the Smoky Sunrise, a smoky and sensational mezcal cocktail that blends tropical fruit flavours with a touch of smokiness. This vibrant drink is sure to impress your guests and transport them to a beachside haven.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal (Espadín or a light smoke variety)
1 oz Pineapple Juice (freshly squeezed for the best flavor)
0.5 oz Orange Juice
0.5 oz Grenadine
1 Lime Wedge (for garnish)
Pineapple Wedge (for garnish)
Optional Smoky Variation:
Pineapple-infused Mezcal (for an extra dose of pineapple and a touch of smoke)
Instructions:
Infuse Mezcal with Pineapple (Optional): If using pineapple-infused mezcal, prepare it in advance. Simply add chopped pineapple chunks to a jar of mezcal and let it sit for a few days to a week, depending on the desired intensity. Strain the mezcal before using it in your cocktail.
Combine Ingredients: In a shaker filled with ice, combine mezcal, pineapple juice, orange juice, and grenadine.
Shake and Strain: Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, or until well chilled and frothy. Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with crushed ice.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lime wedge and a pineapple wedge. Enjoy your tropical escape!
FAQs
What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?
Both mezcal and tequila are agave spirits, but tequila is a specific type of mezcal produced exclusively from blue agave grown in Jalisco, Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from over 30 agave varietals and utilises a distinct production process that incorporates smoke.
What does mezcal taste like?
Mezcal’s flavour profile varies depending on the agave varietal used and the production process. Espadín agave, commonly used in cocktails, typically exhibits earthy, herbal, and vegetal notes with a signature smokiness.
Where can I buy mezcal?
Mezcal is becoming increasingly available at liquor stores and online retailers. Look for reputable brands that promote sustainable agave farming practices.
Additional Resources:
The Agave Spirits Association: https://www.agavespiritsinstitute.com/blog This website provides a wealth of information on agave spirits, including mezcal, its production process, history, and varietals.
Mezcal Reviews: https://www.mezcalreviews.com/ This comprehensive resource offers reviews, buying guides, and in-depth articles exploring the world of mezcal.
Websites:
Mezcal Reviews offers a wealth of information on mezcal production, varietals, and brands.
The Agave Spirits Institute provides educational content and insights into the world of agave spirits, including mezcal.
Join the Conversation!
Share your favourite mezcal cocktail creations and smoky mixology adventures on social media using #SmokyMezcalMagic. We’d love to see your creativity and inspire others to embark on their own mezcal journeys!
By incorporating these interactive elements, you’ve transformed this guide from a static recipe collection into an engaging and informative resource for anyone seeking to explore the smoky and sensational world of mezcal cocktails.
1 thought on “5 Smoky & Sensational Mezcal Cocktails You Can’t Miss 2024”
Ny weekly This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.