Top 14 Cocktails with Mezcal

If you love cocktails with depth and complexity, mezcal is the perfect base. These Top 14 Cocktails with Mezcal highlight its smoky richness and pair it with vibrant, complementary ingredients. Explore these exciting recipes and bring mezcal magic to your glass!

Mezcal Margarita

A Mezcal Margarita offers a unique twist with its smoky flavor. It’s perfect for those who love a classic drink with a little flair.

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces mezcal
• 1 ounce tequila
• 1 ounce Cointreau or triple sec
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 1 teaspoon agave syrup (optional)
• Flaky sea salt for rim
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Salt the Rim: Moisten the rim of a glass with lime. Dip into flaky sea salt.
2. Mix Ingredients: Combine mezcal, tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, and agave syrup in a shaker.
3. Shake: Add ice cubes. Shake well until cold.
4. Serve: Strain into the prepared glass. Add ice if desired.

The Mezcal Margarita combines the smokiness of mezcal with the brightness of lime. It’s a bold take on the traditional margarita. This cocktail is sure to surprise your palate. Enjoy it on a warm evening or when you want something special.

Mezcal Negroni

The Mezcal Negroni offers a smoky twist on the classic cocktail. Mezcal replaces gin, providing an earthy depth. It’s a drink for those who appreciate bold flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1 oz mezcal
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 1 oz Campari

Instructions:

• Fill a mixing glass with ice.
• Add the mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Campari.
• Stir for 30 seconds until chilled.
• Strain into an Old Fashioned glass over ice.
• Garnish with an orange twist.

Smoky mezcal balances the herbal bitterness of Campari. The orange twist adds a bright citrus aroma, enhancing the drink’s complexity. This cocktail is both classic and modern, suitable for any cocktail enthusiast. Enjoy this unique take on the traditional Negroni.

Mezcal Paloma

The Mezcal Paloma is a refreshing cocktail. It combines smoky mezcal with citrus flavors. You can easily make it at home. Follow these steps for a delicious drink.

Ingredients:

• 1 ounce mezcal
• 1 ounce tequila
• 1.5 ounces fresh grapefruit juice
• 0.5 ounce fresh lime juice
• 0.5 ounce simple syrup or honey
• Flaky sea salt or chili salt for the rim
• Sparkling water for topping
• Ice
• Grapefruit wedge for garnish

Instructions:

Prepare your glass.

• Cut a notch in a grapefruit wedge.
• Rub it around the glass rim.
• Dip the rim in salt.

Combine the ingredients.

• In a shaker, mix mezcal, tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and syrup.

Shake it up.

• Add ice to the shaker.
• Shake until cold.

Strain and serve.

• Pour the mix into the prepared glass.
• Add ice if needed.

Top and garnish.

• Add a splash of sparkling water.
• Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

Enjoy your Mezcal Paloma! The smoky notes of mezcal and the citrus tang create a balanced flavor. Perfect for any occasion.

Mezcal Mule

A Mezcal Mule is a smoky twist on the classic Moscow Mule. This cocktail substitutes mezcal, a smoky Mexican spirit, for vodka. This gives the drink a unique, rich depth.

To make a Mezcal Mule, you need:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• Ginger beer to top off
• Lime wedge for garnish
• Ice

Instructions:

1. Fill a glass with ice.
2. Pour mezcal and lime juice over the ice.
3. Top with ginger beer.
4. Stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge.

Serve your Mezcal Mule in a copper mug for a traditional experience. Enjoy its refreshing flavor with a hint of smokiness.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned

The Oaxacan Old Fashioned is a bold cocktail that blends mezcal’s smoke with tequila’s smoothness. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic favorite.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz mezcal
• 0.5 oz reposado tequila
• 1 tsp agave nectar
• 2 dashes bitters
• Orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

1. Combine mezcal, tequila, agave nectar, and bitters in a glass.
2. Stir with ice until well-mixed and chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a glass with a large ice cube.
4. Garnish with an orange twist.

This cocktail balances the deep, earthy flavors of agave spirits. Mezcal brings a smoky edge, while tequila adds depth. The orange twist enhances the drink’s aroma, making each sip delightful.

Naked and Famous Cocktail

The Naked and Famous cocktail is a delightful mix of mezcal and other vibrant ingredients. Invented in 2011 by bartender Joaquín Simó, this drink originates from New York City’s Death & Co bar. It’s known for its equal parts formula, combining smoky mezcal with other bold flavors.

Here’s how you can make it:

• 0.75 oz mezcal
• 0.75 oz Aperol
• 0.75 oz Yellow Chartreuse
• 0.75 oz lime juice

Instructions:

1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add mezcal, Aperol, Yellow Chartreuse, and lime juice.
3. Shake until the mixture is well-chilled, about 8-10 seconds.
4. Strain into a chilled coupe glass.

Enjoy this cocktail’s unique balance of smoky and citrusy notes. The mezcal brings a distinct smokiness, complemented by the sweetness of the Aperol and Chartreuse. Perfect for a sophisticated cocktail evening at home.

Mezcal Sour

Mezcal Sour is a delightful cocktail combining smoky mezcal with citrus. This unique drink offers a perfect balance of flavors and a smooth texture.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces mezcal: Provides the signature smoky flavor.
• 1 ounce fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness.
• 1 ounce agave syrup: Balances the tartness.
• Cocktail foamer or 1 egg white: Creates a frothy top.

Instructions

• Step 1: Add ice to a cocktail shaker. Pour in the mezcal, lemon juice, agave syrup, and either cocktail foamer or egg white.
• Step 2: Shake well without ice for about 15 seconds. This step helps emulsify the egg white or foamer.
• Step 3: Add ice to the shaker. Shake again for 30 seconds to chill and mix the ingredients thoroughly.
• Step 4: Strain into a glass. A fine mesh strainer works best for a smooth drink.
• Step 5: Optionally, garnish with a lemon twist. This adds a hint of citrus fragrance.

Mezcal Manhattan

The Mezcal Manhattan is a modern twist on a classic cocktail. You replace the traditional rye or bourbon with mezcal for a smoky flavor. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a rich and complex taste profile.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes bitters
• Cherry or orange twist for garnish

Instructions:

• Chill your cocktail glass in the freezer.
• In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters with ice.
• Stir well until the mixture is chilled.
• Strain into the chilled glass.
• Garnish with a cherry or orange twist.

Mezcalita (Spicy Mezcal Margarita)

A Mezcalita brings a smoky twist to the classic margarita. This cocktail combines mezcal’s unique flavor with a touch of spice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a bold drink.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz lime juice
• 1 oz pineapple juice
• 1 oz triple sec or orange liqueur
• 1/2 oz agave syrup
• Sliced jalapeños for spice
• Salt and chili powder for rimming

Instructions:

• Rim the glass with lime juice. Dip it in a mix of salt and chili powder.
• Place ice in a cocktail shaker. Combine mezcal, lime juice, pineapple juice, triple sec, and agave syrup.
• Add jalapeños to taste. Shake until chilled.
• Strain into your prepared glass over fresh ice.

Mezcalitas are known for their bold flavors that dance on the palate. The smoky mezcal combines with citrus and spice for a refreshing drink. Each sip is a journey into vibrant flavors.

Mezcal Spritz

A Mezcal Spritz is a refreshing take on the classic spritz. It combines smoky mezcal with citrus and bubbles for a vibrant cocktail.

Ingredients for Mezcal Spritz:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz fresh orange juice
• 0.5 oz Aperol or Campari
• Club soda
• Ice
• Orange slice and strawberries, for garnish

Instructions:

• Fill a large wine glass with ice.
• Add mezcal, fresh orange juice, and Aperol or Campari.
• Top with club soda.
• Garnish with an orange slice and strawberries.
• Stir gently before serving.

This drink balances the earthy notes of mezcal with the sweetness of orange juice. The addition of Aperol or Campari adds a bitter complexity. It’s an ideal cocktail for warm weather and social gatherings.

Mezcal Mojito

The Mezcal Mojito offers a bold twist on the classic mojito. Mezcal introduces a smoky note, adding depth to the refreshing mint and citrus flavors.

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 3/4 oz agave syrup
• 6-8 fresh mint leaves
• 2 fresh strawberries, sliced
• Splash of club soda
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

• Gently muddle the mint and strawberries in a cocktail shaker.
• Add mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup.
• Fill the shaker with ice.
• Shake until well-chilled.

Pour the mixture into a glass over fresh ice. Top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with a mint sprig and a strawberry slice.

Mezcal Bloody Maria

Experience the bold flavors of a Mezcal Bloody Maria. This smoky twist on the classic cocktail will refresh your senses.

Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients:

• 2 oz mezcal
• 4 oz Clamato or tomato juice
• 0.5 oz lemon juice
• A dash of Worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon horseradish
• Pinch of salt
• Celery salt for rim
• Ice cubes

Instructions:

Prepare the Glass:

• Wet the rim with lemon juice.
• Dip in celery salt to coat.

Make the Drink:

• In a pitcher, combine mezcal, Clamato, lemon juice, Worcestershire, horseradish, and salt.
• Stir well.

Serving:

• Add ice to the prepared glass.
• Pour the mixture over the ice.
• Garnish with a celery rib and a lemon wedge.

Mezcal Last Word

When crafting a Mezcal Last Word, balance is key. This cocktail is known for its equal mix of all ingredients, which creates a harmonious blend.

To make the perfect Mezcal Last Word, gather these ingredients:

• ¾ oz Mezcal
• ¾ oz Green Chartreuse
• ¾ oz Maraschino liqueur
• ¾ oz Fresh lime juice

Follow these simple steps:

1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
2. Shake until well-chilled.
3. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.

This potent mixture offers a refreshing and smoky twist on the classic Last Word. The mezcal’s distinctive flavor enhances the cocktail’s complexity. Enjoy exploring this exciting mezcal cocktail.

Smoke and Mirrors Cocktail

The Smoke and Mirrors Cocktail offers an intriguing mix of flavors. This drink blends mezcal’s smoky essence with other bold ingredients. It’s perfect for those who seek complex and exciting cocktails.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ oz mezcal (Del Maguey Vida recommended)
• ⅓ oz orange curaçao liqueur
• ⅓ oz chili liqueur
• Ice

Instructions

• Shake all ingredients with ice. Strain into a shaker.
• Dry shake without ice.
• Fine strain into a chilled glass.
• Garnish if desired, to add an extra layer of aroma and flavor.