Audrey Saunders created this sparkly hybrid of a French 75 and a mojito at her bar, New Yorks Pegu Club. 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. It also works well with a little muddled cucumber in the mixor you can swap the gin out for vodka or tequila, if you prefer. Combine the chicken and apple cider vinegar in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add ingredients, along with ice, to a cocktail shaker, The mango juice is the perfect match for the mezcal and tequila. 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. 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. Whether you're a mezcal novice or it's your favorite spirit, you'll find the perfect recipe for you in our collection of our 15 favorite mezcal cocktails, from a frozen Paloma and a smoky bloody Mary to a tobacco-scented sipper made with Cynar and sherry. There are no hard rules on how to make this drink, so feel free to experiment. Its also what gives it an exquisite taste. It was created at Death & Co. in 2011 by bartender Joaqun Sim. In a cocktail shaker three-quarters filled with ice, add crema de mezcal, Aperol and grapefruit juice. Add ingredients, along with ice, to a cocktail shaker, and shake vigorously. Vodka lets the produce shine. Mezcal is a type of agave spirit that originated in Oaxaca, Mexico. "Cognac, much like mezcal, is cherished for its terroir," Fleming says. While a traditional Paloma is made with grapefruit soda, this recipe combines mezcal with freshly squeezed pink grapefruit juice, plus lime juice, honey, and a pinch of salt. The addition of agave syrup and bitters balances out the flavors, creating a perfectly balanced cocktail. He is a long-time coffee and hospitality professional who has hands-on experience as a barista, tending bar, opening cafes, and working in specialty coffee distribution in Los Angeles. Garnish with anise to serve. Add a slice of lime. It's a classic, simple concoctionthough this version gets boosted flavor from an easy mint-infused simple syrup. Strain into a highball glass over ice and top with soda. During that same time, Bermejo was introduced to agave nectar and was able to track down the ingredient in a health food store. Stir for 15 rotations and strain into desired glass. The prickly pear juice is what gives this cocktail a gorgeously vibrant fuschia color. Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Epicurious may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. I'm Kim. A few ounces of club soda keep the rosy-red cocktail light enough for a hot summer day. Get the recipe for Domo Arigato (Mezcal and Ginger Cocktail) . You can simply use Campari in your standard Aperol spritz formula, but this is a fun variation, made with ros and lemon soda for added citrusy punch. "Because mezcal has so many vegetal and earthy flavors, along with some minerality and salinity, I really like substituting it when you might normally use gin," says Fleming. To make this smoky old-fashioned cocktail, add all of the ingredients into a mixing glass and stir with ice. One, John Martin, had just acquired the Smirnoff vodka distillery and realized the spirit had yet to hit its stride in America. He is also a lifelong musician who has written music reviews, feature stories, and album descriptions for artists and record labels. It was not until 1953 in The Press Democrat that the cocktail appeared in writing under the name "margarita.". There are countless Negroni variations, and this one exchanges gin for mezcal alongside Campari and sweet vermouth. It's a smoky reposado with the smoothness of a Mezcal Cocktail This version of the Negroni swaps out the traditional gin for mezcal, pairing it with Campari and sweet vermouth. Instead, the mezcal takes center stage with a full ounces measurement, the Aperol and lime juice are in support with -ounce measurements each, and aounce of maraschino liqueur rounds everything out. I find it amazing how these two simple mixers round out the flavors of the liquors. Understanding the main difference between mezcal and tequila, 13 essential gin cocktails you need to try and how to make them, 11 easy and interesting tequila cocktails that go beyond a margarita, 13 classic bourbon cocktails you need to try, according to a mixologist. This recipe from bartender Kenta Goto calls for sake and fragrant maraschino instead of vermouth. Add ice. Another not-so-traditional julep, this recipe keeps the mezcal and basil from our last recipe but adds a tart cranberry syrup made with 100% pure, unsweetened cranberry juice. The simple Old Fashioned riff combines a split base of reposado tequila and mezcal with agave nectar and Angostura bitters. Seal jar. From its humble origins in Mexico, it has recently found itself center stage both in the craft cocktail world. Mezcal imparts a layer of depth you dont get with the standard vodka base. The mix of ingredients is truly sublime. Strain into a rocks glass over a large piece of ice and garnish with the grapefruit peel. Meanwhile, the sparkling water keeps it all from falling flat. Victor Protasio. If agave spirit of choice happens to be mezcal, feel free to use that as your base instead of tequila. Serve each drink in a glass rimmed with chili powder for an extra dose of heat. The combination of Mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters creates a complex and layered flavor profile that is sure to impress any cocktail enthusiast. Speaking of which, if you like spicy too, dont skip the chili lemon salted rim. .75 oz Peloton de la Muerte Mezcal.75 oz Johnnie Walker Black1 oz simple syrup.5 oz fresh lemon juice.5 oz fresh lime juice.5 oz Malbec. Steps. Its smoky notes shine when paired with the classics lime juice and grapefruit soda. This is another great choice for mezcal novices. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. While the traditional mule is great, I think this one is even better. Bartenders across the country are now experimenting with mezcal tequila, creating unique and flavorful cocktails that showcase the spirit's complex flavor profile. Though it doesnt have the equal-parts formula of the drink that inspired it, the modern classic is worth committing to memory. Tequila and mezcal are currently undergoing something of a phenomenon. The ginger beer addition not only provides some bright effervescence, but the spice of the soda also adds another layer of flavor to complement the other three ingredients. 1 drop of vanilla extract Instructions Shake all ingredients together with ice and strain into a coupe glass. Muddling peas into your cocktail may be the ultimate seasonal move. The beloved Mexican spirit adds smoky, savory flavor to a range of drinks. Summer or winter, I can imbibe this libation any time of year. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. blanco tequila, 1 oz. Make a tangy, ginger-spiced rhubarb shrub, then add it to a mix of gin and lime juice, or just pour it into seltzer. This sunny-hued margarita has smoky cumin salt on the rimit's the perfect partner for your first grilled wings of the season. With only five ingredients, this cocktail is easy to make and is sure to impress your guests. There are multiple types pf tequila, including blanco, reposado, aejo, and extra aejo. With only five ingredients, this drink is easy to make and takes only a few extra minutes to prepare. Its this smoky quality that makes this recipe so great. One day, Bermejo encountered what, to him, was a new phrase on tequila bottle labels, "100% blue agave." Shake well. Step 2. The vegetal flavor is mellowed by citrusy Lillet blanc and lemon juice, while its savory side is supported with mezcal and a pinch of smoked salt. Loosely inspired by a mint julep, this recipe swaps the bourbon for mezcal and the mint for basil. Avocado Margarita Recipe | Epicurious Shake and serve, garnished with a mint sprig and lime wheel. Im looking for something specific in my spring cocktails: some freshness, after months of Manhattans. But that doesn't mean they'll be lacking flavor. Vanilla Cocktails Check out our archives for more tequila drink recipes! transfer the vanilla water to an ice cube tray & freeze. The margarita side of the drink comes from mezcal and Mandarine Napolon (or Cointreau if that's what you have on hand), while the martini side comes from Castelvetrano olive brine. Salt the rim of a rocks glass. This cocktail is perfect for those who love a little spice and smokiness in their drinks. Maraschino adds a subtle almond flavor. Stir together all ingredients. Fleming's recipe swaps out the traditionally used grapefruit soda with all fresh ingredients. Real Minero Barril ($145) "Barril is vegetal and crisp but also dark and musky, like fresh-cut grass on a damp forest floor," Ivy Mix, of NYC's Leyenda, says. Youll start by combining the milk and water with the Mexican chocolate and cinnamon stick. If you havent discovered the wonderful world of Mezcal cocktails, youre truly missing out. Blanco tequila is the most basic, bottled, and distributed shortly after its distillation. Mezcal Cocktails From bold, spirits-forward takes on traditional Manhattans and Old Fashioneds to adventurous twists on citrus sips, these are some of our favorite ways to add some mezcal to our cocktail rotation this season. Combine the mezcal, citrus juice, and agave syrup into a shaker with ice and shake until combined and chilled. Mezcal tequila is a spirit with a rich history and a distinct flavor. Drink It is the base for many modern cocktails, but also used to add a spin to classic favorites like the Old-Fashioned and Paloma. The request was in reference to recipes in "Jerry Thomas' Bartender's Guide: How to Mix Drinks," published 18 years prior. These easy vegan meals are free from meat and dairybut theyre also free of fuss. 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. We also add a pinch of salt, plus a couple dashes of Peychaud's bitters to give the cocktail a slight anise aroma. The restaurant was opened by Bermejo's parents back in 1965, and Julio finally struck gold with this cocktail to commemorate the family business in the late 1980s. Don't worry about the drink being too spicythe ancho chili peppers, which we make into a syrup, add more complexity than heat. Holger normally uses the El Silencio Espadn, but feel free to try whichever mezcal you prefer. Beso Totonaca Mezcal Cocktail If you like mango chili candy, I say rim the glass in some Tajin or Mexican chili seasoning. Take a sip and let the flavors coat your palate. This unusual cocktail is part martini, part margarita, and all delicious. This new discovery led him to visit Mexico and reinvent his understanding of the spirit, returning to transform his restaurant into an extensive tequila bar. A simpler version can be built in the glass by combining the mezcal, citrus juice, and agave syrup and stirring to combine. The old fashioned is a cocktail classic that remains a go-to drink over a century after its creation. The agave is roasted in underground pits before being distilled, giving it a smoky taste that is not found in other spirits. Fill rocks glass with ice and strain into glass. With all that, you can still taste the bold flavors of Mezcal. The barrel notes of the reposado combined with the smokiness of the mezcal are a match made in heaven. The Negroni has inspired countless riffs since its creation in 1919. These Are the 15 Best Mezcal Cocktails - liquor.com can of evaporated milk with one 14 oz. Nixing the whiskey, this Mexican version is a swift kick of agave spirits. Garnish with a charred orange peel, maraschino cherry, or a brandy cherry.