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Popular cocktails can be seen on most beverage menus. Although they are great and many people look for their favorites, you need to experiment a bit. Trying out unique cocktails will put you ahead of the curve. All you have to do is curate your offers and include drinks like mezcal cocktails or special holiday drinks.
There are different categories of cocktails to explore. From prosecco cocktails to chili pepper cocktails, the options are endless. You can even experiment with spicy spirits, sparkling wines, and other unique types of alcohol. With them, you can create your own signature drinks.
But before you start making new cocktail drinks, you need to organize your beverage inventory. By doing so, you can find which bottles need to be used up before they expire (see: alcohol expiration). You can also determine what people prefer the most. But more on that later!
Now, let’s jump right into the world of mezcal cocktails and see why and how you can serve them. We will provide you with great recipes, too.
What Is Mezcal?
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic drink that is made of agave. The word itself comes from Nahuatl mexcalli, which means "oven-cooked agave.
Tequila is a type of mezcal. The latter, however, can be made from about 50 different types of agave. Tequila, on the other hand, can be made only from agave tequilana Weber.
Mezcal can be had on its own but can also be part of many mezcal cocktails. Mezcal is a versatile base spirit and you can make a lot of drinks with it.
Key Takeaway: To make your beverage menu even more unique and exciting, you should try adding mezcal cocktails. Try a few different cocktail recipes and see which will fit your other offers best.
What Mezcal Cocktails to Make
One of the best ways to introduce specific alcohol to your menu is by making classic cocktails with it. Plenty of great recipes you can modify and use mezcal instead of gin or tequila. Below, we have listed some of our favorite mezcal cocktails to try.
1. Mezcal Margarita
Who doesn’t love a nice refreshing Margarita? The Margarita recipe has been modified countless times. One of the best options ever, however, is the Mezcal Margarita. Here is how you can make it:
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz triple sec
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- Salt for rimming (optional)
If you want to serve this cocktail more uniquely, read our articles on cocktail garnishes and how to rim a glass. To make your own Mezcal Margarita, you should:
- Rim a glass with salt (optional).
- In a shaker, combine mezcal with triple sec.
- Add lime juice and agave syrup to the mix.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice.
2. Oaxaca Old Fashioned
Old Fashioned is a cocktail loved by many. It can be made in various ways. If you want it to be part of the mezcal cocktails, you need to use:
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz reposado tequila
- 1 sugar cube
- 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters
- Orange peel for garnish
To make the Oaxaca Old Fashioned, you need:
- Muddle the sugar cube with a few drops of water in a glass.
- Add mezcal and tequila. Then add bitters.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Add ice and stir again. Garnish with an orange peel.
3. Mezcal Paloma
Who doesn’t know the Paloma cocktail? It’s another true classic that can be seen in many cocktail menus. If you want to serve mezcal cocktails, however, you should try this recipe:
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1/2 oz agave syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh grapefruit juice
- Soda water
- Grapefruit wedge for garnish
To make the delicious Mezcal Paloma, you should:
- In a shaker, combine mezcal and agave syrup. Add grapefruit juice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.
- Top with soda water and garnish with a grapefruit wedge.
4. Smoke and Fire Margarita
Is anyone surprised that there is another Margarita on this list? People love Margaritas. If you are a restaurant owner, you know that already. Here is how to make a delicious Margarita with mezcal:
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz Ancho Reyes (ancho chili liqueur)
- 3/4 oz agave syrup
- 3/4 oz fresh lime juice
- Tajín or chili powder for rimming (optional)
Once you get all the ingredients, you should:
- Rim a glass with Tajín or chili powder (optional).
- In a shaker, combine mezcal and Ancho Reyes.
- Then, add agave syrup and lime juice.
- Shake well and strain into the prepared glass over ice.
5. Spicy Mezcal Mule
If you want to have your own selection of the best spicy cocktails, don’t skip this one. Spicy Mezcal Mule is a great winter cocktail, too. Here is what you need:
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1/2 oz Ancho Reyes
- 1/2 oz fresh lime juice
- Ginger beer
- Sliced jalapeño for garnish
To make the magic happen, follow these instructions:
- In a shaker, combine mezcal, Ancho Reyes, and lime juice.
- Shake well and strain into a glass over ice.
- Top with ginger beer and garnish with sliced jalapeño.
6. Mezcal Negroni
The Negroni has become an iconic drink. Many famous people and influencers helped it rise to fame. Bartenders are commonly suggesting it, too. To make your own mezcal version of this cocktail, you need:
- 1 oz mezcal
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz sweet vermouth
- Orange peel for garnish
Making mezcal cocktails is not hard, but to have them perfect, you should follow instructions. Here is how to make your Mezcal Negroni:
- In a mixing glass, combine mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth.
- Fill the glass with ice and stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a glass with a large ice cube and garnish with an orange peel.
Setting Your Menu Up for Success
Curating the drinks you want to offer is crucial. However, it’s even more important to notice how people react to your offers. Notice customer behavior and gather feedback any chance you get.
To make this easier, as well as cut the counting time and prevent loss, use BinWise. With our beverage inventory software, you can easily gather and analyze data, which will help you improve your offers. You will save time, and money, and easily grow your business!
Find out more about what BinWise can do by booking a demo today!
Frequently Asked Questions about Mezcal Cocktails
Mezcal cocktails can bring out a lot of questions. If you want to know more about them, read the answers to the most common questions below.
What Is the Traditional Way to Serve Mezcal?
Mezcal is often served neat in small copita glasses. It is sipped slowly to appreciate the complex flavors and aromas. Some people prefer it with a slice of orange and a pinch of salt.
Can I Mix Mezcal With Other Spirits?
While mezcal is often enjoyed on its own, it can be mixed with other spirits to create unique mezcal cocktails. Common pairings include combining mezcal with tequila, rum, or even gin in certain recipes.
Are There Mezcal Cocktails Suitable for Beginners?
There are mezcal cocktails with approachable flavors for beginners. Starting with a Mezcal Margarita or a Mezcal Mule, which blends familiar ingredients with the unique characteristics of mezcal, is a good introduction.