Mezcal, a spirit deeply rooted in the heritage of Mexico, has surged in popularity across the globe for its unique, smoky flavor that lends itself perfectly to cocktail crafting. Unlike tequila, mezcal is produced from a variety of agave plants and often features a more complex, robust profile. This distinctive taste has inspired mixologists to explore new horizons in cocktail creation, making mezcal a star ingredient in contemporary bars and restaurants.
In this article, we dive into the Top 10 mezcal cocktails that showcase the spirit’s extraordinary adaptability and appeal. Whether you’re a seasoned mezcal enthusiast or a curious newcomer ready to experience its intriguing nuances, these cocktails offer something for every palate. As we explore these top picks, you’ll discover how to mix your own mezcal masterpieces and perhaps find a new favorite to add to your cocktail repertoire.
1. Oaxacana Old Fashioned
The Oaxacana Old Fashioned adapts the classic bourbon-based Old Fashioned to highlight mezcal’s smoky notes. This twist showcases the spirit’s versatility and has become a favorite among those seeking a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ shot tequila Altos reposado
- ½ shot Del Maguey Vida Mezcal
- ¼ shot agave syrup
- 4 drops bob chocolate bitters
- Slice of orange (optional)
- Ice cubes
How to make it:
Pour the tequila into a glass filled with ice cubes and stir gently. Add the bob chocolate bitters and agave nectar to taste, though about ¼ shot is recommended. Next, pour in the mezcal, topping up the glass with more ice. Stir all the ingredients together until the mixture is well chilled. Finish by garnishing with a slice of orange to add a citrusy flair.
2. Mezcal Margarita
The Mezcal Margarita swaps the traditional tequila with mezcal, offering a smoky depth to this universally beloved cocktail. This variation has gained popularity as both mezcal enthusiasts and margarita fans appreciate the nuanced difference mezcal brings to the table.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- Slice of Jalapeño (Regulate to taste)
- 1 oz Triple sec or Cointreau
- Salt for the rim (optional)
- Lime wedge or wheel for garnish
- Ice cubes
How to make it:
Muddle a slice of jalapeño in a shaker—adjust the amount for desired heat. Moisten the rim of your glass with lime and optionally dip it in salt. Combine mezcal, fresh lime juice, and triple sec or Cointreau in the shaker with ice, shake vigorously for 20 seconds, then strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a lime wheel or jalapeño slice.
3. Spicy Mezcalita Recipe
The Spicy Mezcalita is a fiery take on the traditional margarita, using mezcal for an added smoky kick and spicy elements like jalapeño or chili to enhance its bold flavors. It reflects the modern cocktail trend of incorporating heat into beloved classics.
Ingredients:
- 1 and half shot of Mezcal
- 3/4 shot of Fresh lime juice
- 3/4 shot of Triple sec
- 1/6 shot of Agave Syrup
- Salt for the rim (optional)
- 8 drops of Margarita Bitters
- Ice cubes
How to make it:
Start by rimming your glass with lime and dipping it in salt for a flavorful contrast. Combine all cocktail ingredients in a shaker, secure the lid, and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. Strain the drink into the rimmed glass, making sure to leave the ice behind. Garnish with a lime wheel or wedge and enjoy the smoky layers of your Mezcalita.
4. Mezcal Sour Cocktail
A smoky adaptation of the classic sour, the Mezcal Sour incorporates the distinctively smoky flavor of mezcal, balanced with the tartness of lemon or lime. This cocktail demonstrates how well mezcal can merge into well-established cocktail formulas.
Ingredients:
- Mezcal Del Maguey: 2 oz
- Fresh Lime Juice: 1 oz
- Agave Syrup: ¾ oz
- Egg White: 1 egg white
- Angostura Bitters: 2-3 dashes
- Ice
- A slice of lime or an orange twist
How to make it:
Begin by placing your cocktail glass in the freezer to get it cold. In a shaker, mix 2 oz of Mezcal Del Maguey, 1 oz of fresh lime juice, and ¾ oz of agave syrup; add an egg white for a creamy texture if you like. Start with a dry shake without ice to emulsify the egg white, then add ice and shake again until the mixture is thoroughly chilled. Double strain the drink into your pre-chilled glass to smooth out ice shards and egg foam, and finish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters, garnished with a lime slice or orange twist.
5. Tia Mia Cocktail
The Tia Mia blends mezcal with rum, combining tropical flavors with the earthy tones of mezcal. It’s a modern cocktail that celebrates the fusion of Caribbean and Mexican influences, making it a standout in the world of mixed drinks.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz white rum
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz orgeat syrup (almond syrup)
- ½ oz orange curaçao
- Lime or mint as garnish (optional)
How to make it:
Start by filling a cocktail shaker with ice, then add 1 oz each of mezcal and white rum. Next, incorporate 3/4 oz of fresh lime juice, using a strainer to keep out any pits, and mix in 1/2 oz each of orgeat syrup and orange curaçao. Vigorously shake the mixture until it’s well combined and chilled. Pour the drink into a glass filled with crushed ice, straining it to ensure smoothness. Garnish with mint and a lime wedge to enhance the cocktail’s appearance and flavor.
6. Mezcal Paloma
A smoky variant of the traditional Paloma, the Mezcal Paloma substitutes tequila with mezcal. The result is a refreshing but complex drink where the grapefruit’s tartness complements the smoky mezcal, perfect for warm weather sipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 shot Mezcal
- 1 1/2 shot Pink Grapefruit Juice
- 1/2 shot Lime Juice
- 1/3 shot Agave Syrup
- Toms Henry Pink Grapefruit soda (or another brand)
- Salt for the rim (optional)
- Grapefruit or lime wedge for garnish
- Ice cubes
How to make it:
Begin by preparing your glass with a salted rim, if desired, by moistening the rim with grapefruit or lime and dipping it in salt. In a shaker, mix mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice. Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, then strain into your glass, ensuring no ice remains. Top with grapefruit soda for added fizziness. Garnish with a grapefruit or lime wedge and savor the aromatic experience before indulging in the smoky, tangy delight of the Mezcal Paloma.
7. Mezcal Manhattan Cocktail
The Mezcal Manhattan is a creative reinterpretation of the classic Manhattan, using mezcal instead of whiskey. This change introduces a smoky sophistication to the drink, appealing to those who enjoy a twist on the traditional.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Del Maguey Mezcal
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
- A cherry or an orange twist for garnish
How to make it:
Start by chilling your cocktail glass in the freezer. In a mixing glass filled with ice, blend mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters thoroughly. Stir until the mixture reaches the desired chill. Strain the concoction into the chilled glass and garnish with a cherry or orange twist for an added touch of flavor and elegance.
8. Mezcal Mule Drink
The Mezcal Mule is an inventive version of the Moscow Mule, where mezcal stands in for vodka. Its popularity underscores mezcal’s adaptability and the growing trend of using it as a base in globally recognized cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces of Mezcal
- 1/2 ounce of fresh lime juice
- 4-6 ounces of ginger beer
- Ice cubes
- Lime wedge for garnish
- Optional: 1/2 ounce of simple syrup or agave nectar for added sweetness
How to make it:
If desired, chill a copper mule mug or highball glass in the freezer. Fill the chilled glass with ice cubes, then add 2 ounces of Mezcal and squeeze in the juice of half a lime (about ½ ounces). Optionally, sweeten with ½ ounce of simple syrup or agave nectar, then top with ginger beer, leaving space for garnish. Gently stir the ingredients, garnish with a lime wedge, and enjoy the smoky, citrusy, and slightly spicy flavors of your Mezcal Mule.
9. Division Bell Cocktail
Named after a Pink Floyd album, the Division Bell cocktail is a modern mezcal mix that balances aperol, maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice with mezcal. It’s known for its striking color and a perfect blend of sweet, sour, and smoky notes.
Ingredients:
- 1 ounce mezcal
- 3/4 ounce Aperol
- 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur
- 3/4 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
- Garnish: grapefruit twist
How to make it:
Start by chilling a coupe glass. In a shaker with ice, mix 1 ounce of mezcal, 3/4 ounce Aperol, 1/4 ounce maraschino liqueur, and 3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds, then strain into the chilled glass. Optionally, enhance the drink by expressing grapefruit twist oils over it, rimming the glass, and using the twist as garnish.
10. Mezcal Negroni
A smoky reinterpretation of the classic Negroni, the Mezcal Negroni swaps gin for mezcal, adding a layer of smokiness that complements the bitter-sweet interplay of Campari and sweet vermouth. It’s a bold cocktail that’s perfect for sipping.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz Del Maguey Mezcal
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth
- 1 oz Amaro
- Orange peel, for garnish
How to make it:
Start by chilling a mixing glass with ice. Combine Del Maguey Mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Amaro over the ice and stir gently for about 30 seconds to ensure it’s well-chilled. Strain the cooled mixture into a rocks glass filled with large ice cubes. Finish by expressing an orange peel over the glass to release the aromatic oils and add it as a garnish.
