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verde drink

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

Summer's Here

The Verde is a refreshing, herbal mezcal cocktail with a subtle smoky depth from Del Maguey. Vibrant and smooth, it’s easy to make at home and perfect for sunny afternoons or evenings with friends.

Date
June 26, 2025

Ingredients

44 mlDel Maguey Vida Clásico Mezcal
22 mlfresh lime juice
22 mlsimple 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
Servings

Instructions

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

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.

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.

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Verde Drink Recipe FAQ

Any expression works — the recipe lists our recommendation. Vida Clásico and Vida Puebla are approachable, versatile choices for most cocktails, while single village expressions like Chichicapa or Tobalá add more distinctive character.
Del Maguey mezcales are balanced rather than aggressively smoky. In a cocktail, the smoke softens into a warm, roasted-agave depth — citrus, sweetness, and dilution round it out, so the drink stays bright and easy to enjoy.
We recommend freshly squeezed every time. Bottled juice loses the aromatic oils and bright acidity that balance the mezcal, and the difference is easy to taste in a three- or four-ingredient recipe.
Yes. Agave syrup and simple syrup are usually interchangeable, most orange liqueurs can stand in for each other, and garnishes are flexible. Keep the mezcal, the citrus, and the proportions, and the drink will hold together.
Use the Shop Now link at the top of the page to order online, or Find Us to locate a store or bar near you that carries Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal.