The 10 best Mezcal cocktails
An editorial shortlist of the Mezcal cocktails most worth starting with.
Introduction
Savor the Smoky Complexity of Mezcal
Mezcal, a spirit deeply rooted in Mexican culture, is celebrated for its smoky complexity and versatility in cocktails.
Derived from the heart of the agave plant, mezcal brings an earthy, rich profile to any drink, distinguishing itself from its cousin tequila with a broader spectrum of flavors. This listicle serves as your guide to the top 10 mezcal-infused cocktails, each offering a unique way to enjoy this cherished spirit. Mezcal's bold, smoky flavor is a game-changer in the cocktail world, transforming traditional recipes into extraordinary experiences.
Whether you're a lifelong mezcal enthusiast or a curious newcomer, these recipes showcase the spirit's adaptability, ranging from refreshing citrus blends to deep, aromatic concoctions.
On this page
Jump through the ranked list, then head into the conclusion or FAQs.
This cocktail is a stunning showcase of mezcal, harmoniously blended with green chartreuse, lime juice, pineapple juice, and maraschino cherry for a tantalizing balance of sweetness, acidity, and smokiness.
This cocktail is a stunning showcase of mezcal, harmoniously blended with green chartreuse, lime juice, pineapple juice, and maraschino cherry for a tantalizing balance of sweetness, acidity, and smokiness. Originating from a passion for crafting complex, layered drinks, it accentuates the smoky notes of mezcal with the herbal undertones of chartreuse, creating a multifaceted flavor profile.
The inclusion of tropical and citrus elements makes it not just a drink, but an experience, transporting the drinker to a sensory landscape that's both exotic and familiar.
Ingredients: Mezcal 22.5ml, Green Chartreuse 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Pineapple juice 22.5ml, Water 10ml, Maraschino cherry 22.5ml
Regarded as a vibrant dance of flavors, this cocktail merges mezcal's smokiness with the bitter sweetness of Aperol and the herbal complexity of yellow chartreuse.
Regarded as a vibrant dance of flavors, this cocktail merges mezcal's smokiness with the bitter sweetness of Aperol and the herbal complexity of yellow chartreuse. The lime juice cuts through with a refreshing sharpness, making it a drink of contrasts and harmony.
Its creation reflects a modern mixology movement, embracing bold combinations and innovative techniques. The result is a drink that stands out for its ability to marry disparate flavors into a cohesive, unforgettable sip, embodying the adventurous spirit of contemporary cocktail culture.
Ingredients: Mezcal 22.5ml, Aperol 22.5ml, Yellow Chartreuse 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml
Envisioned as a spirited debate between its ingredients, this cocktail features a dialogue between the boldness of mezcal and the nuanced complexity of green chartreuse and maraschino cherry, all brightened by a splash of lime juice.
Envisioned as a spirited debate between its ingredients, this cocktail features a dialogue between the boldness of mezcal and the nuanced complexity of green chartreuse and maraschino cherry, all brightened by a splash of lime juice. This concoction's origins are steeped in the desire to push traditional boundaries, offering a twist on classic flavors.
Its flavor profile is a testament to the art of cocktail making, where every sip offers a new perspective, blending the assertive smokiness of mezcal with the intricate flavors of its companions for a truly sophisticated experience.
Ingredients: Mezcal 22.5ml, Green Chartreuse 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Maraschino cherry 22.5ml
This cocktail presents a delicate interplay between the smoky allure of mezcal and the subtle sweetness of pear liqueur, balanced by the botanicals of gin and the smooth finish of raspberry liqueur and Lillet Blanc.
This cocktail presents a delicate interplay between the smoky allure of mezcal and the subtle sweetness of pear liqueur, balanced by the botanicals of gin and the smooth finish of raspberry liqueur and Lillet Blanc. Its creation is inspired by the beauty of combining fruit and smoke, highlighting mezcal's versatility.
The smokiness of mezcal underpins the drink, providing a base that enhances the pear's sweetness and the cocktail's overall aromatic profile, crafting an elegant, nuanced drink that beckons the senses to explore further.
Ingredients: Gin 45ml, Mezcal 7.5ml, Raspberry liqueur 7.5ml, Pear liqueur 22.5ml, Lillet Blanc 22.5ml
This drink is a tribute to mezcal's rich, smoky essence, adeptly paired with maraschino cherry, Aperol, and lime juice, offering a balance of smoke, sweetness, sourness, and bitterness.
This drink is a tribute to mezcal's rich, smoky essence, adeptly paired with maraschino cherry, Aperol, and lime juice, offering a balance of smoke, sweetness, sourness, and bitterness. Its invention is a celebration of mezcal's potential in cocktails, exploring how it can play a leading role while simultaneously supporting other flavors.
The marriage of ingredients creates a complex yet accessible profile, making it a modern classic in the mezcal cocktail canon, and illustrating the spirit's capacity to captivate and harmonize with a variety of tastes.
Ingredients: Mezcal 30ml, Aperol 22.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Maraschino cherry 15ml
This cocktail reinvents the traditional Margarita by infusing it with the deep, smoky character of mezcal, complemented by triple sec and a hint of agave syrup for sweetness, and lime juice for acidity.
This cocktail reinvents the traditional Margarita by infusing it with the deep, smoky character of mezcal, complemented by triple sec and a hint of agave syrup for sweetness, and lime juice for acidity. The addition of margarita bitters and saline solution adds layers of flavor that elevate the drink beyond its classic roots.
It represents an exploration of how mezcal can transform familiar cocktails into something entirely new and exciting, offering a fresh take on beloved flavors by introducing mezcal's distinctive smokiness into the mix, resulting in a timeless cocktail with a bold twist.
Ingredients: Mezcal 30ml, Triple sec 22.5ml, Margarita bitters 8 drops, Agave syrup 5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Saline solution 2 drops
This cocktail is an exceptional fusion of mezcal with Jamaican rum, showcasing how two robust spirits can harmonize, enriched by the sweetness of orgeat and sugar syrup, and balanced by the tartness of lime juice.
This cocktail is an exceptional fusion of mezcal with Jamaican rum, showcasing how two robust spirits can harmonize, enriched by the sweetness of orgeat and sugar syrup, and balanced by the tartness of lime juice. The interplay of smoky and sweet, with a hint of citrus, makes for a tantalizingly complex drink.
Originating from a desire to blend cultural flavors, it demonstrates mezcal's adaptability and the magic that happens when it's combined with carefully selected companions, crafting a drink that's both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Ingredients: Jamaican rum 30ml, Mezcal 30ml, Orange liqueur 7.5ml, Lime juice 22.5ml, Orgeat syrup 15ml, Sugar / simple syrup 10ml
This cocktail is a sophisticated take on the classic Old-Fashioned, introducing mezcal and tequila reposado to the traditional mix, sweetened subtly with agave syrup and a whisper of chocolate bitters for depth.
This cocktail is a sophisticated take on the classic Old-Fashioned, introducing mezcal and tequila reposado to the traditional mix, sweetened subtly with agave syrup and a whisper of chocolate bitters for depth. It showcases the craft of cocktail making by blending the aged, woody notes of tequila with the earthy smokiness of mezcal, creating a drink that is both complex and comforting.
Its inception stems from a respect for the classics, with a desire to infuse them with the unique characteristics of mezcal, offering a modern twist that celebrates the spirit's heritage.
Ingredients: Mezcal 15ml, Tequila reposado 30ml, Agave syrup 7.5ml, Chocolate bitters 4 drops
This minimalist cocktail is a study in simplicity and balance, pairing mezcal's smokiness directly with the bittersweet, herbal qualities of Amaro.
This minimalist cocktail is a study in simplicity and balance, pairing mezcal's smokiness directly with the bittersweet, herbal qualities of Amaro. It strips the cocktail experience down to its bare essentials, allowing the individual flavors of mezcal and Amaro to shine through and interact in a nuanced dance.
This drink speaks to the minimalist movement in mixology, where each ingredient is chosen for its ability to contribute to an elegant, pared-down but deeply flavorful experience, emphasizing mezcal's ability to stand out yet harmoniously blend with complex liqueurs.
Ingredients: Mezcal 30ml, Amaro 30ml
This cocktail brings an innovative twist to the classic flip style, featuring mezcal as the star, enriched by the creaminess of egg and the sweetness of agave syrup, all spiced with a dash of Angostura bitters.
This cocktail brings an innovative twist to the classic flip style, featuring mezcal as the star, enriched by the creaminess of egg and the sweetness of agave syrup, all spiced with a dash of Angostura bitters. It's a testament to the spirit's versatility, capable of transitioning from smoky and assertive to smooth and indulgent.
Inspired by the historic flip, this drink showcases how mezcal's unique flavor profile can adapt and thrive in diverse cocktail forms, offering a link between tradition and modernity, and inviting a new appreciation for the spirit's flexibility.
Ingredients: Mezcal 60ml, Aromatic bitters Dash, Agave syrup 20ml, Egg 1 egg white, Egg 1 egg white
1. Ultima Palabra
This cocktail is a stunning showcase of mezcal, harmoniously blended with green chartreuse, lime juice, pineapple juice, and maraschino cherry for a tantalizing balance of sweetness, acidity, and smokiness. Originating from a passion for crafting complex, layered drinks, it accentuates the smoky notes of mezcal with the herbal undertones of chartreuse, creating a multifaceted flavor profile.
The inclusion of tropical and citrus elements makes it not just a drink, but an experience, transporting the drinker to a sensory landscape that's both exotic and familiar.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Begin by adding all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring that everything is ready to be mixed thoroughly
-
- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until you notice that the outside of the shaker begins to look frosted, indicating that the contents are well-chilled
-
- Once shaken, grab a chilled glass prepared beforehand to ensure your drink remains cold for longer
-
- Proceed to fine strain the mixture into the glass, which helps to remove any ice shards or unwanted bits, giving your cocktail a smoother texture
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- Enjoy your meticulously crafted cocktail, served at the perfect temperature and consistency for a refreshing experience
2. Naked & Famous
Regarded as a vibrant dance of flavors, this cocktail merges mezcal's smokiness with the bitter sweetness of Aperol and the herbal complexity of yellow chartreuse. The lime juice cuts through with a refreshing sharpness, making it a drink of contrasts and harmony.
Its creation reflects a modern mixology movement, embracing bold combinations and innovative techniques. The result is a drink that stands out for its ability to marry disparate flavors into a cohesive, unforgettable sip, embodying the adventurous spirit of contemporary cocktail culture.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by placing all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled halfway with ice cubes
-
- Securely close the shaker and then give it a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds or until the exterior of the shaker feels frosty to the touch
-
- Once shaken, promptly strain the mixture into a glass that's been pre-chilled to ensure your drink stays cool longer
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- Enjoy your freshly made cocktail right away for the best taste and experience
3. Closing Argument
Envisioned as a spirited debate between its ingredients, this cocktail features a dialogue between the boldness of mezcal and the nuanced complexity of green chartreuse and maraschino cherry, all brightened by a splash of lime juice. This concoction's origins are steeped in the desire to push traditional boundaries, offering a twist on classic flavors.
Its flavor profile is a testament to the art of cocktail making, where every sip offers a new perspective, blending the assertive smokiness of mezcal with the intricate flavors of its companions for a truly sophisticated experience.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes
-
- Shake vigorously for about 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels cold and frosted
-
- Next, grab a glass from the fridge or freezer to ensure it's nicely chilled
-
- Carefully strain the mixture from the shaker into the chilled glass, leaving the ice behind
-
- Finally, for a touch of elegance or additional flavor, consider garnishing the drink according to the cocktail's character
4. Smoked Pear
This cocktail presents a delicate interplay between the smoky allure of mezcal and the subtle sweetness of pear liqueur, balanced by the botanicals of gin and the smooth finish of raspberry liqueur and Lillet Blanc. Its creation is inspired by the beauty of combining fruit and smoke, highlighting mezcal's versatility.
The smokiness of mezcal underpins the drink, providing a base that enhances the pear's sweetness and the cocktail's overall aromatic profile, crafting an elegant, nuanced drink that beckons the senses to explore further.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Add all the ingredients into a mixing glass with ice
-
- Stir for around 20 seconds to combine the ingredients fully
-
- Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a flaming orange twist to serve
5. Division Bell
This drink is a tribute to mezcal's rich, smoky essence, adeptly paired with maraschino cherry, Aperol, and lime juice, offering a balance of smoke, sweetness, sourness, and bitterness. Its invention is a celebration of mezcal's potential in cocktails, exploring how it can play a leading role while simultaneously supporting other flavors.
The marriage of ingredients creates a complex yet accessible profile, making it a modern classic in the mezcal cocktail canon, and illustrating the spirit's capacity to captivate and harmonize with a variety of tastes.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by combining all of your ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, ensuring a smooth blend
-
- Vigorously shake the mixture for 10-15 seconds, or until the outside of the shaker feels frosty, indicating it's well-chilled
-
- Next, grab a glass from the fridge or freezer to preserve the cocktail's chill
-
- Carefully strain the shaken mixture into this chilled glass, leaving any unwanted ice chips behind
-
- Lastly, take a moment to admire your creation before taking the first sip of your perfectly crafted cocktail
6. Mezcal Margarita
This cocktail reinvents the traditional Margarita by infusing it with the deep, smoky character of mezcal, complemented by triple sec and a hint of agave syrup for sweetness, and lime juice for acidity. The addition of margarita bitters and saline solution adds layers of flavor that elevate the drink beyond its classic roots.
It represents an exploration of how mezcal can transform familiar cocktails into something entirely new and exciting, offering a fresh take on beloved flavors by introducing mezcal's distinctive smokiness into the mix, resulting in a timeless cocktail with a bold twist.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice
-
- Vigorously shake everything together for 10-15 seconds, or until the shaker feels noticeably cold to the touch
-
- Next, grab a fine mesh strainer and use it while pouring the mixture to ensure a smooth drink, leaving any unwanted ice shards behind
-
- Pour the strained concoction into a glass filled with fresh ice, ensuring your drink stays chilled
-
- Enjoy your expertly mixed cocktail, ideally served immediately for the best taste and temperature
7. Tia Mia
This cocktail is an exceptional fusion of mezcal with Jamaican rum, showcasing how two robust spirits can harmonize, enriched by the sweetness of orgeat and sugar syrup, and balanced by the tartness of lime juice. The interplay of smoky and sweet, with a hint of citrus, makes for a tantalizingly complex drink.
Originating from a desire to blend cultural flavors, it demonstrates mezcal's adaptability and the magic that happens when it's combined with carefully selected companions, crafting a drink that's both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Begin by adding all the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice cubes
-
- Give the concoction a vigorous shake for about 10-15 seconds, or until the exterior of the shaker feels cold and frosted
-
- Next, take a glass filled to the brim with crushed ice
-
- Carefully strain the contents of the shaker, ensuring to pour it over the crushed ice in the glass
-
- Now, your refreshing cocktail is ready to be enjoyed
8. Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
This cocktail is a sophisticated take on the classic Old-Fashioned, introducing mezcal and tequila reposado to the traditional mix, sweetened subtly with agave syrup and a whisper of chocolate bitters for depth. It showcases the craft of cocktail making by blending the aged, woody notes of tequila with the earthy smokiness of mezcal, creating a drink that is both complex and comforting.
Its inception stems from a respect for the classics, with a desire to infuse them with the unique characteristics of mezcal, offering a modern twist that celebrates the spirit's heritage.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by stirring your tequila gently with three ice cubes in a glass to chill the mix
-
- Incorporate the rest of your ingredients into the glass and continue to stir, adding more ice as needed for a colder beverage
-
- Add additional ice to fill the glass, continuing to stir until the mixture is well blended and chilled
9. M & M
This minimalist cocktail is a study in simplicity and balance, pairing mezcal's smokiness directly with the bittersweet, herbal qualities of Amaro. It strips the cocktail experience down to its bare essentials, allowing the individual flavors of mezcal and Amaro to shine through and interact in a nuanced dance.
This drink speaks to the minimalist movement in mixology, where each ingredient is chosen for its ability to contribute to an elegant, pared-down but deeply flavorful experience, emphasizing mezcal's ability to stand out yet harmoniously blend with complex liqueurs.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Start by stirring all your ingredients together with ice in a mixing glass, ensuring they're well combined
-
- Aim to stir for about 10-15 seconds; this integrates everything smoothly without diluting the drink too much
-
- Carefully pour this mixture through a strainer into a glass filled with ice, ideally a single large ice block, to keep your drink cold longer with less dilution
10. Mezcal Flip
This cocktail brings an innovative twist to the classic flip style, featuring mezcal as the star, enriched by the creaminess of egg and the sweetness of agave syrup, all spiced with a dash of Angostura bitters. It's a testament to the spirit's versatility, capable of transitioning from smoky and assertive to smooth and indulgent.
Inspired by the historic flip, this drink showcases how mezcal's unique flavor profile can adapt and thrive in diverse cocktail forms, offering a link between tradition and modernity, and inviting a new appreciation for the spirit's flexibility.
Ingredients
Method
-
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice cubes together and shake vigorously for at least 20 seconds
-
- Then strain over fresh ice into chilled glass and serve
Conclusion
Curating this selection of mezcal cocktails was guided by a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and the storied tradition behind the spirit.
Each cocktail was chosen for its ability to highlight mezcal's distinctive smokiness, while balancing it with other ingredients to create a harmonious and memorable drinking experience. From the nuanced complexity of traditional recipes to the innovative twists of modern mixology, these top 10 mezcal cocktails are testament to the spirit's versatility and enduring appeal. Whether it's the bold layers of a Smoked Pear or the refreshing zing of a Mezcal Margarita, mezcal proves to be a standout star, offering a sip of Mexico's rich cultural heritage.
More about Mezcal
What is the most popular cocktail made with mezcal?
On makemeacocktail.com, the most popular mezcal cocktail is the Banderilla. It showcases mezcal’s smoky character in a simple, spirit-forward serve.
What ingredients pair well with mezcal in cocktails?
Mezcal pairs especially well with bright citrus (like lime or grapefruit) and sweeteners such as agave syrup, which balance its smoky edge. It also works nicely with bitter or herbal elements (for example, vermouth or amaro) to highlight its earthy complexity.
How many cocktails can you make with mezcal?
Makemeacocktail.com lists 26 cocktails you can make with mezcal. That range includes both modern classics and creative variations built around its smoky agave profile.
What is mezcal and what does it taste like?
Mezcal is a spirit distilled from agave plants, primarily produced in Mexico. It’s known for a distinctive smoky flavor, often with earthy, vegetal, and sometimes fruity notes depending on the agave and production style.
Explore even more about Mezcal
Jump back to the discovery hub or the ingredient guide if you want broader context beyond this ranked shortlist.
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