Mezcal is one of the most fascinating spirits in the world of cocktails, and for good reason. It has a deep, smoky flavor that stands out, giving cocktails a unique edge and complexity that tequila and other spirits just can’t match. Mezcal is made from agave (like tequila), but it’s the traditional method of cooking the agave hearts in underground pits that imparts that signature smokiness. Whether you’re sipping it neat, mixing it in a classic cocktail, or experimenting with new flavor combinations, mezcal can elevate any drink.
This article will explore 20 smoky mezcal drink ideas, ranging from refreshing cocktails to rich, smoky concoctions that will delight any mezcal lover. Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of mezcal, these drink ideas will inspire you to mix up something exciting and flavorful.
1. Smoky Margarita
One of the most popular ways to enjoy mezcal is in a Smoky Margarita. This classic cocktail gets a smoky twist by swapping out tequila for mezcal. The result is a margarita that’s even more complex, with an earthy finish that complements the bright lime and citrus flavors.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 oz Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
1 oz Triple sec or Cointreau
1/2 oz Agave syrup
Salt for rimming (optional)
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim the glass with lime and salt (optional).
In a shaker, combine mezcal, lime juice, triple sec, and agave syrup.
Add ice, shake well, and strain into the prepared glass.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
2. Mezcal Old Fashioned
A Mezcal Old Fashioned is a smoky twist on the classic whiskey cocktail. The mezcal’s earthy, smoky flavors add a deep richness to the drink, creating a unique, aromatic experience.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1/4 oz Agave syrup (or simple syrup)
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, agave syrup, and bitters.
Add ice and stir until well chilled.
Strain into a glass with a large ice cube.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
3. Smoky Paloma
The Paloma is a classic Mexican cocktail typically made with tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime. When you substitute mezcal for tequila, you get a delicious smoky twist on this refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
2 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Agave syrup
Club soda
Salt for rimming (optional)
Grapefruit wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Rim the glass with lime and salt (optional).
In a shaker, combine mezcal, grapefruit juice, lime juice, and agave syrup.
Shake well and strain into the prepared glass with ice.
Top with club soda and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
4. Mezcal Sour
A Mezcal Sour brings a smoky twist to the classic whiskey sour. The creamy texture from the egg white, combined with mezcal's smoky flavor and fresh citrus, creates a balanced and complex drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
3/4 oz Fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
1 Egg white (optional for foam)
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
If using egg white, dry shake (shake without ice) to emulsify.
Add ice, shake again, and strain into a coupe or rocks glass.
Garnish with a twist of lemon.
5. Smoky Negroni
The Smoky Negroni is a mezcal-based version of the iconic Negroni. This cocktail swaps gin for mezcal, offering a smoky, herbal version of the traditionally bitter drink.
Ingredients:
1 oz Mezcal
1 oz Campari
1 oz Sweet vermouth
Orange peel for garnish
Instructions:
In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
Add ice and stir until well chilled.
Strain into a glass with a large ice cube.
Garnish with a twist of orange peel.
6. Mezcal Mojito
The Mezcal Mojito is a smoky variation on the classic rum-based mojito. The smokiness of the mezcal pairs beautifully with the refreshing mint and lime, making for a perfect warm-weather drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 oz Fresh lime juice
3/4 oz Simple syrup
6-8 Fresh mint leaves
Soda water
Lime wedge and mint sprig for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass.
Add mezcal and ice, then stir well.
Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge and mint sprig.
7. Mezcal and Ginger Beer
This simple but flavorful cocktail combines mezcal’s smoky depth with the spicy kick of ginger beer. It’s a refreshing drink that’s easy to make and full of character.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
4 oz Ginger beer
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in the mezcal and ginger beer.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
8. Smoky Pineapple Mezcal Cocktail
This tropical cocktail combines the sweet, tart flavors of pineapple with the smoky depth of mezcal, creating a refreshing drink with a smoky finish.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
3 oz Pineapple juice
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Agave syrup
Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Shake mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
9. Mezcal Manhattan
A Mezcal Manhattan offers a smoky twist on the classic cocktail, using mezcal instead of rye whiskey. The result is a deep, smoky drink with the sweet balance of vermouth and the aromatic finish of bitters.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 oz Sweet vermouth
2 dashes Angostura bitters
Maraschino cherry for garnish
Instructions:
Combine mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until well chilled and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
10. Smoky Caipirinha
In this variation of Brazil’s national cocktail, mezcal replaces cachaça, adding a smoky flavor that complements the tart lime and sweet sugar.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 Lime (cut into wedges)
1 tbsp Sugar
Instructions:
Muddle lime wedges with sugar in a rocks glass.
Add mezcal and ice, then stir well.
Garnish with a lime wedge.
11. Mezcal Mule
The Mezcal Mule is a smoky variation of the popular Moscow Mule. The ginger beer and lime provide a refreshing contrast to the smoky mezcal, creating a balanced and delicious drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
4 oz Ginger beer
1/2 oz Lime juice
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a copper mug with ice.
Add mezcal, lime juice, and ginger beer.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
12. Smoky Blackberry Mezcal Cocktail
This cocktail pairs mezcal with fresh blackberries, creating a smoky yet fruity drink that’s perfect for late summer evenings.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
4 Fresh blackberries
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Blackberry for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle blackberries and lime juice in a shaker.
Add mezcal, simple syrup, and ice, then shake well.
Strain into a glass filled with ice and garnish with a blackberry.
13. Mezcal Sour Apple
The smoky flavor of mezcal is a great complement to the tartness of green apple juice, creating a cocktail that’s both refreshing and bold.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 oz Green apple juice
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Agave syrup
Apple slice for garnish
Instructions:
Shake mezcal, green apple juice, lime juice, and agave syrup with ice.
Strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with a thin slice of apple.
14. Mezcal Tonic
For a light and refreshing drink, the Mezcal Tonic
is a simple but delicious cocktail. The bitter quinine from the tonic water contrasts with the smoky mezcal, creating a balanced and refreshing drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
4 oz Tonic water
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice.
Pour in the mezcal and top with tonic water.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
15. Smoky Pineapple Mojito
This twist on the mojito adds the tropical sweetness of pineapple to the traditional mint and lime, paired with mezcal for a smoky finish.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 oz Pineapple juice
1 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Fresh mint leaves
Soda water
Instructions:
Muddle mint leaves in a glass.
Add mezcal, pineapple juice, lime juice, and simple syrup.
Stir and top with soda water.
Garnish with a sprig of mint.
16. Mezcal Blackberry Smash
The Mezcal Blackberry Smash is a fruity, smoky drink that’s both refreshing and bold. The blackberries add sweetness, while the mezcal adds a smoky depth.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
4 Fresh blackberries
1/2 oz Lime juice
1/2 oz Simple syrup
Blackberries for garnish
Instructions:
Muddle blackberries and lime juice in a shaker.
Add mezcal, simple syrup, and ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Garnish with blackberries.
17. Smoky Agave Fizz
A simple, refreshing cocktail that combines mezcal, agave syrup, and soda water, the Smoky Agave Fizz is a delightful drink to enjoy on a hot day.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1 oz Agave syrup
Soda water
Lime wedge for garnish
Instructions:
In a shaker, combine mezcal and agave syrup with ice.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with soda water and garnish with a lime wedge.
18. Mezcal Martini
For those who enjoy martinis but want a smoky twist, the Mezcal Martini delivers a smoky, herbaceous flavor profile while maintaining the elegant simplicity of a classic martini.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1/2 oz Dry vermouth
Lemon twist for garnish
Instructions:
Combine mezcal and vermouth in a mixing glass with ice.
Stir until chilled and strain into a chilled martini glass.
Garnish with a twist of lemon.
19. Mezcal Cucumber Cooler
This refreshing cocktail is a great balance of smoky mezcal, fresh cucumber, and lime juice, perfect for a light summer drink.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1/2 oz Lime juice
4-5 Cucumber slices
1/2 oz Agave syrup
Soda water
Instructions:
Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker.
Add mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup.
Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
Top with soda water.
20. Mezcal Cinnamon Spice
For a winter twist, the Mezcal Cinnamon Spice combines smoky mezcal with the warm, spicy flavor of cinnamon, creating a cocktail perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients:
2 oz Mezcal
1/2 oz Cinnamon syrup
1/2 oz Lime juice
Cinnamon stick for garnish
Instructions:
Shake mezcal, cinnamon syrup, and lime juice with ice.
Strain into a glass and garnish with a cinnamon stick.
Conclusion
Mezcal is an incredibly versatile spirit, and its smoky depth makes it a perfect ingredient for a wide variety of cocktails. From smoky margaritas and palomas to creative twists on classic cocktails like the old fashioned and negroni, there are countless ways to explore the flavors of mezcal in your drinks. Whether you prefer fruity, refreshing cocktails or bold, spirit-forward sips, these 20 smoky mezcal drink ideas offer something for everyone.
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