Mezcal is a distilled spirit like tequila, but made from different types of agave plants. Celebrating National Mezcal Day on October 21st is the perfect way to try some of the delicious, agave-based flavor combinations that the liquors has to offer. Whether you’re looking to make an impressive signature cocktail for friends or just need something quick and easy to whip up for yourself, you’ll find plenty of recipes here that are sure to please. All of them have been approved by famous chefs and celebrities, so you know they’re worth a try.
Let’s Get the Celebration Started!
To kick off National Mezcal Day, why not try a mezcal margarita? There are a few variations on the classic margarita that use mezcal as the base, and each one packs a unique punch. This classic recipe from Mark Bittman, author and host of the popular cooking show The Best Recipes in the World, pairs tequila and mezcal with citrus and agave syrup for a perfect blend of flavors.
Ingredients:
2 ounces of reposado tequila
2 ounces of mezcal
2 ounces of fresh lime juice
2 teaspoons of agave syrup
Instructions:
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Fill a shaker with the tequila, mezcal, lime juice and agave syrup.
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Shake well and pour into a chilled margarita glass.
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Garnish with a slice of lime or a sprig of mint.
This classic cocktail pairs perfectly with Tex-Mex cuisine or as a refresher at the end of the day.
Celebrity-Approved Mezcal Cocktails
If you’re looking to make a splash on National Mezcal Day, you can’t go wrong with a celebrity-approved cocktail. Here are four delicious recipes that have been approved by some of the world’s top chefs and bartenders:
• Mary Pickford-This fruity and refreshing cocktail was created by Puerto Rican bartender Ramon Marrero and named after the silent film star in the 1920’s. To make it, combine 4 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of pineapple juice, 2 ounces of cranberry juice, 1 ounce of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and strain into a tall glass. Add a few drops of bitters and garnish with a lime wheel.
• Mezcal Paloma-This light and zesty drink was created by Chef José Andres as a way to bring out the unique flavors of mezcal. To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of lime juice and 1 teaspoon of simple syrup in a mixing glass. Add ice and shake vigorously. Strain into a glass filled with ice and top with club soda and a pinch of salt. Garnish with a lime wheel.
• Mezcal Punch-This hearty drink was created by renowned mixologist Allen Katz and has become a fan favorite. To make it, combine 4 ounces of mezcal, 4 ounces of fresh orange juice, 2 ounces of cranberry juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, 3–4 dashes of Angostura bitters and a pinch of ground cinnamon in a cocktail shaker with plenty of ice. Shake until everything is chilled and pour into a rocks glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
• Margarita Diablo-This fiery, smoky take on the classic margarita comes courtesy of Mexican restauranteur Ricardo Muñoz. To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 2 ounces of fresh lime juice and 1 ounce of Chipotle Hot Sauce in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously and pour into a chilled margarita glass. Garnish with a chili pepper.
Celebrating with National Mezcal Day
These recipes are sure to get your National Mezcal Day celebration started on the right foot, but you don’t have to stick to just these cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are a few other recipes that can spice things up:
• Mezcal-Cuke Cocktail-This simple recipe from celebrity chef Richard Blais uses the perfect balance of cucumber and mezcal for a quick and refreshing concoction. To make it, combine 1 slice of cucumber and 2 ounces of mezcal in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and pour into a rocks glass.
• Mezcal Negroni-This twist on the classic Negroni cocktail uses mezcal in place of gin for an extra kick. To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of Campari and 1 ounce of sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with plenty of ice. Stir until everything is well mixed and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with an orange slice.
• Mezcal Mule-This recipe by celebrity chef Bobby Flay adds a smoky flavor to the classic Moscow mule. To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, ½ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice, 1 teaspoon of simple syrup and 2 dashes of orange bitters in a copper mug filled with ice. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wheel.
• The Mezcalita-The mezcalita is a variation on the classic Margarita and has become a favorite among some of Hollywood’s biggest stars. To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of triple sec, and ¾ ounce of freshly squeezed lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake until chilled and pour into a chilled Margarita glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
No matter which recipe you try, by reaching for a bottle of mezcal on National Mezcal Day you’ll join many celebrities in raising a glass to this delicious distilled spirit. With these recipes, you can be sure that your celebration will be hard to beat!
