Bread making, TikTok dances, and excessively long walks are a few of the popular hobbies picked up during these quarantimes. So why not add Cocktail Connoisseur to the list? It’s easier than you may think and it’s a whole lot of fun, too. So, speaking of trying new things, we’d love to introduce you to Mezcal cocktails.
Believe it or not, becoming an at-home bartender doesn’t have to be hard—there are tons of simple & delicious cocktail recipes out there with the unique and complex flavors you’re looking for. And when you add Mezcal into the mix, the taste is bound to go through the roof.
This Smoky Liquor Was Born for Cocktails
It’s tricky to convey the magic of Mezcal to a newcomer. You may just have to trust us and take a leap of faith.
Mezcal isn’t like other liquors. Yes, she’s smoky, but she’s also so much more. Especially our beloved Mezcal Rosaluna. She’s made with just three ingredients (8-year-old agave, water, and lots of love) and is incredibly versatile, too.
How is Mezcal the perfect liquor for cocktails? Its flavor profile brings us everything we could hope for and more. Three ingredients come together to bring us three distinct flavor profiles: earthy agave, a complex aroma, and a smooth finish.
Earthy agave comes from the roasted agave hearts, accompanied by delicious caramel notes and some spices like ginger and cinnamon woven throughout. The complex aroma carries notes of citrus, tropical fruits, pineapple, and pear, creating the perfect fusion of bright notes that everyone can enjoy. Finally, Mezcal Rosaluna leaves us with a hint of agave smoke and subtle layers of sweet fruit and baking spices.
With all of these elements to pull from, there are so many cocktail recipes that work beautifully with Mezcal, somehow always striking the perfect balance that the heart desires. Even so, let’s break the mold a little bit here. We love margaritas just as much as the next person (have you tried our Rule of Three Margarita?), but it’s time to up the ante a little bit.
1. Sour, Sweet, & Spicy
You know the basic flavors—salty, bitter, sweet, and sour. Well, we’re adding a bit of spice to the mix, too—and you don’t have to choose between flavors either. If you like a bit of kick with your cocktail, this one’s for you.
Ready to give your tongue a tingle? This bad boy is tasty, sophisticated, and served in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, too—what more could you ask for? Without further ado, here’s how it’s done:
What you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 0.5 oz Italicus liqueur
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 2 Thai chilis
- Garnish: Lime wheel and pink sea salt (half the rim only)
How to do it:
- Break your Thai chilis in half (keep those hands away from those eyes, trust us)
- Add all your liquids into your cocktail shaker
- Throw in the Thai chilis and ice and give it all a shake!
- Strain everything into an Old Fashioned glass and garnish with some torched rosemary (because you’re classy like that)
We love Mezcal for its simplicity, but adding a bit of extra flair never hurt nobody. In fact, when it’s this easy and delicious, it’s only for the best.
2. The Pomepolitan
The Pomepolitan even sounds like a whole lot of fun and happiness; good luck trying to tell us otherwise. We know you’ve heard of the Cosmopolitan, but we’re taking this iconic cocktail to the next level with some very special additions. It’s just as classy as the original, but with its flavor taken to the max.
What’s so great about pomegranate juice? Well, pomegranates are filled with antioxidants that can help boost your memory, fight free radicals, and help you put the work in workout. All that from drinking a cocktail? Sign us up!
What you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz POM juice
- 0.75 oz Italicus liqueur
- 0.25 oz Lime juice
- Garnish: Orange twist
How to do it:
- Add all ingredients into a shaker with a bit of ice
- Shake well (go ahead and do a dance with it, it’s happy hour somewhere)
- Strain into a coupe
- Garnish with a gorgeous orange twist for good measure (and good vibes)
The citrus notes and smoky essence of Mezcal pair perfectly with the pomegranate juice, adding depth and complexity to this wonderful little cocktail. Who’s ready to be adventurous and give it a try?
(Yes, the Pomepolitan is just as pretty as it is tasty. You’ll want to snap a pic for the ‘gram before taking your first sip.)
3. Taking Chances
Work hard, play hard. That’s the vibe we’re bringing into Spring. And if you’re working hard, you’re going to have to take some chances… so how about a little inspiration? This take on a classic 50/50 martini is a gamechanger.
As the iconic Ms. Frizzle said, we have to take chances, and make mistakes—and if you just so happen to do that with a delicious cocktail in hand, even better. The magic of Mezcal is sure to get you on your way.
What you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 0.75 oz Lo-fi Gentian Amaro
- 0.75 oz Gonzales Bypass Dry Vermouth
- 2 dashes of Orange bitters
- Garnish: Lemon twist and a flower
How to do it:
- In a mixing glass, add all of your ingredients, plus a bit of ice
- Give it a stir and strain into a coupe
- Garnish with your lemon twist and a flower
This cocktail takes just enough risk when it comes to flavor, and it brings the Spring vibes we’ve all been waiting for. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to a plate of tortilla chips... just saying.
Just be sure to put your phone away and kick your feet up to get the most out of this special Mezcal cocktail. It’s time to live in the moment.
The Magic of Mezcal Can Be Yours in a Snap
Mezcal never fails to help us make the perfect drink. Any time, any temperature, any place, Mezcal is the perfect addition. Sure, we’ve got some kick-ass recipes here for you to try, but that doesn’t have to be the end of your Mezcal cocktail experience. That smooth, smoky flavor works well in dozens of flavor combinations—from citrus to spice—so feel free to experiment a little. A cocktail that’s usually made with tequila? Swap it out! An old classic like the Old Fashioned? Make it new! It’s yours for the taking.
Oh and BTW, we never say no to the idea of sipping on Mezcal straight up, either. Whatever works for you works for us.
The magic of Mezcal can be yours in a snap, and these cocktail recipes are much easier than making bread or learning a TikTok dance. You got this.
Sources:
Things to do in quarantine: a guide to social distancing activities | Business Insider
Why the Margarita Has Been the Most Important Cocktail of 2020 | Vine Pair
