From Mezcal with Love: 7 Simple yet Exquisite Cocktail Recipes
From Mezcal with Love: 7 Simple yet Exquisite Cocktail Recipes
If you want to become an expert in preparing mezcal cocktails, keep reading this article, where I will show you some of the best drinks made with this trendy Mexican spirit.
As you may already know, artisanal mezcal is an alcoholic beverage of Mexican origin that is obtained by cooking specific varieties of the maguey plant, implementing pre-Hispanic, ancestral and traditional processes.
Between 12 and 15 different agave species are used for elaboration, each with original properties, flavors, and smells that give mezcal a special character.
Mezcal has a smoky, citric, and earthy flavor, making cocktail mixing a bit challenging.
Why make a cocktail with mezcal?
A cocktail is a mixture of carbonated, fermented, distilled, or non-liquor beverages, as well as juices, flavorings, herbs, and other ingredients, creating unique flavors, colors, and smells.
You may want to read: How to Drink Mezcal Like a Pro: Tips and Guide
Preparing cocktails with mezcal is an excellent opportunity to experiment and taste different flavors, tones, and smells, besides being the perfect way to incorporate into mixology one of the most representative drinks of Mexican culture with international recognition.
Discover the best cocktails with mezcal
Here are some excellent mezcal cocktails for you to make at home and surprise your friends. Enjoy!
1. Mojito with mezcal
To give a different flavor to your Mojito, you will substitute one of the most classic distillates, such as rum, for mezcal.
You’ll need a spoon with which to incorporate everything, a wooden muddler, a tall glass, and the following ingredients (for one serving):
- 45 ml of your favorite mezcal
- 3 or 4 ice cubes
- 2 tbsp of agave honey
- 6 fresh mint leaves, washed and disinfected
- 120 ml of club soda
- 3 limes (juice)
Process:
- Place the mint leaves and the agave honey in the glass
- With the help of the wooden muddler, GENTLY crush the leaves until you perceive the smell of mint; barely crush them (don’t make pesto out of it)
- Add the mezcal and the rest of the ingredients
- You can garnish the glass with a mint leaf and/or lime wedge
2. Hibiscus mezcal cocktail
One thing I learned being a bartender is that hibiscus and mezcal are a perfect match. So this is probably one of my favorite cocktails ever.
Ingredients:
- 40 ml of hibiscus concentrate (unsweetened)
- 45 ml of your favorite mezcal (preferably Pechuga Mezcal)
- One lime juice
- Ice
- 3 tbsp of natural syrup
- 1 slice of lime
- Tajin
Process:
- Moisten the top of the glass with lime juice and rim with Tajin
- Pour the lime juice, hibiscus concentrate, syrup, and mezcal into a shaker and mix vigorously
- Serve the mixture in the glass over fresh ice and garnish with a lime wedge
3. Poblano mezcal cocktail
This is one of the most popular mezcal cocktails, and the state of Puebla inspires its name; the following ingredients are necessary to prepare this delicious drink:
- 30 ml of rosemary syrup
- 60 ml of your favorite mezcal
- 30 ml of chile ancho liqueur (made in Puebla)
- 30 ml of pineapple juice
Process:
- Pour the syrup, mezcal, pineapple juice, and liqueur into a shaker
- Shake until all ingredients are perfectly incorporated
- Serve in a glass over fresh ice. If you wish, garnish it with a sprig of rosemary or an ancho chili
4. Smoked strawberry cocktail
This DELICIOUS cocktail integrates mezcal, strawberry, and chili in its preparation; its combination of sweet, citric, and spicy flavors has become the favorite of many.
Ingredients:
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- 4 strawberries
- 2 tbsp of chili powder
- 50 ml of mezcal
- 4 tsp lime juice
- 30 ml of strawberry liqueur
Process:
- Cut the stem and the strawberries into slices and place them together with the sugar in a shaker, making sure to mix everything very well (you’ll need to muddle them first)
- Add the rest of the ingredients with a little ice and shake again
- Frost a glass with the chili powder on all its edges and serve the drink (always serve over fresh ice. Never the same ice used in the shaker)
5. Cape Cod mezcal
For an extraordinary and refreshing taste, mix some mezcal, cranberry juice, and lime soda and surprise your guests’ palate with this Cape Cod twist.
Ingredients:
- Ice to taste
- 1 strawberry for garnish
- 45 ml of mezcal
- 30 ml of cranberry juice
- 30 ml of lemon soda
Process:
- Pour the mezcal and cranberry juice into a tall glass
- Place the ice cubes and fill with lemon soda
- Garnish with the strawberry
6. Smoky Paloma
The Paloma is a trendy and tasty Mexican tequila-based drink.
Replacing the tequila with mezcal and grapefruit will provide citric sensations and a smoky flavor, besides being very easy to prepare.
Ingredients:
- Salt to taste
- 45 ml of mezcal
- 2 tbsp of lime juice
- 1 tbsp of sugar
- 120 ml of club soda
- ¼ cup fresh grapefruit juice
- Ice to taste
Elaboration:
- Rim the glass with lemon and Tajin (or salt)
- Place the ice cubes, mezcal, sugar, lemon juice, soda, and grapefruit juice in a tall glass and mix well
7. Mezcal spritzer
Inspired by a classic Italian drink known as Aperol spritz, it has bitter flavors that combine perfectly with mezcal, herbs, and orange, so don’t hesitate to include it in your list of best mezcal cocktails.
Ingredients:
- 45 ml of mezcal
- 30 ml of Aperol
- 15 ml of red wine
- Sparkling wine
- 1 sprig of rosemary
- Ice to taste
Process:
In a wine glass, place the mezcal, the Aperol, the red wine, and the ice and fill the rest with the sparkling wine.
Stir well with a spoon and garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Now that you know how to prepare these incredible mezcal cocktails, you’re ready to surprise your friends at your next gathering. Salud!
