Are you a Tequila fan looking to switch things up? Enter mezcal — the smoky, complex spirit that's recently gained popularity. What better way to enjoy it than in a perfectly crafted cocktail?
We've rounded up the 10 best mezcal cocktails for you to try at home. Whether you're a seasoned mezcal enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we have new and traditional mezcal cocktails to suit all tastes. Get ready to shake, stir and sip your way through our list of must-try mezcal cocktail recipes.
Our Favorite Mezcal Cocktail Recipes
It's time to elevate your bartending game with our list of classic mezcal cocktails. The intricate process of making mezcal gives it a delightful smoky flavor that can accentuate various recipes. From sweet to spicy and traditional smoky mezcal cocktails, you'll surely find a combination that will entice your senses with the unique flavors and aromas of mezcal. So, dust off your cocktail shaker and impress your friends with these delicious and unique mezcal concoctions.
1. Fumata Bianca
The Fumata Bianca cocktail is an excellent choice if you're looking for a thirst-quenching drink that's dry, smoky and lightly bitter.
Combine 1 ounce of Carpano Bianco vermouth, 1 ounce of Suze and 0.5 ounces of mezcal with a smoky, earthy flavor profile — with notes of oak, pepper and caramel — in a Collins glass. Add some ice to the glass and top the drink off with club soda. Garnish with a grapefruit twist.
2. Honey Trap
If you're in the mood for a sweet and smoky mezcal cocktail, Honey Trap will hit the spot.
Mix 0.5 ounces of bee pollen, 0.5 ounces of Kosher salt and some turmeric. Rim this mixture onto a rock glass using honey. Add 0.25 ounces of mezcal with a buttery, caramel and vanilla flavor profile to a cocktail shaker. Then, add 0.75 ounces of fresh lime juice and 0.75 ounces of honey syrup — a combination of equal parts honey and hot water.
Fill the shaker with ice, shake vigorously and strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lime slice or mint sprig.
3. I'm on Fire
I'm on Fire is another spicy mezcal cocktail you can try. It's a modern take on the classic margarita.
Combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, 0.5 ounces of lime juice, 0.75 ounces of honey syrup and 2 dashes of hot sauce. Shake with ice and strain into a rocks glass with ice. Top with chili powder and garnish with a pineapple wedge or leaf.
For this recipe, choose a mezcal with a smoky flavor profile. Look for tasting notes like smoke, charred wood or roasted agave to ensure your mezcal can hold its own against the heat of the hot sauce.
4. Mezcal Margarita
If you're a fan of classic margaritas but want to try something with a smoky twist, the mezcal margarita could be your perfect choice. This cocktail combines the familiar tangy flavors of a traditional margarita with the unique smokiness of mezcal, resulting in a delicious and complex drink.
Combine 1.5 ounces of mezcal, 0.75 ounces of lime juice, 0.5 ounces of Combier liqueur and 0.25 ounces of Cointreau in a cocktail shaker. The secret to getting an ideal flavor balance is to use a mezcal with some citrus and smoke notes. Shake the ingredients vigorously for 30 seconds, then strain the cocktail into a glass of ice with a salt rim. Garnish with a lime wedge.
5. Mezcal Mule
If you're a fan of the classic Moscow mule, you'll love its smoky cousin, the mezcal mule. This refreshing cocktail combines the bold flavors of mezcal with the tangy sweetness of lime and ginger beer, making it the perfect drink for any occasion.
To make this cocktail, muddle 3 cucumber slices and 0.5 ounces of agave nectar in a mixing glass. Next, add 1.5 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of ginger beer, 0.75 ounces of lime juice, 0.75 ounces of fruit purée and ice. Shake all ingredients until chilled and strain into a rocks glass — garnish with a cucumber slice.
Choose a mezcal with tasting notes of smoke, pepper and citrus to complement the other ingredients.
6. Mezcal Negroni
The mezcal Negroni is a smoky twist on the classic Negroni cocktail that adds complexity and depth to the traditional recipe.
Start by filling a mixing glass with ice and adding 1.75 ounces of mezcal, 0.75 ounces of Campari, 0.75 ounces of sweet vermouth and 0.25 ounces of Cocchi Americano. Stir the mixture until it becomes chilled. Next, strain the mixture into a rocks glass. Add ice and garnish with an orange peel twist.
The mezcal you use in this cocktail should have a balanced combination of smoky and bitter notes, plus some sweetness to complement the vermouth and Campari. Look for mezcal with tasting notes of oak, pepper and citrus to add depth and complexity to this cocktail.
7. Naked and Famous
Naked and Famous is a refreshing mezcal cocktail perfect for those who enjoy a balance of sweet and sour flavors.
To make this cocktail, you will need 0.75 ounces of mezcal, 0.75 ounces of yellow Chartreuse and 0.75 ounces of Aperol. Mix all the ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake well and strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Use a mezcal with citrus and floral notes to complement the lime and Aperol. Together with the mezcal's smoky flavor, these ingredients create a well-rounded cocktail that will surely impress.
8. Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
The Oaxaca Old-Fashioned perfectly exemplifies how mezcal can elevate a classic cocktail. If you're a fan of the traditional old-fashioned, you'll want to give this version a try.
To make it, you'll need a high-quality mezcal with smoky and earth notes to balance this drink's sweet and bitter flavors. Look for tasting notes like oak, caramel, pepper and mineral for the best results.
Combine 0.5 ounces of mezcal, 1.5 ounces of Tequila, 1 bar spoon of agave nectar and 2 dashes of Angostura bitters in a rocks glass. Add a large ice cube and stir until well combined. Garnish with an orange peel twist.
9. Snake Eyes
Snake Eyes draws its inspiration from the Caribbean combination of Scotch with coconut, but instead of whisky, it uses smoky mezcal and a teaspoon of banana liqueur for an added tropical touch.
To make this cocktail, you'll need a mezcal with tasting notes of oak, pepper and a hint of mint or citrus to round out the flavor profile.
First, rim a rocks glass with salt. Next, combine 1.5 ounces of mezcal, 2 ounces of coconut water, 0.25 ounces of lime juice, 0.5 ounces of cane syrup and 1 teaspoon of banana liqueur in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and shake until well-chilled. Strain the mixture into the rimmed glass with ice.
10. Tawny Little Blood
If you're looking for a unique mezcal cocktail to try, Tawny Little Blood is the perfect choice. For the best tasting experience, choose a mezcal with notes of smokiness, citrus and pepper to complement the other ingredients in this cocktail.
To make this cocktail, combine 2 ounces of tawny port, 0.75 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of orange juice, 0.75 ounces of grapefruit juice, 0.5 ounces of cold water, 20 drops of Bittermens Hellfire Habanero Shrub bitters, 1 jalapeño slice and a pinch of salt. Stir the mixture well and strain into a rocks glass with an ice cube. Garnish with a lime and orange wheel.
Explore Sip Tequila's Mezcal Collection
We hope we inspired you to try some of the 10 best mezcal cocktails highlighted in this post. From classic mezcal cocktails to spicy and sweet mezcal cocktails — there's something for every palate. Whether you're a seasoned mezcal enthusiast or just starting to explore the world of mezcal drink recipes, these drinks are sure to impress.
If you're looking for quality mezcal to elevate your cocktail recipes, consider browsing Sip Tequila's range of mezcals and other spirits to make your next mixer a hit.
