Verde Drink Recipe: A Fresh Mezcal Cocktail with a Green Kick

 Looking for a mezcal cocktail that’s refreshing, herbal, and just a little smoky? The Verde drink might be your next go-to. Made with fresh green ingredients and the unmistakable depth of Del Maguey mezcal, this cocktail is vibrant, smooth, and easy to prepare at home.

Whether you’re relaxing on a sunny patio or kicking off an evening with friends, the Verde drink delivers crisp flavor and mezcal character in every sip.

What Is the Verde Drink?

The Verde drink is a mezcal-based cocktail that highlights fresh, green ingredients like cucumber and herbs to balance the smokiness of the mezcal. The name “Verde” (Spanish for green) perfectly reflects its vibrant color and botanical flavor profile.

Unlike sweet tropical cocktails, this one leans clean, earthy, and aromatic—ideal for mezcal lovers who enjoy a lighter, more refreshing style.

Ingredients for the Verde Drink

To prepare one Verde drink, you’ll need:

• 1 1/2 oz Del Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal
  
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
  
• 3/4 oz simple syrup
  
• 3 cucumber slices (plus more for garnish)
  
• 6–8 fresh cilantro leaves (or parsley if preferred)
  
• Ice
  
• Pinch of salt
  

Optional Garnish:

• Cucumber ribbon or lime wheel
  

How to Make the Verde Drink

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Muddle the greens
   In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the cucumber slices and cilantro leaves with the lime juice.
   
2. Add remaining ingredients
   Add the Del Maguey Vida Clásico, simple syrup, a pinch of salt, and ice.
   
3. Shake
   Shake vigorously for 15 seconds to combine and chill.
   
4. Strain and serve
   Double strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass. Add ice if serving over rocks.
   
5. Garnish
   Finish with a cucumber ribbon or a fresh lime wheel.
   

Tips to Perfect Your Verde Drink

• Use fresh herbs: Cilantro works best, but parsley offers a milder alternative.
  
• Double strain to avoid bits of herbs or cucumber seeds in the glass.
  
• Adjust sweetness: Add more or less syrup depending on your taste.
  
• Spice it up: Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the muddle for heat.
  

Best Mezcal for the Verde Drink

For a cocktail that balances smoky depth with fresh herbal notes, Del Maguey Vida Clásico is the ideal choice. This artisanal mezcal has a smooth yet pronounced smokiness that complements the green ingredients beautifully.

Its clean finish and earthy tones make it versatile for cocktails while still retaining its character. For anyone new to mezcal or longtime fans, Vida Clásico is the perfect base spirit for the Verde drink.

Try More Mezcal Cocktails from Del Maguey

If you enjoy the Verde drink, you’ll love exploring other recipes from Del Maguey. For something with a deeper spice and bold flavor, try the Poblano drink. It pairs roasted poblano pepper with mezcal for a smoky kick.

Del Maguey is all about honoring traditional Oaxacan mezcal-making while celebrating creativity in cocktails. Whether you prefer your drinks green, spicy, or fruity, there’s always something new to try.