Welcome to your guide to refreshing summer mezcal cocktails, featuring Del Maguey’s handcrafted mezcals. Dive into classic favorites, innovative recipes and tips for creating the perfect summer drinks.
Classic summer mezcal cocktails
1. Mezcal Margarita
A smoky adaptation of the classic margarita, Margarita Mezcal incorporates the distinctive smoky flavor of Del Maguey’s mezcal, balanced with the acidity of lime juice and the sweetness of triple sec and agave syrup.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 shots of Del Maguey Vida Collection.
- 3/4 shot fresh lime juice
- 3/4 shot triple sec
- 1/6 shot agave syrup
- Salt for the rim (optional)
- 8 drops of margarita bitters
- Ice cubes
How to make it:
Start by wetting the rim of your glass with a lime wedge and dip it in salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass, making sure the ice remains in the shaker. Garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Mezcal Paloma
Mezcal Paloma is a refreshing citrus drink that combines mezcal with grapefruit soda, lime juice and agave syrup. Del Maguey’s Vida Collection enhances the citrus notes, making this cocktail a perfect summer refresher.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 shots of Maguey Vida Collection
- 1 1/2 shots of pink grapefruit juice
- 1/2 shot lime juice
- 1/3 shot agave syrup
- Toms Henry pink grapefruit soda (or other brand)
- Salt for the rim (optional)
- Grapefruit or lime slice for garnish
- Ice cubes
How to make it:Â
Moisten the rim of your glass with a slice of grapefruit or lime and dip it in salt. In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice and agave syrup, then add ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass and top off with grapefruit soda. Garnish with a slice of grapefruit or lime.
Innovative cocktail recipes with mezcal
3. Mezcal Negroni
The Mezcal Negroni offers a bold blend of smoky mezcal, bitter Campari and sweet vermouth. Using Del Maguey Vida Clasico, this cocktail is rich and complex, perfect for those who enjoy a sophisticated flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Del Maguey Vida Clásico
- 1 oz of sweet vermouth
- 1 oz of Amaro
- Orange peel, for garnish
How to make it:Â
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Add Del Maguey mezcal, sweet vermouth and Amaro. Stir gently for about 30 seconds until well chilled. Strain into a glass with large ice. Express the orange peel over the glass and use it as a garnish.
4. Mezcal Manhattan
A smoked version of the classic Manhattan, Mezcal Manhattan features Del Maguey’s rich mezcal, sweet vermouth and a touch of bitters, creating a robust and intriguing drink.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz of Del Maguey Vida Puebla
- 1 oz of sweet vermouth
- 2 drops of Angostura bitters
- A cherry or orange peel for garnish
How to make it:Â
Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer. In a mixing glass, combine the mezcal, sweet vermouth and bitters with ice. Stir well until chilled, then strain into the chilled glass. Garnish with a cherry or orange peel.
Fruity and refreshing mezcal cocktails
5. Polar Bear
The Polar Bear cocktail blends mezcal with vermouth blanc, crème de menthe and tincture of angelica for a refreshing and exotic summer drink. This unique combination provides a refreshing mint flavor with a hint of herbal complexity.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 oz mezcal Vida de Muertos
- 3/4 oz of white vermouth
- 1/2 oz of crème de menthe
- 6 drops of angelica tincture
How to make it:Â
Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour the mezcal, vermouth blanc, crème de menthe and tincture of angelica. Stir gently until well chilled. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a lemon peel for an extra touch of elegance.
6. Ready Fire Aim
Ready Fire Aim blends mezcal with spicy and fruity elements such as pineapple juice and a hint of hot sauce, offering a bold and refreshing cocktail perfect for summer. The combination of smoky mezcal and the tropical sweetness of pineapple creates a dynamic flavor profile, enhanced by a hint of spice.
Ingredients:
- 1.75 oz Mezcal Vida de Muertos
- 0.75 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz honey pineapple syrup
- 0.5 oz lime juice
- 3-4 drops smoked chile bitters
How to make it:Â
Prepare the glass by chilling it with ice or placing it in the freezer. In a cocktail shaker, combine all ingredients with ice cubes. Shake vigorously until well chilled. Strain the mixture into a chilled cocktail glass, making sure to pour some of the foam for texture. Garnish with freshly ground pink pepper for an extra touch of spice.
7. Tia Mia
Tia Mia is a tropical delight that blends mezcal with orange curaçao, orgeat syrup and lime juice, offering a refreshing and unique cocktail for hot summer days. The combination of smoky mezcal and almond-flavored orgeat syrup creates a rich, layered drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz of Del Maguey Vida Puebla Mezcal
- 1 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz of orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
- 1/2 oz orange curaçao
- Lime or mint for garnish (optional)
How to make it:Â
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the mezcal, white rum, lime juice, orgeat syrup and orange curaçao. Shake vigorously until well combined and chilled. Fill a glass with crushed ice and strain the cocktail into the glass. Garnish with mint and a slice of lime for a refreshing finish.
Tips for making the best summer cocktails with mezcal
Mezcal’s unique smoky flavor and versatility make it an excellent base for summer cocktails, combining well with various ingredients. Del Maguey offers several varieties such as Vida Clásico, Vida Puebla and Vida de Muertos used in these cocktail recipes. Balancing flavors such as sweet, sour, smoky and spicy is key, and garnishes such as citrus slices, herbs and edible flowers enhance both visual appeal and flavor.
Enjoying your summer with Del Maguey’s mezcal cocktails
Experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to discover your favorite mezcal cocktails. Del Maguey’s handcrafted mezcals, known for their quality and distinctive smoky flavor, provide a versatile base for endless creativity, making them perfect for refreshing summer drinks.
