Ready to take your cocktail game to a smoky new level? Dive into these 20 mezcal wonders that promise to be the talk of your next party.
Smoky Margarita
Mezcal is a traditional Mexican spirit known for its rich, smoky flavor that comes from roasting agave plants in earthen pits. It’s like tequila’s intriguing, mysterious cousin.
In this smoky margarita, the bright, zesty lime meets the deep, earthy notes of mezcal. It’s a blend that speaks to adventurers and connoisseurs alike.
What makes mezcal so special in a smoky margarita? Each sip transports you to Oaxaca, where mezcal is crafted, offering a taste of its rich cultural heritage.
Mezcal Paloma
The Mezcal Paloma uses this agave-based spirit to add a smoky depth that’s both unexpected and delightful. Palomas normally use tequila, but mezcal will work beautifully.
Drinking the Mezcal Paloma feels like sipping on sunshine. It includes a blend of tart grapefruit, a hint of lime, and the smoky undertones of mezcal.
Like a margarita, a Paloma includes a salted glass rim, which ties all the flavors together. Sweet, salty, sour — it all comes together here.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a sophisticated blend where mezcal plays a starring role. Its smoky depth works really well with the Old Fashioned’s essence.
The beauty of the Oaxaca Old Fashioned lies in its simplicity and depth. Unlike the other cocktails here, this one is usually made with whiskey, not tequila.
However, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a drink in and of itself. It combines tequila and mezcal, with a dash of agave nectar and bitters.
Mezcal Negroni
When swapped out for gin in a classic Negroni, mezcal introduces a bold twist that’s both complex and balanced. It’s also really strong, so be warned.
The smoky flavor of mezcal dances with the bitter Campari and the sweet vermouth’s richness, creating a cocktail that’s hard to forget. This drink is sure to impress.
The Mezcal Negroni is a hefty drink. It showcases the spirit’s versatility and how a simple substitution can elevate a classic cocktail to new heights.
Smokey Pineapple
Mezcal is like a smoky tequila, bringing a unique depth to your drink. Its distinct flavor comes from the heart of the agave plant, roasted over wood fires.
Combining mezcal with sweet, tropical pineapple creates a refreshing cocktail. It’s like capturing the essence of a beach vacation and a cozy campfire in one glass.
Mezcal’s smokiness paired with the sweet, juicy pineapple balances perfectly, proving that opposites do attract. It’s a must-try for those who love to explore bold flavors.
Mezcal Mule
Mezcal is perfect for those looking to explore beyond the usual spirits. When it comes to jazzing up your cocktails, it’s a game-changer.
Swap out the vodka in your Moscow Mule for mezcal, and you’ll get all that smoky goodness. The ginger beer and lime juice bring out the nuanced flavors.
What is mezcal if not the perfect base for a sophisticated cocktail? The Mezcal Mule proves just that, blending the spirit’s rich notes with ginger beer’s spicy fizz.
Spicy Mezcalita
Mezcal the soul of fiery cocktails. Case in point: the Spicy Mezcalita. This cocktail is a favorite among those who like their drinks with heat.
This cocktail blends mezcal with the fiery kick of jalapeños. It’s a match made in heaven, or should we say, in a lively Mexican cantina.
This will help you cool down on a hot summer day or warm up on a chilly evening. Either way, it promises a tantalizing taste journey.
Mezcal Sour
The Mezcal Sour showcases this spirit beautifully, blending it with the zesty kick of citrus. It pairs unexpectedly well with the sharpness of lemon or lime.
It creates a sip that’s both invigorating and soothing. It’s the perfect drink for those looking to explore the deeper, smokier side of their cocktail repertoire.
What makes the Mezcal Sour truly stand out is its balance. Achieving the perfect mix of sour and smoke requires a bit of finesse, but it’s a flavor symphony.
Cucumber Mezcal
Imagine sipping on a Cucumber Mezcal cocktail on a hot day. The coolness of the cucumber melds perfectly with the mezcal, creating a refreshing drink.
The art of crafting the perfect Cucumber Mezcal cocktail involves a delicate balance. Opt for cucumbers that are organic and fresh, for a cleaner taste.
The freshness of the cucumber slices, the smoky mezcal, a dash of lime for acidity, a hint of sweetness — perfect. It’s a spa day in a glass.
Blackberry Smoke
Mezcal is perfect for crafting cocktails with depth, like the Blackberry Smoke. This drink is a delightful dance of both sweet and savory notes.
Juicy blackberries mingle with the earthy tones of mezcal, creating a bold and refreshing flavor profile. It’s the kind of cocktail that leaves a lasting impression.
Mezcal can transform a good drink into a great one. In the Blackberry Smoke, mezcal’s distinctive smokiness elevates the sweetness of the blackberries.
Espresso Mezcal
How can mezcal transform your cocktails? Well, its rich, earthy flavor makes it perfect for pairing with the boldness of espresso in a cocktail.
Combining mezcal with the sharp kick of espresso, this concoction will awaken your senses. You’ll get introduced you to a whole new world of flavors.
Crafting an Espresso Mezcal is like performing a little alchemy at your home bar. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game.
Pomegranate Mezcal
Pairing mezcal with pomegranate creates a cocktail that’s not just a drink, but an experience. It blends the smoky with the sweet in an unforgettable dance.
When this robust flavor meets the tart sweetness of pomegranate, the result is a pomegranate mezcal cocktail. It’s a feast for both the eyes and the palate.
The vibrant tartness of pomegranate offers a sensory journey from the first sip to the last. It’s a must-try for anyone looking to explore more flavors.
Mezcal Smash
Mezcal pairs beautifully with the bright, fresh flavors of herbs and fruits in a smash cocktail. It’s an experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
When muddled with your favorite fruits and herbs, mezcal creates an intriguing smash cocktail. While smashes traditionally use mint, they’re also really versatile drinks.
You can use tart citrus fruits or sweet summer berries. Either way, mixing them with mezcal will make your next smash ultra-flavorful. It’s a cocktail that invites experimentation.
Honeyed Mezcal
Mezcal makes for a bold base for innovative cocktails, especially when they’re sweet. Pair it with sweet honey, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
The allure of honeyed mezcal lies in its intriguing flavor profile. It blends the earthy tones of mezcal with the natural sweetness of honey.
Creating a honeyed mezcal cocktail is an art. This concoction is perfect for those who appreciate a cocktail with complexity and warmth, making every sip a sweet embrace.
Bloody Mezcal
Taking a classic Bloody Mary to new heights, a splash of mezcal introduces an unexpected smokiness. It complements the tomato’s umami and the spice’s heat.
It’s not just about the kick but the depth of flavor mezcal brings to the table. It makes every sip a smoldering journey through tradition and innovation.
Mezcal works well with the cocktail’s savory notes, creating a harmonious blend that’s both bold and refreshing. It’s a testament to the spirit’s ability to transform familiar favorites.
Mezcal Martinez
Like most of these cocktails, the mezcal martinez swaps one liquor for another. This drink, specifically, exchanges vermouth for mezcal.
If you noticed that “martinez” sounds similar to “martini,” then you picked up on an important aspect of its history. It’s not coincidental.
Martinzes are regarded as a kind of proto-martini. To make, add cocoa bitters, maraschino liqueur, and, of course, mezcal. You could combine it with vermouth.
El Diablo
With a name like “el Diablo,” there’s no doubt that this drink packs a punch. It typically has tequila, but you could easily replace it with mezcal.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, this one’s for you. Any cocktail with ginger beer is guaranteed to be sweet (even though it has a kick).
Aside from the ginger beer, it’s got lime juice and creme de Cassis. If you’re unfamiliar with the latter, it’s a type of black currant liqueur.
Tamarind Mezcalita
A mezcalita is a sweet, tropical drink, packed with citrus fruits and pineapple. Add tart tamarind to the mix, and you’ve got a party in your mouth.
Like you would with any fruit in a cocktail, you shouldn’t add the whole thing. Instead, you’ll want to go for a tamarind syrup or paste.
The flavor is a lot more concentrated that way. You can garnish the cocktail with salt or lime. If you want to go spicier, add chipotle salt.
Smoked Maracuyá
By now, you know that mezcal lends a smoky aftertaste to whatever it’s added to. With this, you’ll only add a few ingredients to bring out that smokiness.
One of those ingredients is passion fruit. If you’re a Spanish speaker (or just looked at the image above), then you might’ve already guessed that.
Aside from a nice passion fruit puree, you’ll add lime juice and agave nectar. You can add other ingredients, but those are the basics.
Blood Orange Mezcal
Like the previous drink, this one also calls for agave nectar. Honestly, it’s just a good idea to keep agave on hand, especially when making mezcal-based cocktails.
Blood oranges taste great, sure, but their vibrant hue is what really makes this drink shine. Garnish it with a few slices, and you’ll have a showstopper.
So, how is it made? You’ll need (surprise, surprise) agave nectar, along with blood orange syrup, sparkling water, and mezcal. Pretty simple, right?