Add ice and shake. Garnish with a lime wedge. Speaking of which, I highly recommend opting for the latter and trying these 17 sensational mezcal cocktails. - Cocktail Contessa Ingredients Produce 1/2 oz Ancho reyes Condiments 1/2 oz Vanilla simple syrup Frozen 1 Tangerine or orange popsicle Beer, Wine & Liquor 1 oz Tequila reposado 12 drops Woodford reserve orange bitters Other 1 oz Mezcal more Mezcal Cocktails Frozen Cocktails Vanilla We are sorry that this post was not useful for you! This is another great choice for mezcal novices. The fresh watermelon makes it seriously juicy while the mezcal builds complexity. Vanilla extract may be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place up to 5 years. 4 (5- to 7-inch) vanilla bean pods, split. This recipe from bartender Kenta Goto calls for sake and fragrant maraschino instead of vermouth. The mix of ingredients is truly sublime. This spirit-forward recipe from San Diego bartender Erick Castro combines mezcal with sweet vermouth, the Italian liqueur Strega, and a dash of grapefruit bitters. The request was in reference to recipes in "Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide: How to Mix Drinks," published 18 years prior. The Mezcal adds a distinct smokiness to the drink, while the Reposado Tequila provides notes of oak and vanilla. Victor Bergeron, the chain's owner, included a recipe for the cocktail in his cocktail manual in 1946 and on his menus in 1947 (via VinePair). Get the recipe for Sierra Madre Sunrise . According to The Daily Beast, the band was brought to the Trident restaurant for drinks to relax after the infamous and fatal Hell Angels incident in 1972. The El Diablo is a throwback cocktail credited to the tiki-chain legend Trader Vic's. We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. Reverse dry shake (shake with ice) and strain ice from the tin. The creamy, rich vanilla and slight hint of salt and caramelized flavors in the graham cracker crust just bounced and played with the cinnamon and ripe pineapple. Ingredients 1 cup ice, or as needed 1 ounces mezcal 1 ounces amaretto liqueur (such as Disaronno) 1 slice lime Directions Fill a rocks glass with ice. The agave is roasted in underground pits before being distilled, giving it a smoky taste that is not found in other spirits. In this refined form, the Division Bell is exceptionally balanced, with the Aperol's slight bittersweetness countered by the dryness of the maraschino liqueur. 11 Mezcal Cocktail Recipes Worth Giving a Shot - Insider More: Tequila Drinks More Exciting Than A Margarita, 1 oz Cointreau2 oz mezcal1 oz fresh lime juice1 oz mango juice. This infuses the agave pias with a rich smokiness, which is what makes the spirit so unique and complex. Like a classic julep, we like to serve the drink in a metal cup with tons of crushed ice. Vanilla Cocktails It will add an extra kick that will taste smashing with the mango. Youll want either a large pitcher or punch bowl for this batch cocktail. In recent years, the El Diablo has seen quite the comeback and is more popular today than ever before, becoming a fan-favorite at bars (tiki and otherwise) all around the globe. blanco tequila, 1 oz. Because of that, it's common for cocktails that call for mezcal to be "split base," meaning they use mezcal along with another spirit to create a more balanced drink. Garnish with grapefruit wedge and rosemary sprig. Store in a cool (65F to 75F), dry place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking once a week. Melt 3 tablespoons (or 50 grams) butter in a saucepan This cocktail was created by Ben Long at the now-defunct John Dory Oyster Bar in New York while the late Sasha Petraske was consulting on the cocktail menu. The smoky flavor of Mezcal perfectly complements the sweetness of mango, while the lemon and lime add a tangy twist to the drink. When it comes to creating mezcal tequila cocktails, bartenders have a lot of options. Yet, julep itself refers to a spirit-based beverage served over crushed ice. To make the division bell, combine all ingredients into a shaker with ice. Avocado Cordial, and oz. Simple substitutions such as bourbon for gin, dry vermouth for sweet, and another bitter aperitivo for Campari can turn this equal parts template into something new and exciting with ease. Get the recipe for Marrakesh Express (Pomegranate Mezcal Cocktail With Harissa) . Place twist at bottom of glass. During that same time, Bermejo was introduced to agave nectar and was able to track down the ingredient in a health food store. The entrepreneurs saw what was right in front of them and they came up with a cocktail that remedied all three problems. 0.5 oz Simple syrup. There's an old fashioned for every season. While the Division Bell is similar to the Last Word in concept, it differs in execution. It has a growing appeal among people who are interested in craft, tradition and natural production. Photo by Paul H. Christian, Food Styling by Michele Figliuolo, Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Michelle Gatton, Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Drew Aichele, Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Olivia Mack Anderson, Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Lillian Chou, Gieves Anderson, food styling by Anna Hampton. The simple Old Fashioned riff combines a split base of reposado tequila and mezcal with agave nectar and Angostura bitters. I find the loud color of this concoction to be incredibly alluring. Combine the chicken and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. With only five ingredients, this drink is easy to make and takes only a few extra minutes to prepare. It's not exactly toddy season, but if you find yourself needing to warm up on a chilly summer night, try this mixture of smoky mezcal, Green Chartreuse, spicy ginger beer, mole bitters, and cinnamon. Can be served 'up' or on 'the rocks.' This cocktail is perfect for those who love a little spice and smokiness in their drinks. Shake well. Her infectious enthusiasm for all things culinary makes her the perfect person to guide you through the often confusing world of gastronomy. Created by Phil Ward at New York Citys Death & Co in 2007, this drink was one of the first to put mezcal cocktails on the map in the U.S. It calls for a dazzling mix of Mezcal, jalapeno, mint, and brown sugar. Step 2. Fleming also recommends trying this cocktail with Fee Brothers Aztec Chocolate bitters, but Angostura or orange bitters work quite well, too. 1. To tone down the booze, youll add a dash of Angostura bitters and agave syrup. While agave spirits shine in sour-style cocktails, they can also show surprising versatility in stirred drinks. 0.75 oz Passion fruit liqueur (CHINOLA is our fave) 0.75 oz Lime juice. Muddled cucumber and cilantro and a jicama garnish help to balance the spice. We mix in bittersweet Aperol and tart lemon juice, and from there it's a little bit of a choose-your-own-adventure situationfinish with Angostura bitters for a spicy-earthy-cinnamony flavor or use chocolate bitters to play up the Aperol's orangey side. This bright, lively cocktail encapsulates a Mexican paradise in a glass. The cup is made of red clay, with applied enamel on Mexican Hot Chocolate. We mix the Chartreuse with Dolin Blanc Vermouth and mezcal in a 1:1:2 ratio and add in a few drops of grapefruit bitters, then serve with a grapefruit twist. Mezcal is an agave-based spirit known for its smoky flavor profile. Once its heated up, you can add in sugar, vanilla bean paste, and chili powder. If not, ordering one at a cocktail bar will most likely be followed by a nod of approval from the bartender. Made with mezcal instead of tequila, this cocktail has a distinct smoky taste that is perfectly balanced with the tartness of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice and lime juice. Smoky Mezcal-Fig Sour. This sunny-hued margarita has smoky cumin salt on the rimit's the perfect partner for your first grilled wings of the season. This versionwhich some call the king of mezcal cocktailspairs reposado tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and Angostura. If you're looking for a tasty tequila experience akin to drinking a fine whiskey or Scotch, then give the Don Julio double barrel reposado Lagavulin cask a try. Just like the Martinez, the 1910 is a stirred cocktail. A negroni is already a sweet and bitter drink. Shake. Mezcal is an especially good match for vanilla beans from Mexico and Madagascar, which also have a smoky flavor profile. Muddling the peppery greens and some fennel fronds gives this drink a fresh-from-the-garden flavor. 1 oz Cointreau. Throughout cocktail history, there have been a handful of classic tequila cocktails, and even fewer that featured mezcal. The Tequila Sunrise recognized and mixed by drinkers and bartenders today is the iconic three-ingredient cocktail consisting of tequila, grenadine, and orange juice. It may not be the cheapest stuff, but thats part of what makes it fancy. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds. Created by Phil Ward at New York Citys Death & Co in 2007, this drink was one of the first to put mezcal cocktails on the map in the U.S. Stir together all ingredients. 2. Get the recipe for Sassy Flower (Hibiscus-Rosemary Mezcal Cocktail) . This floral aperitif made with elderflower liqueur is nice with a fragrant grapefruit twist. Take those berries and pickle them, salad them, shortcake them, and more. Rich, citrusy Mezcal Vago Elote works particularly well here. However, this version gives it a Mexican spin in honor of another spring event, Cinco de Mayo. We are compensated for referring traffic. If I were a mixologist, this cocktail would be my signature drink. The roasted agave is then allowed to ferment using wild yeast. This three-ingredient combination of spirit, lime juice, and ginger beer served in that iconic copper mug is always a direct hit. Needless to say, this cocktail is perfect for a mezcal spin. Ad Choices, 41 Spring Cocktails: Easy Drinks for Right Now. A simpler version can be built in the glass by combining the mezcal, citrus juice, and agave syrup and stirring to combine. Dylan is a freelance writer who specializes in cocktails, spirits, and coffee. Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Contact Us. If you're looking for a new tequila cocktail to add to your repertoire, the Tequila Old Fashioned is definitely worth trying. This one is overflowing with refreshing ingredients that are perfect for any summer occasion. Instructions. Take a sip and let the flavors coat your palate. This pretty gin drink starts with muddled cucumber, makrut lime leaves, and citrus, and it's topped with club soda. It was only a matter of time before mezcal would be tapped to play the role of gin and take the Negroni to new heights. I can't imagine a better way to spend a spring afternoon. The Smoky Mezcal Paloma is a unique and flavorful twist on the classic paloma cocktail. Not only would the mezcal be lost, but the maraschino liqueur would end up dominating the more delicate Aperol and lime juice. But this tropical variation from bar legend Jim Meehanwhich adds muddled cucumber and passion fruit puree to the classic templateis an arguably even more refreshing twist. The agave is then crushed using a horse- or donkey-pulled molina, or by hand or machine. This includes a delightful honey simple syrup and bubbly club soda. vanilla To make the syrup we steep hibiscus tea bags (which should be easy to find at your local supermarket) with a rosemary sprig and mix in some sugar. Made from the agave plant, it is known for its smoky taste and earthy aroma. the difference between tequila and mezcal, strange reason the Moscow Mule was invented. Mezcal Popsicle Cocktail Holy (Pop) Smokes! - Cocktail Contessa La Quebrada Spritz Replacing tequila with mezcal makes this classic even more complex. It's a classic, simple concoctionthough this version gets boosted flavor from an easy mint-infused simple syrup. But while mezcal has risen in popularity in recent years in the US, it may come as a surprise that it's actually older and more traditional than tequila. Ward came up with the drink in 2009 for the opening of Mayahuel, a mezcal-centric cocktail bar in New York's East Village (via The Educated Barfly). 1 bar spoon Mascarpone cheese (optional, but so worth it) A splash of Ros champagne. This lavish, fruity drink is as fresh as an ocean breeze while being bold and daring at the same time. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Garnish with lime wheel through skewer. Its also super simple, so youll be able to kick back in no time. Stir for 15 rotations and strain into desired glass. Its a nice balance of smoky, sweet, and spicy. The name "margarita," translates to "daisy," in Spanish, which is where the name comes from. Nixing the whiskey, this Mexican version is a swift kick of agave spirits. Place vanilla bean pods with seeds intact in a small bottle with a stopper or a canning jar (such as Weck). While it has been a popular drink in Mexico for centuries, it has only recently gained popularity in the United States. Looking for something a little more brooding? ; Aejo tequilas, whichare aged for a minimum of one full year, take on a fuller character, ripe with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak, reminiscent of whiskey, but these all work in harmony with the agave, in this case. From classic margaritas to innovative new drinks, we will showcase the versatility of this unique spirit and provide you with recipes that you can try at home. This cocktail consists of three ingredients and only takes a few minutes of your time. The pub owner, Jack Morgan, was trying to get his own brand of ginger beer up and running. Made with mezcal, tequila, grapefruit soda, and agave, this cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet and tangy flavors with a hint of smokiness. Quick tip: The flavor notes of mezcal can sometimes be very overpowering in cocktails. "It's a great way to introduce people to mezcal.". Strain into a rocks glass over a large piece of ice and garnish with an orange twist. Created by Phil Ward at New York Citys Death & Co in 2007, this drink was one of the first to put mezcal cocktails on the map in the U.S. Combine all ingredients over ice, shake, and strain over fresh ice in rocks glass that has been rimmed with salt. This cocktail from 2021 F&W Game Changer Ashtin Berry rounds out smoky mezcal with spicy-sweet fig-ginger syrup and Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. The combination of Mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters creates a complex and layered flavor profile that is sure to impress any cocktail enthusiast. Youll combine Mezcal with peach 1 cup (8 ounces) mezcal (such as Sombra) Directions Place vanilla bean pods with seeds intact in a small bottle with a stopper or a canning jar (such as Weck). But it hits some of the same notes, while adding complexity by incorporating herbal gin and raspberry preserves instead of vodka and cranberry. Vanilla-Cinnamon Milk Mix: Combine one 12 oz. Muddling peas into your cocktail may be the ultimate seasonal move. The mango juice is the perfect match for the mezcal and tequila. Youll start by combining the milk and water with the Mexican chocolate and cinnamon stick. If you're looking for a new and exciting cocktail to try, the Mezcal Old Fashioned is definitely worth a try. Serve each drink in a glass rimmed with chili powder for an extra dose of heat. The Mango Margarita. Insanely Good Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. While the traditional mule is great, I think this one is even better. Photo by Stephen Kent Johnson, Prop Styling by Kalen Kaminski, Food Styling by Rebecca Jurkevich, Photo by Chelsea Kyle, Food Styling by Kat Boytsova, 43 Strawberry Recipes for Celebrating the Season. Add the tequila and lime juice to the glass, and fill with ice. These Are the 15 Best Mezcal Cocktails - liquor.com