We’ve Rounded Up The Best Mezcal Cocktails To Drink Right Now
Even though tequila is considered Mexico’s most iconic liquid spirit, mezcal is the OG and is finally having its moment. Mezcal has been made in Mexico for over 500 years. Considered sacred by the Aztecs, agave has been a Mexican staple for 11,000 years. While both tequila and mezcal are made from agave , they are different; Mezcal has a smokier sip due to roasting the agaves underground rather than cooking them in an oven, as with tequila. Really smoky expressions are best enjoyed neat, like a nice single malt whiskey. However if you prefer an agave-based mixture with intensity, we have rounded up the best Mezcal cocktails to drink right now. Although it may sound simple, replacing tequila with mezcal in a cocktail can be a bit tricky since it is more herbaceous, and potent. Oftentimes, Mezcal is well over 90 proof, where tequila’s standard proof is 80 proof, so keep that in mind if you choose to switch tequila in a recipe for mezcal on your own, or just keep reading this to find the best cocktails to enjoy. Cheers.
EL CURANDERO
Ingredients:
- 1. 5 oz. Hedonistas Espadin mezcal
- .75 oz. Damiana liqueur
- Fresh Lime juice
- .75 oz. Light Agave nectar
- 1 Pinch Pink Himalayan Sea salt
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or tin and shake well over ice. Strain into a margarita glass over an ice sphere. Garnish with an edible flower.
LAST RITE N0. 1
Ingredients:
- .75 oz. Hedonistas Espadin mezcal
- .75 oz. Yellow Chartreuse or Licore Strega
- .75 oz. Italicus Rosolio di Bargamotto
- .75 oz. Fresh Lemon juice
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or tin and shake over ice. Strain the contents straight up into a chilled Nick & Nora or coupe glass. Garnish with a lemon peel.
LA HERMOSA
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Hedonistas Espadin mezcal
- 1. 5 oz. Fresh Ruby red grapefruit juice
- 1. 5 oz. Fresh Lime juice
- 1.5 oz. Light Agave nectar
- 2-3 oz. Grapefruit Soda
Method:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass or tin and shake over ice. Strain the contents into a highball glass over fresh ice. Top off with grapefruit soda and lightly stir. Garnish with thin slice of fresh grapefruit.
MEZCALOMA
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Dos Hombres Mezcal
- Grapefruit soda
- .25 oz Agave Syrup
- .5 oz Lime Juice
Method:
Add Mezcal, Agave, and Lime Juice to your shaker and vigorously shake. Pour into a rocks glass and fill with Grapefruit Soda. Garnish with Dehydrated grapefruit slice.
OAXACAN COFFEE
Ingredients:
- 1.5 oz. Dos Hombres Mezcal
- 1/4 oz. Demerara Syrup
- Cold Brew
- 3 Dashes Chocolate Mole bitters
- 3/4oz. Amaro
Method:
Add ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube
Garnish with expressed orange peel. Enjoy!
DEATH TO EL GUSANO
Ingredients:
- 1. 5oz Dos Hombres Mezcal
- 1 oz Jalapeño/Rosemary Simple Syrup
- 2 Dashes Teapot Bitters
- 3/4oz Lime Juice
Method:
To make the simple syrup, add 1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water, two Jalapeños split or quartered, and a 4-inch sprig of fresh Rosemary. Bring to a boil (be careful boiling), set aside for approximately 24 hours. Strain once there is a bit of heat from jalapeño. Add all ingredients to your shaker and vigorously shake. Serve in a rocks glass and enjoy.
SPICY DOT MARTINI
Ingredients:
- 2 oz Codigo 1530 Artesanal Mezcal
- .5 oz Licor 43
- .5 oz Ancho Reyes Verde
- 2 dashes fire water tincture
- Garnish with Calabrian Chili Oil
Method:
Add ingredients to a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled. Take a dropper and garnish with chili oil. * Add more dots for more spice.
Photos: Courtesy
Here’s What Mixes Well With Vodka For Perfect Drink Experience
Ultimate Guide On How to Drink A Negroni
Refreshing Summer Whiskey Cocktails For Labor Day Parties
Must-Try Refreshing Summer Cocktails To Serve This Season
Incredibly Hip New Outdoor Restaurants In NYC
Surefire Best Places To Enjoy 4th of July In NYC
Spectacular Cocktails You’ll Want For 4th Of July
Discover Best Martini Spots In NYC To Visit
Here Are The Best Rosé Wines Under $25 To Drink