Tequila will always have a special place in our hearts, but as the steamy summer days wane down into fall, we’re trading in our traditional margaritas for these smokier, sexier cocktails. Pro tip: keep a big batch of these cocktails on hand so that you can whip up drinks for a crowd in seconds — just our and serve over ice. From non-traditional takes on classics to creative twists on fruity favorites, these are our favorite mezcal-forward cocktail recipes that will delight your guests.
Mezcal Manhattan
- 2 cups mezcal
- 1 cup sweet vermouth
- 24 dashes Angostura Bitters
- brandied cherries (for garnish)
Preparation: Add all ingredients to a chilled carafe and stir to mix. Refrigerate for at least two hours. When it’s time to serve, strain into glasses, either over ice or straight. Garnish with a brandied cherry.
Smoky Margarita
- 1 1/2 cups mezcal
- 1 cup Cointreau
- 3/4 cup fresh lime juice
- simple syrup or agave (optional, to taste)
- lime wedges and salt (for garnish)
Preparation: Combine the mezcal, Cointreau, and lime juice together in a pitcher, adding sweetener if desired. Chill for at least two hours. When it’s time to serve, run a lime wedge on the edge of the glasses, then dip the rims in salt. Fill rimmed glass with ice, pour the margarita mixture over, and serve with a lime wedge.
Bloody Maria
- 1 cup mezcal
- 2 cups tomato juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tsp horseradish
- 2 tsp Worcestershire
- 1/2 tsp smoky hot sauce
- 1/2 tsp celery salt
- black pepper, to taste
- old bay, and celery (for garnish)
Preparation: In a large pitcher, combine all of the ingredients except the old bay and celery. Stir well to combine and chill overnight, or at least four hours. To serve, dip edge of the glasses in water, then dip in old bay. Then add ice, pour your mixture over, and garnish with a celery stick.
Mezcal Negroni
- 1 cup mezcal
- 1 cup Campari
- 1 cup sweet vermouth
- orange peel (for garnish)
Preparation: Combine the mezcal, Campari and sweet vermouth in a large carafe and stir to combine. Chill for at least two hours. When ready to serve, run a slice of orange peel over the edge of the glass, then add a single large ice cube. Pour Negroni mixture over the ice and garnish with the orange peel.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
- 1 1/2 cups aged tequila
- 1/2 cup mezcal
- 8 tsp agave
- 16 dashes Angostura bitters
- orange peel (for garnish)
Preparation: Mix the tequila, mezcal, agave, and bitters in a pitcher and chill for at least two hours. Serve straight-up or over a single ice cube. Garnish with the orange peel.
Smoke-Show Paloma
- 2 1/2 tbsp sugar
- 2 cups fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 cups mezcal
- 2 cups sparkling water
- grapefruit slices and salt (for garnish)
Preparation: Combine juices and sugar in a pitcher and stir until sugar is dissolved. Add the mezcal, then chill for at least two hours. When you’re ready to serve, rim the glasses with grapefruit juice and salt, then add ice. Pour in 1/2 cup of the chilled mixture and top with 1/4 cup of club soda. Stir to combine and garnish with a quarter of a grapefruit slice.
Mezcal Mule
- 2 cups mezcal
- 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup fresh ginger juice
- 1 cup simple syrup or agave
- 1 1/2 cups sparkling water
- lime wedges (for garnish)
Preparation: Stir together all ingredients except the club soda in a pitcher and refrigerate for at least two hours. To serve, add ice into a copper mug and pour 1/2 cup of the chilled mixture into mug. Top with 1 1/2 oz. (slightly less than 1/4 cup) of club soda. Garnish with a lime wedge.
Mezcal is a versatile, complex spirit that can be enjoyed in many ways. If you’ve never tried it before and want to explore the world of mezcal, try experimenting with different mixers and spices in these recipes to create the perfect drink that’s just right for your taste buds. Whip up one of these cocktails this weekend—you won’t regret it.
