Mezcal cocktails are gaining popularity among drink enthusiasts. These smoky spirits add depth and complexity to mixed drinks.

Whether you’re new to mezcal or a seasoned fan, there’s a cocktail for every taste.

You’ll find 18 amazing mezcal cocktails to try in this article. From classic recipes to creative new mixes, these drinks showcase mezcal’s unique flavors.

Get ready to explore a range of tasty options that will expand your cocktail horizons.

1. Oaxaca Old-Fashioned

The Oaxaca Old-Fashioned is a modern twist on the classic cocktail. It blends tequila and mezcal for a unique smoky flavor.

This drink was created in 2007 by Phil Ward, a New York bartender. It helped introduce many people to mezcal, which was not well-known at the time.

To make an Oaxaca Old-Fashioned, you’ll need tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and chocolate bitters.

Mix these ingredients and serve over a large ice cube.

You can garnish your drink with a dehydrated lime slice for extra flair. This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy smoky flavors and want to explore mezcal-based drinks.

2. Smoky Paloma

The Smoky Paloma puts a twist on the classic tequila-based cocktail. You’ll use mezcal instead of tequila for a smoky flavor that pairs well with grapefruit.

To make this drink, mix mezcal with fresh grapefruit juice and lime juice. Add a splash of agave syrup for sweetness.

Top it off with sparkling water or club soda.

Rim your glass with salt for extra flavor. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge.

The Smoky Paloma is perfect for sipping on hot summer days or pairing with spicy foods.

3. Mezcal Mule

The Mezcal Mule puts a smoky spin on the classic Moscow Mule. You’ll love this refreshing cocktail with a kick.

To make it, you’ll need mezcal, lime juice, and ginger beer. Mix these ingredients in a copper mug filled with ice.

For extra flavor, try muddling cucumber slices with agave nectar before adding the other ingredients.

You can also add a splash of passion fruit puree for a tropical twist.

Garnish your Mezcal Mule with a cucumber slice and a sprinkle of chili powder. The spicy-cool combo pairs perfectly with the smoky mezcal and zingy ginger beer.

4. Spicy Mezcalita

The Spicy Mezcalita adds a fiery kick to your mezcal experience. This cocktail blends smoky mezcal with spicy and sweet flavors for a tasty drink.

To make it, you’ll need mezcal, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. The spicy element comes from muddled jalapeño slices.

For extra heat, you can rim the glass with chili powder.

Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a glass. Garnish with a lime wheel and jalapeño slice.

The Spicy Mezcalita is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat in their drinks.

This cocktail pairs well with Mexican dishes or as a zesty start to your evening. Its balance of smoky, spicy, and citrus notes makes it a crowd-pleaser at parties.

5. Pineapple Mezcal Sour

The Pineapple Mezcal Sour is a tasty twist on the classic whiskey sour. It mixes smoky mezcal with sweet pineapple juice for a tropical flavor.

To make this drink, you’ll need mezcal, fresh pineapple juice, lemon juice, and agave syrup.

Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a glass.

You can garnish your cocktail with a slice of pineapple and a cherry. The result is a refreshing drink that balances smoky and sweet notes perfectly.

6. Mezcal Negroni

The Mezcal Negroni puts a smoky twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll swap gin for mezcal to create this bold drink.

To make it, mix equal parts mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth. Stir the ingredients with ice until chilled. Strain into a glass with fresh ice.

Garnish your Mezcal Negroni with an orange twist. The citrus aroma complements the smoky mezcal and bitter Campari.

This cocktail is perfect for those who enjoy strong, complex flavors. The mezcal adds earthy notes that balance the bitterness of Campari and the sweetness of vermouth.

7. Mezcal Margarita

The Mezcal Margarita puts a smoky twist on the classic cocktail. You’ll need mezcal, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup or agave nectar to make this drink.

Mix these ingredients in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice cubes or crushed ice.

Garnish your Mezcal Margarita with a lime wedge for a finishing touch.

The smoky notes of mezcal blend nicely with the tangy lime and sweet syrup, creating a balanced and flavorful cocktail.

8. Mezcal Manhattan

The Mezcal Manhattan puts a smoky spin on the classic cocktail. You’ll swap out whiskey for mezcal, keeping the sweet vermouth and bitters.

To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal with 1 ounce of sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Add a dash or two of bitters, then stir well.

Strain the mixture into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a cherry or orange peel for a finishing touch.

This drink highlights mezcal’s complex flavors while maintaining the Manhattan’s sophisticated profile. It’s perfect for sipping on a cool evening.

9. Blood Orange Mezcal

Blood orange mezcal cocktails blend smoky and citrus flavors for a unique drink. You’ll love the vibrant color and tangy taste of this combination.

To make one, muddle blood orange slices in a glass. Add mezcal, agave syrup, and ice. Top with tonic water for a refreshing twist.

This cocktail works well for summer sipping. The bright orange hue looks beautiful in a clear glass.

Try garnishing with a blood orange slice or twist for extra flair.

10. Mezcal Mojito

The Mezcal Mojito puts a smoky twist on the classic Cuban cocktail. You’ll need mezcal, fresh lime juice, simple syrup, mint leaves, and club soda.

Muddle mint leaves with lime juice and simple syrup in a glass. Add mezcal and fill the glass with ice. Top with club soda and stir gently.

Garnish your drink with a sprig of mint and a lime wedge. The smoky mezcal balances nicely with the refreshing mint and lime flavors.

This cocktail is perfect for warm summer evenings. It’s a unique take on the traditional mojito that you’ll want to make again and again.

11. Mexican Coffee Cocktail

This warm and cozy drink blends the smoky flavors of mezcal with rich coffee. To make it, brew a strong cup of coffee and add a shot of mezcal.

Stir in some brown sugar and a splash of cream or milk. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

The Mexican Coffee Cocktail is perfect for chilly evenings or as an after-dinner treat. You’ll love how the mezcal’s earthiness complements the coffee’s boldness.

This drink offers a unique twist on traditional Irish coffee. It’s an excellent choice for coffee lovers looking to explore new flavor combinations.

12. Basil Mezcal Smash

The Basil Mezcal Smash combines smoky mezcal with fresh basil for a refreshing cocktail. You’ll need mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and fresh basil leaves.

Start by muddling basil leaves in a shaker to release their oils. Add mezcal, lime juice, and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake well.

Strain the mixture into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a basil sprig and lime wheel. The herbal notes of the basil complement mezcal’s smokiness.

This drink balances sweet, sour, and smoky flavors. It’s perfect for sipping on warm evenings or pairing with spicy foods.

13. Mezcal Collins

The Mezcal Collins is a refreshing twist on the classic Tom Collins. You’ll love this smoky and citrusy drink on a hot day.

To make it, mix mezcal, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup in a tall glass. Add ice and top with sparkling water. Stir gently to combine.

Garnish your Mezcal Collins with a lemon wheel or slice.

For extra flair, you can rim the glass with salt or tajín seasoning.

This cocktail balances the boldness of mezcal with the brightness of lemon. It’s easy to make and perfect for sipping by the pool or at a barbecue.

14. Ginger Mezcal Martini

This drink combines the smoky flavor of mezcal with the spicy kick of ginger. To make it, you’ll need mezcal, ginger liqueur, and fresh lime juice.

Shake these ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled martini glass.

For an extra touch, rim the glass with a mixture of salt and ground ginger.

The Ginger Mezcal Martini offers a unique twist on the classic martini. You’ll taste the earthiness of the mezcal balanced by the zesty ginger and tangy lime.

It’s a great choice for those who enjoy bold flavors. This cocktail works well as an after-dinner drink or a special treat for ginger lovers.

15. Strawberry Mezcal Fizz

The Strawberry Mezcal Fizz is a tasty drink that mixes sweet and smoky flavors. You’ll need mezcal, fresh strawberries, lime juice, and soda water to make it.

Muddle the strawberries in a shaker, then add mezcal and lime juice. Shake well with ice and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.

Top off your drink with soda water for a fizzy touch. Garnish with a strawberry slice or lime wedge if you like.

This cocktail is perfect for summer sipping. The fruity sweetness balances out mezcal’s smoky taste, creating a refreshing and unique drink.

16. Cucumber Mezcal Cooler

This refreshing drink combines smoky mezcal with cool cucumber. It’s perfect for hot summer days or when you want a light, crisp cocktail.

To make it, you’ll need mezcal, cucumber, lime juice, and simple syrup.

Muddle cucumber slices in a shaker to release their flavor.

Add mezcal, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a cucumber slice.

The cucumber adds a fresh, clean taste that balances the smoky mezcal. You can adjust the sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup.

17. Mezcal Espresso Martini

The Mezcal Espresso Martini puts a smoky twist on a classic cocktail. You’ll need mezcal, coffee liqueur, fresh espresso, and simple syrup.

Mix 2 ounces of mezcal, 1/2 ounce of coffee liqueur, 1 ounce of espresso, and 1/4 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.

Shake well to chill and combine the ingredients.

Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass. For a finishing touch, add three coffee beans as a garnish on top of the drink.

This cocktail gives you a perfect blend of smoky mezcal and rich coffee flavors. It’s great for after-dinner drinks or when you want a pick-me-up with a kick.

18. Mezcal Bloody Mary

The Mezcal Bloody Mary puts a smoky spin on the classic brunch cocktail. You’ll love the mix of tomato juice, spices, and mezcal’s unique flavor.

To make one, fill a shaker with ice. Add mezcal, tomato juice, lime juice, and Worcestershire sauce.

Shake well and strain into a glass with ice.

Garnish with a celery stick, lime wedge, and olives. For extra flair, add a salt rim to your glass.

The result is a bold, savory drink with a smoky kick.

This cocktail works great for brunch or as a pick-me-up. Its complex taste makes it perfect for adventurous drinkers looking to try something new.

Understanding Mezcal

Mezcal is a complex spirit with deep roots in Mexican culture. It offers unique flavors that set it apart from other agave-based drinks.

Origins and History

Mezcal dates back centuries in Mexico. Indigenous peoples first made it from agave plants. They cooked agave hearts in underground pits, then fermented and distilled the juice.

Spanish colonizers spread mezcal production across Mexico. Each region developed its own styles. Oaxaca became known as the mezcal capital.

Today, mezcal is made in 9 Mexican states. Small producers still use traditional methods. This gives mezcal its distinct smoky taste. Modern mezcal ranges from artisanal to mass-produced.

Mezcal vs. Tequila

Mezcal and tequila are both agave spirits, but they differ in key ways:

• Agave type: Tequila uses only blue agave. Mezcal can use over 30 agave varieties.
• Production: Mezcal agave is roasted underground. Tequila agave is steam-cooked.
• Flavor: Mezcal is often smokier and more complex than tequila.
• Regions: Tequila comes from 5 states. Mezcal is made in 9 states.

Mezcal tends to have a stronger, earthier taste than tequila. It’s often sipped neat to enjoy its unique flavors.

Pairing Mezcal Cocktails

Mezcal’s smoky flavor lets you create exciting drink pairings. The right glassware and flavor combos can take your cocktails to the next level.

Flavors and Aromas

Mezcal goes well with citrus fruits like lime and grapefruit. Their tartness balances mezcal’s smokiness.

Try adding pineapple or mango for a tropical twist.

Herbs like cilantro and mint also pair nicely. They add freshness to mezcal drinks.

Spicy ingredients like chili peppers or ginger can boost mezcal’s warmth. But use them sparingly so they don’t overpower the drink.

Sweet flavors like agave nectar or honey can soften mezcal’s intensity. Just don’t add too much or you’ll lose the spirit’s character.

For a savory touch, try salt rims or olive brine. These bring out mezcal’s earthy notes.

Choosing the Right Glassware

Pick the right glass to enhance your mezcal cocktail experience.

For straight mezcal, use a small clay cup called a copita. It keeps the spirit cool and lets you enjoy the aromas.

Rocks glasses work well for mezcal on ice or simple mixed drinks. Their wide opening releases the smoky scent.

Try a tall Collins glass for refreshing mezcal cocktails with lots of mixer. It keeps drinks cold longer.

Martini glasses showcase colorful mezcal creations. Their shape helps release aromas as you sip.

For bubbly mezcal drinks, use a champagne flute. It keeps the fizz lively and looks elegant.