Nine Mezcal Cocktail Recipes
Travel Distilled brings you nine mezcal cocktail recipes including mezcal twists on classic cocktails and some smoky and spicy mezcal cocktails.
Classic Mezcal Cocktails
If you’re a fan of the smoky Mexican spirit mezcal, and want to create some cocktails to showcase its unique flavor, you should start by looking at some classic cocktail recipes. Cocktails which feature either tequila or whiskey (peaty whiskeys rather than the smoother bourbons) can easily be made but using mezcal as the base spirit. They’ll be familiar but different.
I’m not giving instructions for each of the cocktails, which will mostly be the same every time: mix the ingredients together in a cocktail shaker, shake, pour over ice, add garnish if required.
- Mezcal Margarita:
2 oz mezcal
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz agave nectar
Lime wheel for garnish
Salt for rim (optional)
- Mezcal Negroni:
1 oz mezcal
1 oz Campari
1 oz sweet vermouth
Orange peel for garnish
- Mezcal Old Fashioned:
2 oz mezcal
1 sugar cube
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Smoky and Spicy Mezcal Cocktails
It’s surprising what a difference using mezcal can make to the taste of familiar drinks. Take the Moscow Mule, a drink I love for its simplicity – grab a can of ginger beer, a squeeze of lime juice and some vodka.
Well, just try it with mezcal instead of vodka. It takes the drink to a whole other level, by adding some smokiness to the spicy ginger. It may be a bit strong for some people tastewise, but you should certainly give it a try. The same with a Paloma, normally made with tequila. Give it a twist by using mezcal instead, and by using different mezcals for slightly different results.
- Smoky Mezcal Mule:
2 oz mezcal
4 oz ginger beer
1 oz lime juice
Lime wheel and jalapeño slice for garnish
- Spicy Mezcal Paloma:
2 oz mezcal
4 oz grapefruit soda
1 oz lime juice
Tajín seasoning for rim
Lime wheel and jalapeño slice for garnish
Unique Mezcal Cocktails
Try making a typical sour cocktail but using mezcal instead of whiskey. Or try a daiquiri with mezcal instead of rum.
- Mezcal Sour:
2 oz mezcal
1 oz lemon juice
1 oz simple syrup
1 egg white
Orange bitters
Orange peel for garnish
- Mezcal Daiquiri:
2 oz mezcal
1 oz lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Lime wheel for garnish
Adventurous Mezcal Cocktails
Here are some other ideas for mezcal cocktail recipes, starting with a Mezcal Manhattan!
- Mezcal Manhattan:
2 oz mezcal
1 oz sweet vermouth
2-3 dashes Angostura bitters
Cherry and orange peel for garnish
- Mezcal Paper Plane:
1 oz mezcal
1 oz Aperol
1 oz Amaro Nonino
1 oz lemon juice
Lemon peel for garnish
Tips for Making Great Mezcal Cocktails:
- Choose a good quality mezcal: The quality of your mezcal will significantly impact the flavor of your cocktail.
- Experiment with different mezcals: Different mezcals have different flavor profiles, so don’t be afraid to experiment.
- Balance the flavors: Mezcal can be smoky and intense, so balance it with sweet, sour, and bitter flavors.
- Garnish wisely: A good garnish can elevate your cocktail.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative: Mezcal is a versatile spirit, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and techniques.
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