Are you ready to ignite your cocktail game with a little bit of smoke and spice? Look no further than these 18 smoky mezcal cocktail recipes with a twist! Mezcal, a type of agave spirit, has gained popularity in recent years for its unique smokiness and versatility behind the bar. When combined with a variety of ingredients, from spicy peppers to sweet citrus fruits, the possibilities are endless.
From classic cocktails like the margarita and old fashioned, to creative concoctions like the spicy mezcal mule and tropical punch, we’ve got you covered with our collection of smoky mezcal recipes. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or just starting out, these twists on traditional drinks will keep your cocktail game strong all year round.
So grab some mezcal, your favorite mixers, and let’s get started!
Smoky Mezcal Margarita with Chili Salt Rim
Elevate your margarita game with this bold and smoky twist, featuring the spicy kick of mezcal and a crunchy chili salt rim.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– 1/2 oz triple sec
– Salt for rimming glass
– Chili powder or chili flakes for chili salt rim
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with chili powder or chili flakes.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and triple sec.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wedge, if desired.
Cooking Time: None (cocktail)
Tips:
– Adjust the level of smokiness to your taste by using more or less mezcal.
– Experiment with different chili powders or flakes for varying levels of heat.
Mezcal Paloma with Grapefruit and Rosemary
This refreshing twist on the classic Paloma cocktail combines the smoky richness of Mezcal with the tangy sweetness of grapefruit, all tied together with a fragrant hint of rosemary.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 4 oz grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup club soda
– 1 sprig of fresh rosemary, for garnish
– Salt, for rimming glass (optional)
Instructions:
1. Rim a highball glass with salt, if desired.
2. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
5. Top with grapefruit juice and club soda.
6. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Cooking Time: None! This cocktail is ready in just a few minutes.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned with Mezcal and Agave
This Oaxaca Old Fashioned is a creative spin on the classic cocktail, featuring mezcal and agave to add a smoky depth. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their drinks.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1/2 oz Agave syrup (or simple syrup)
– 1/2 oz Orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
– 4 dashes Angostura bitters
– Orange peel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add mezcal, agave syrup, and orange liqueur.
3. Add 4 dashes of Angostura bitters.
4. Stir for approximately 30 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
5. Strain the mixture into a rocks glass filled with ice.
6. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe)
Mezcal Negroni with Campari and Sweet Vermouth
Elevate the classic Negroni cocktail by substituting bourbon with smoky Mezcal and adding a touch of bitterness from Campari. This bold twist is perfect for those who crave complexity in their cocktails.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Mezcal
– 1/2 oz Campari
– 1/2 oz Sweet Vermouth
– Orange twist, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, Campari, and Sweet Vermouth.
3. Stir gently for approximately 25-30 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the cocktail into a chilled coupe or rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Express a strip of orange peel over the drink, then use as garnish.
Cooking Time: None
Spicy Mezcal Mule with Ginger Beer and Lime
This twist on the classic Moscow Mule combines the spicy kick of mezcal with the sweetness of ginger beer and a squeeze of lime. Perfect for those who like a little heat in their cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz ginger beer
– Juice of 1 lime
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
– Sprig of cilantro, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Fill a copper mug or highball glass with ice.
2. Add mezcal, ginger beer, and lime juice.
3. Stir gently to combine.
4. Squeeze in the agave syrup.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel and a sprig of cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2 minutes
Mezcal Sour with Egg White and Orange Bitters
Elevate your cocktail game with this innovative take on the classic whiskey sour, featuring smoky mezcal, velvety egg white, and a hint of orange bitters.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 3/4 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/2 oz Egg white
– 2 dashes Orange bitters
– Ice
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and egg white.
2. Dry shake (shake without ice) for about 10-15 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create a silky texture.
3. Add ice to the shaker and shake again for another 5-7 seconds to chill and dilute the mixture.
4. Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass filled with ice.
5. Add 2 dashes of orange bitters on top.
6. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cocktail!
Smoky Mezcal Martini with Dry Vermouth
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic martini, featuring Mezcal and dry vermouth. Perfect for those who love a little complexity in their drink.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz dry vermouth
– 1/2 oz lime juice
– 1/2 oz agave syrup
– Salt rim (optional)
– Lime wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a martini glass with salt, if desired.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine Mezcal, dry vermouth, lime juice, and agave syrup.
3. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds.
4. Strain the mixture into the prepared martini glass.
5. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Cooking Time: None needed! This cocktail is ready to serve immediately.
Mezcal Bloody Maria with Spicy Tomato Mix
Elevate your brunch game with this spicy twist on the classic Bloody Mary. This recipe combines the bold flavors of mezcal, tomato, and spices to create a drink that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 cup tomato juice
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
– 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp hot sauce (such as sriracha)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
– Spicy Tomato Mix (recipe below)
Spicy Tomato Mix:
– 2 cups diced fresh tomatoes
– 1/4 cup chopped red onion
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
– 1 tsp lime juice
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large glass, combine mezcal, tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir well.
2. Add ice to the glass and stir again.
3. Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve with Spicy Tomato Mix on the side.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready in minutes.
Mezcal Julep with Mint and Cucumber
This Mezcal julep combines the spicy, smoky flavor of mezcal with the coolness of mint and cucumber, perfect for warm weather or anytime you want a unique twist on a classic cocktail.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 2 sprigs fresh mint leaves
– 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber
– Crushed ice
– Club soda
Instructions:
1. Muddle the mint sprigs in a cocktail shaker with the simple syrup until well combined.
2. Add the mezcal and crush the ice to combine.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled julep cup or highball glass filled with crushed ice.
4. Garnish with additional cucumber slices and mint leaves, if desired.
5. Top with club soda.
Cooking Time: None (as this is a cocktail recipe!)
Tropical Mezcal Punch with Pineapple and Coconut
Escape to a tropical paradise with this refreshing punch, combining the smoky richness of mezcal with sweet pineapple and creamy coconut. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a unique twist on your next party.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups mezcal
– 1 cup pineapple juice
– 1/2 cup coconut cream
– 1/4 cup simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Ice cubes
– Fresh pineapple wedges and toasted coconut flakes for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pitcher, combine mezcal, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and simple syrup. Stir until well combined.
2. Squeeze in the lime juice and stir again.
3. Fill glasses with ice and pour the punch over the ice.
4. Garnish each glass with a pineapple wedge and toasted coconut flakes.
Cooking Time: None! This recipe is ready to serve immediately.
Mezcal Espresso Martini with Coffee Liqueur
Elevate your cocktail game with this rich and bold martini, combining the smokiness of Mezcal with the depth of coffee liqueur.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz Kahlúa or other coffee liqueur
– 1 oz espresso (cooled)
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1 dash of chocolate bitters
– Coffee beans or grounds for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, Kahlúa, espresso, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
5. Add a dash of chocolate bitters on top.
6. Garnish with coffee beans or grounds.
Cooking Time: None
Smoky Mezcal Manhattan with Cherry Garnish
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic Manhattan, featuring mezcal’s bold flavor and a cherry garnish that adds a pop of color.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz sweet vermouth
– 2 dashes Angostura bitters
– Cherry garnish (such as Luxardo or Maraschino)
Instructions:
1. Fill a mixing glass with ice.
2. Add the mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters.
3. Stir for approximately 30-45 seconds to chill and combine ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass.
5. Garnish with a cherry.
Cooking Time: None (this is a cocktail recipe!)
Enjoy your Smoky Mezcal Manhattan with Cherry Garnish!
Mezcal Sangrita with Tomato and Citrus
This refreshing sangrita recipe pairs perfectly with a shot of smoky mezcal, adding a tangy and citrusy twist to the traditional Mexican accompaniment. With its vibrant flavors and colors, it’s sure to elevate your agave-based drinking experience.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/2 cup freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– 1/4 cup tomato puree
– 2 tablespoons lime juice
– 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
– Salt, to taste
– 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine orange juice, grapefruit juice, tomato puree, and lime juice.
2. Blend until smooth, then stir in chopped cilantro and salt.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Just before serving, add chopped jalapeño pepper if desired for an extra kick.
Cooking Time: None
Mezcal Collins with Lemon and Soda
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. This Mezcal Collins combines the bold, smoky flavor of mezcal with the brightness of lemon and the fizz of soda.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz Freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3 oz Club soda
– Ice
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add mezcal, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a Collins glass filled with ice.
5. Top with club soda.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Mezcal French 75 with Sparkling Wine
Elevate your cocktail game with this innovative take on the classic French 75, featuring bold Mezcal and effervescent sparkling wine.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 oz Mezcal
– 1/2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 3-4 oz sparkling wine (Champagne or Prosecco work well)
– Lemon twist or wheel, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Add Mezcal, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
3. Shake vigorously for about 10-12 seconds to combine and chill the ingredients.
4. Strain the mixture into a chilled glass filled with ice.
5. Top with sparkling wine and gently stir to combine.
6. Garnish with a lemon twist or wheel.
Cooking Time: None
Mezcal Hot Toddy with Honey and Lemon
This recipe combines the bold flavors of mezcal, honey, and lemon to create a soothing and spicy hot toddy perfect for cold winter nights. The smoky notes of mezcal pair surprisingly well with the sweetness of honey and the brightness of lemon, making this drink both comforting and complex.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 ounces mezcal
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Juice of 1 lemon (about 1/4 cup)
– 1 cinnamon stick
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– Hot water
– Whipped cream or ice (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large mug, combine mezcal, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and ground ginger to the mixture.
3. Pour in hot water to fill the mug.
4. Stir until the honey is dissolved and the drink is warm throughout.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spiciness as needed.
6. Top with whipped cream or ice, if desired.
Cooking Time: 2-3 minutes (depending on desired temperature)
Mezcal Mojito with Mint and Lime
Elevate your cocktail game with this refreshing twist on the classic mojito. Mezcal’s smoky flavor pairs perfectly with fresh mint, lime, and a splash of soda.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz Mezcal
– 1 oz Fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz Simple syrup (equal parts water and granulated sugar, dissolved)
– 1/4 cup Fresh mint leaves
– Soda water
– Ice
Instructions:
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently press the mint leaves with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release the oils and flavor.
2. Add Mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker. Fill with ice.
3. Shake vigorously for 10-15 seconds to combine and chill ingredients.
4. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice.
5. Top with soda water and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.
Cooking Time: None! Just shake, strain, and serve.
Smoky Mezcal Daiquiri with Grapefruit Twist
Elevate your cocktail game with this smoky twist on the classic daiquiri, featuring mezcal’s bold flavors and a tangy grapefruit note.
Ingredients:
– 2 oz mezcal
– 1 oz fresh lime juice
– 1/2 oz simple syrup
– 1/4 oz grapefruit juice
– Salt, for rimming glass
– Ice
– Grapefruit twist or slice, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Rim a rocks glass with salt.
2. In a cocktail shaker, combine mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup. Fill with ice and shake until chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
4. Add grapefruit juice and stir gently to combine.
5. Garnish with a grapefruit twist or slice.
Cooking Time: None (just mix and serve!)
Summary
Looking to spice up your cocktail game? Look no further! This article presents 18 smoky Mezcal recipes with a twist. From classic margaritas and old fashioneds, to unique twists like spicy mezcal mules and tropical punch, there’s something for every taste and occasion. With ingredients ranging from grapefruit and rosemary to ginger beer and citrus, these recipes are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned bartender or just looking to try something new, this collection of smoky Mezcal cocktails is the perfect guide.
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