Three recipes to celebrate mezcal
Mezcal Day is a celebration of culture, tradition and belonging, to be toasted, naturally, with a themed cocktail
Mezcal is a Mexican spirit steeped in history and tradition, dating back over 400 years to when the indigenous peoples of Mexico first began distilling agave. But—as you might be wondering—what is the difference between Mezcal and Tequila? Unlike Tequila, made exclusively from blue agave, Mezcal can be produced from more than 30 different wild and cultivated agave varieties, giving it a uniquely varied flavour profile. The production process also differs: to make Mezcal, the piña (the heart of the agave) is roasted in underground pits covered with agave leaves, lending it that characteristic smoky note, whereas for Tequila it is steamed in brick ovens.
In Mexico, Mezcal symbolises conviviality and cultural belonging, playing an integral part in many local celebrations and rituals. Every year on 21 October, Mezcal Day celebrates and promotes the artisanal traditions behind this remarkable spirit. Mezcal Day is marked worldwide with special events, parties and tastings. Whether you are an expert or simply curious, it is the ideal occasion to explore this Mexican spirit, whose smoky and complex flavour makes a distinctive base for cocktails. Here are three Mezcal cocktails to mix at home or order at your favourite cocktail bar to join the celebrations and toast its rich heritage.
Mezcal Margarita
As the name suggests, this is a twist on the classic Tequila cocktail. The combination of Mezcal, fresh lime juice and orange liqueur creates a delicate balance of tartness and smokiness, perfect for anyone who loves bold flavours.
Ingredients:
60 ml Mezcal
30 ml fresh lime juice
15 ml orange liqueur
Preparation:
Shake the ingredients with ice, strain into a salt-rimmed cocktail coupe and garnish with a lemon slice.
Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
Another riff on a classic, this time the Old Fashioned, given a distinct aromatic depth by the Mezcal.
Ingredients:
45 ml Mezcal
1 sugar cube
2 dashes aromatic bitters
1 orange peel
Preparation:
Place the sugar cube in a glass, add the bitters and a teaspoon of water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then add ice and the Mezcal. Stir well and garnish with the orange peel.
Pepino
A fresh, thirst-quenching and spicy drink garnished with cucumber and jalapeño—ideal for a celebratory toast.
Ingredients:
45 ml Mezcal
15 ml agave syrup
25 ml lime juice
Cucumber and green jalapeño, to taste
Preparation:
Muddle the agave syrup, lime juice, jalapeño and cucumber together, shake with the Mezcal and pour into a tumbler filled with ice cubes. Garnish with three cucumber slices and a small jalapeño pepper.
Cover photo: scott-tobin-HroSMavJhlo, Unsplash
