The Cantarito Cocktail: A Refreshing Experience
Summer's HereThe Cantarito is a classic Mexican cocktail traditionally served in a clay cup and long made with tequila. This version gives it an authentic twist with mezcal, honoring its deep roots in regions like Oaxaca.
- Author
- Del Maguey Team
- Date
- July 17, 2025
Ingredients
| 45 ml | Del Maguey Mezcal (choose your favorite like Vida or Espadin for an authentic smoky touch) |
| 30 ml | fresh orange juice |
| 30 ml | fresh grapefruit juice |
| 15 ml | fresh lime juice |
| 7.5 ml | agave syrup or sugar (adjust to taste if you prefer a sweeter touch) |
| Lemon sode or mineral water for the effervescence | |
| Salt and chili powder (optional, for rimming the glass and adding extra flavor) | |
| Ice to taste |
Instructions
- Prepare the Glass with Salt and Chili: The first step to making an authentic Cantarito is preparing the glass. Wet the rim with a bit of lime juice and then rim it with salt and chili powder. This step is crucial as it adds extra flavor and prepares your palate for the bold, fresh flavors of the cocktail.
- Mix the Fresh Juices: In a shaker, add the fresh orange, grapefruit, and lime juice. If you prefer a sweeter touch, you can add agave syrup or sugar to taste. These juices not only bring freshness but also balance the complexity of the mezcal perfectly.
- Add the Del Maguey Mezcal: Mezcal is the heart of this cocktail. Pour 1 ½ oz of Del Maguey mezcal into the shaker with the juices and shake well to combine everything. The mezcal adds its smoky profile, which enhances the fresh and citrusy flavors, creating a smooth yet complex drink.
- Serve and Top with Soda: Fill the rimmed glass with ice and pour the mixture you’ve prepared in the shaker. Top with lemon soda or mineral water to add a refreshing and bubbly touch.
- Garnish and Enjoy: For the finishing touch, you can garnish your Cantarito with a slice of orange or lime. This simple addition not only makes the cocktail visually appealing but also adds an extra layer of freshne
Why Use Del Maguey Mezcal in Your Cantarito?
High-Quality Artisanal Mezcal
Del Maguey mezcal is renowned for its artisanal production, using traditional techniques that include distillation in copper stills and fermentation in wooden vats. This carefully crafted process ensures a mezcal with a unique profile, full of smoky and earthy notes that enrich any cocktail, especially the Cantarito.
The Unique Flavor of Mezcal
Del Maguey mezcal is ideal for this cocktail because its flavor is robust enough to blend perfectly with fresh juices without losing its identity. Whether you choose Del Maguey Vida for a fresher and smoother profile or Del Maguey Espadin for a deeper touch, the quality of the mezcal always stands out in every sip.
Enjoy the Cantarito: A Mexican Tradition
The Cantarito with Mezcal is a cocktail that not only refreshes you but also connects you with Mexico’s rich tradition. With its blend of artisanal mezcal, fresh juices, and sparkling soda, this drink is perfect to enjoy at any moment: a party, a gathering with friends, or simply to relax.
By choosing Del Maguey mezcal for your Cantarito, you not only enjoy a delicious cocktail but also support the tradition of artisanal mezcal and its responsible production. Whether you’re a mezcal lover or trying it for the first time, the Cantarito is an excellent way to explore this iconic Mexican spirit.
Vida Clásico
VIDA Clásico revolutionized the mezcal cocktail scene in 2010 as the first artisanal mezcal crafted specifically for mix…
What Is The Cantarito?
The Cantarito is a classic Mexican cocktail named after the traditional clay cup it’s served in, known as a “cantarito.” This drink has been part of Mexican culture for generations and, although it’s traditionally made with tequila, today we’re giving it an equally authentic twist using mezcal, a spirit deeply rooted in regions like Oaxaca, the heartland of artisanal mezcal.
Mezcal is the perfect match for this cocktail, bringing its signature smoky profile and exceptional smoothness that enhances the fresh, citrusy flavors. A must-try for any fan of bold and traditional Mexican drinks.
Do you want to understand why mezcal has a smoky flavor? Check out our article for the full breakdown.
Popolada Cocktail
The Popolada is a tropical-meets-herbal mezcal highball featuring Del Maguey Vida Puebla.…
Mangonada with Mezcal: a sweet, spicy twist on a Mexican classic
The Mangonada cocktail blends ripe mango, bright lime, chamoy, and chili with smoky Del Ma…
Verde Drink Recipe: A Fresh Mezcal Cocktail with a Green Kick
The Verde is a refreshing, herbal mezcal cocktail with a subtle smoky depth from Del Mague…
The Piña: A Perfect Blend of Mezcal and Pineapple
The Piña Cocktail pairs smoky mezcal with fresh pineapple for a vibrant tropical twist. Ea…
Flor de Piña
Flor de Piña is a mezcal cocktail inspired by the tropical flavors of Oaxaca. It combines…
High Desert Swizzle
Smoky mezcal meets bright lime and a vibrant strawberry shrub in this refreshing High Dese…
Sforzando: A Bold Mezcal Experience
The Sforzando cocktail is a bold agave-forward expression that balances smoky mezcal with…
Pink Ghost
What Is the Pink Ghost? The Pink Ghost is a lush, tropical-style mezcal cocktail by Carlos…
