Mezcal Margarita
2 oz mezcal
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz agave nectar
Salt for rim (optional)
Directions:
Rim the edge of a glass with salt (if desired).
Add mezcal, lime juice, and agave nectar to a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into the glass over ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
Mezcal Paloma
2 oz mezcal
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
Grapefruit soda
Salt for rim (optional)
Directions:
Rim the edge of a glass with salt (if desired).
Add mezcal and lime juice to the glass over ice.
Fill the rest of the glass with grapefruit soda.
Stir and garnish with a lime wheel.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
2 oz mezcal
1/2 oz tequila
1/4 oz agave nectar
2 dashes orange bitters
Orange twist for garnish
Directions:
Add mezcal, tequila, agave nectar, and orange bitters to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir well until chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Garnish with an orange twist.
Mezcal Negroni
1 oz mezcal
1 oz sweet vermouth
1 oz Campari
Orange twist for garnish
Directions:
Add mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Campari to a mixing glass with ice.
Stir well until chilled.
Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
Garnish with an orange twist.
Mezcal Last Word
1 oz mezcal
1 oz green Chartreuse
1 oz fresh lime juice
1 oz maraschino liqueur
Lime twist for garnish
Directions:
Add mezcal, green Chartreuse, lime juice, and maraschino liqueur to a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled glass.
Garnish with a lime twist.
Smoky Margarita
2 oz mezcal
1 oz fresh lime juice
3/4 oz agave nectar
1/2 oz orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)
Salt for rim (optional)
Directions:
Rim the edge of a glass with salt (if desired).
Add mezcal, lime juice, agave nectar, and orange liqueur to a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into the glass over ice.
Garnish with a lime wheel.
What Can Mezcal be Mixed With?
Mezcal is a versatile spirit that can be mixed with a variety of ingredients to create delicious cocktails. Here are some common mixers for mezcal:
Citrus juices such as lime, lemon, and grapefruit juice. These add a fresh, tart flavor that pairs well with the smokiness of mezcal.
Sweeteners such as agave nectar, simple syrup, or honey. These balance out the smokiness of mezcal and add a touch of sweetness.
Bitters such as Angostura or orange bitters. These add depth and complexity to mezcal cocktails.
Herbal liqueurs such as Chartreuse or St. Germain. These add a subtle floral or herbal note that complements the smokiness of mezcal.
Fruit juices such as pineapple, mango, or passionfruit juice. These add a tropical twist to mezcal cocktails.
Spices such as chili powder or cinnamon. These add a hint of heat or warmth to mezcal cocktails.
Overall, mezcal can be mixed with a wide range of ingredients, so feel free to experiment and try new combinations to find your favorite mezcal cocktail.
Fast Facts About Mezcal
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, which is native to Mexico. The production process involves roasting the agave hearts, or “piñas,” in underground pits lined with rocks and then crushing them to extract the juice, which is fermented and then distilled. Mezcal has a distinct smoky flavor that comes from the roasting process and can range in color from clear to amber.
What is the Proof of Mezcal?
Mezcal can vary in proof, but it typically ranges from 80 proof (40% alcohol by volume) to 110 proof (55% alcohol by volume).
What are the Different Types of Mezcal?
There are several types of mezcal, which are classified based on the type of agave used, the region where it is produced, and the production method. Some common types of mezcal include:
- Espadín: made from the most common type of agave, Espadín, which has a sweet and floral flavor
- Tobalá: made from the smaller Tobalá agave, which has a more complex and earthy flavor
- Jabalí: made from the wild Jabalí agave, which has a bold and smoky flavor
- Ensamble: a blend of different types of agave that creates a unique flavor profile
- Mezcal Añejo: aged in oak barrels for at least one year, which gives it a smooth and complex flavor
What is the Difference Between Mezcal and Other Types of Distilled Spirits?
Mezcal is often compared to tequila, but there are several differences between the two. Tequila can only be made from one type of agave, the Blue Weber agave, and can only be produced in certain regions of Mexico. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from several types of agave and can be produced in many different regions of Mexico. Mezcal is also typically roasted in underground pits, while tequila is usually roasted in ovens. This gives mezcal its distinctive smoky flavor.
What is the Best Brand of Mezcal?
The best brand of mezcal is subjective and can vary based on personal taste preferences. Some popular brands of mezcal include Del Maguey, Los Danzantes, Ilegal Mezcal, and Montelobos. It is best to try a few different brands and types of mezcal to find the one that you enjoy the most.