We think not. Actually, we think absolutely not. What better time to try something new than in 2020? It’s been a year of firsts, in more regards than one, so why not spice up the cocktail menu this holiday season too? Cue, Mezcal holiday cocktails.
There are the classic, tried and true, staple cocktails of the holidays. We know these all too well: some variation of eggnog, something with cinnamon in it, something with chocolate, etc. The list goes on. But this year is different. Let’s try something new (and just as festive) this holiday season.
Celebrate the Holidays with a Smoky Touch
People always say Mezcal is tequila’s smoky cousin. This is somewhat true, but Mezcal is also so much more.
Mezcal gets its smoky and slightly charred taste (and smell) from the way it’s produced; it has been cooked and roasted. What else could we expect?
Mezcal is made from agave plants. Once the agave has been harvested, it is slow-roasted in underground pits using pinewood logs. The fire is covered with stones, and the agave’s piñas are carefully placed on top, ensuring the perfect heating point which will generate constant and uniform roasting. This process takes up to five days and is what gives Mezcal its distinct smoky flavor.
Ok, that’s enough learning for now—this is about cocktails. Here are five Mezcal cocktails perfect for the holidays.
1. All Buttered Up
The holidays are all about indulgence, and we prefer to keep it that way. Some things you just don’t mess with, you know?
All Buttered Up is the ultimate treat that will serve you in all the ways you need it to. Looking for something (or someone) to butter you up? Look no further—this creamy cinnamon dream will do the trick.
What you’ll need:
- 4 oz Hot water
- 2 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 2 tbsp Batter*
- Garnish: Star anise & cinnamon
How to do it:
- In a warm mug, stir the batter* and Rosaluna together
- Slowly add half of the hot water, stirring all together before adding the remainder
- Give it all one final stir, ensuring everything is mixed together smoothly
- Garnish your mug with your star anise and a sprinkle of cinnamon
*Batter:
- 1 stick Butter (brought to room temperature)
- ¾ cup Packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon Ground ginger
- ⅛ teaspoon Maldon Salt
Can you taste it already? This cocktail goes especially well with a classic festive dessert; try enjoying it with a slice of warm gingerbread or a cookie. All that’s left to do is cozy up and enjoy!
2. The Real MVP
This next cocktail is called The Real MVP, and for good reason. The Real MVP screams all things holiday season, which is precisely the point. Think of this as an elevated cranberry sauce...in beverage form...with alcohol, of course. Sounds like fun, right?
What you’ll need:
- 2 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz Cranberry syrup (Fruitations is our fave)
- 0.75 oz Fresh lemon
- 6 Sage leaves
- Garnish: 3-4 Cranberries & fresh sage springs
How to do it:
- Build all of the ingredients in a mixing tin
- Add ice and give it all a good shake
- Strain into an iced double old-fashioned glass
- Garnish with berries and leaves, and serve with a side of mashed potatoes
If this cocktail doesn’t leave you feeling like the holidays, we’re not sure what will.
3. Midnight Magic
If you couldn’t already tell, we’re all about magic over here. And while we're usually going on and on about the Magic of Mezcal, we've always been big fans of the magic of midnight, too. So to honor it, we put together a drink for NYE countdowns and kisses at midnight—use it wisely.
What you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz Vanilla & cinnamon-infused Mezcal Rosaluna*
- 0.75 oz Passion fruit liqueur (Chinola is our fave)
- 0.75 oz Lime juice
- 0.5 oz Simple syrup
- 1 bar spoon Mascarpone cheese (optional, but so worth it)
- A splash of Rosé champagne
- Garnish: The perfect lime twist
*Add 15 cinnamon vanilla tea bags to a liter of Rosaluna. Strain and squeeze all alcohol from the tea bag. Bottle it up for later.
How to do it:
- Grab a mixing tin and add the Rosaluna, liqueur, lime juice, simple syrup, and mascarpone cheese
- Shake it all together (well) and strain into a chilled coupe
- Top it off with champagne (any degree of fancy is ok with us)
- Garnish with lime twist
(The last step? Serve to your crush and cross your fingers for some midnight magic).
4. Wake TF Up
Wake TF Up is our take on the classic espresso martini, and TBH, we think it’s better. Give it a try and see if you agree.
We’re all about love, but sometimes we all need a little tough love. The holidays are long, and this rich and energizing cocktail to help us get through it all. Wake up, smell the roses (chocolate), and get your evening (or day—we don't judge) started.
What you’ll need:
- 1.25 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 1 oz Black coffee
- 0.75 oz Amaro (California Fernet is our fave)
- 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
- Garnish: Shaved Mexican chocolate (ugh— yum.)
How to do it:
- Build the ingredients in a mixing tin
- Add ice, shake well
- Strain into a chilled coupe
- Garnish with a lot (and we mean a LOT) of Mexican chocolate
Whether it’s been a long day and the party hasn’t even started yet, or you’re trying to get it together from last night’s party, this cocktail is bound to help you Wake TF Up. You’re welcome.
5. Cuffing Season
You’ve heard of cuffing season, but have you heard of Cuffing Season? It’s that time of the year again, but this year we’re looking for a new kind of one and only—a good drink to cuddle up with. Let warm honey, fresh lemons, and magical Mezcal keep you warm when your new crush can’t.
What you’ll need:
- 1.5 oz Mezcal Rosaluna
- 0.75 oz Local honey
- 0.5 oz Fresh lemon juice
- 4-5 oz Hot water
- Garnish: Lemon wheel & cinnamon stick
How to do it:
- Pour Rosaluna, drizzle honey, and squeeze the lemon juice into a 6 oz tempered mug
- Top it off with hot water and stir until the honey is dissolved
- Garnish with lemon wheel and a cinnamon stick (cute, right?)
Now grab a blanket, cozy up by the fire, and forget about the cold weather outside.
Add the Magic of Mezcal to the Most Magical Time of the Year
The beautiful thing about Mezcal is its simplicity in ingredients. Rosaluna is made purely with our own hand-selected agave, water, and obviously, lots of love.
It really is the most wonderful time of the year. And with Mezcal as the perfect, simple base, just about any cocktail can be made into a Mezcal holiday cocktail.
From our family to yours, happy holidays and we hope you enjoy.
External Sources:
https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-throw-zoom-party-custom-background-friends-family-2020-3
