Buzz
Mezcal, distilled from the agave plant, primarily in Oaxaca, boasts a distinctive smoky flavor derived from its unique distillation process. Often mistaken for tequila, which is technically a variety of mezcal, this spirit can be savored neat, crafted into a mezcal margarita, or blended into the Last of the Oaxacans cocktail.
Essential Insights
- Enhance mezcal's smoky aroma with a jicarita, or an old-fashioned glass if unavailable.
- Opt for a garnish of orange wheel dusted with sal de gusano to enrich the spirit's texture, flavor, and aroma.
- Substitute mezcal for tequila in a margarita for a richer, smokier version of the classic cocktail.
- The Last of the Oaxacans, a signature mezcal cocktail, features mezcal, lime juice, luxardo maraschino, and green chartreuse.
Required Ingredients
Sipping Mezcal Directly
- 2 fl oz (59 mL) mezcal
- Half an orange wheel
- Pinch of worm salt (sal de gusano)
Serves 1
Crafting a Mezcal Margarita
- 2 fl oz (59 mL) mezcal
- 1 fl oz (30 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1⁄2 fl oz (15 mL) agave syrup
- Ice
- Lime wheel for garnish
Serves 1
Crafting the Last of the Oaxacans Cocktail
- 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) mezcal
- 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) luxardo maraschino
-
3⁄4
fl oz (22 mL) green chartreuse
- Thinly sliced serrano pepper for garnish
- Ice
Serves 1
Instructions
Sipping Mezcal Neat
Pour 2 fl oz (59 mL) of mezcal into a jicarita. The unique shape of this traditional clay vessel enhances the aroma exploration before sipping. Mezcal offers a diverse range of flavors including smoky, fruity, and vegetal notes, meant to be savored slowly.
- If you're new to mezcal, start with a less pricey bottle to acquaint yourself with its flavor profile.
- In absence of a jicarita, opt for an old-fashioned glass. However, note that the aromatic experience may differ due to design variations.
Garnish with an orange wheel dusted with sal de gusano. This blend of salt and ground chile peppers complements mezcal's earthy nuances.
- Authentic sal de gusano includes ground, roasted agave worms.
- If unavailable, you can substitute with salt and ground dried chile peppers, though expect slight taste variations.
Enjoy at room temperature, without ice. Mezcal is best appreciated neat, allowing its vibrant flavors and aromas to shine at room temperature.
Swirl it in your mouth before savoring. This action prepares your palate and allows for a nuanced tasting experience. For added flavor, nibble on the orange garnish immediately after sipping. Mezcal is a spirit meant for leisurely enjoyment, not quick shots.
Pair mezcal with traditional Oaxacan tlayuda. Mezcal's clarity allows for versatile food pairings, but for an authentic experience, pair it with Mexican cuisine. Opt for dishes rich in meat, cheese, and chile to complement mezcal's diverse flavors.
- Other dishes to complement mezcal include pozole or quinoa salad.
Crafting a Mezcal Margarita
Combine 2 fl oz (59 mL) of mezcal in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Fill a stainless steel cocktail shaker halfway to three-quarters full with ice. This ensures thorough chilling of all ingredients before serving without the need to shake mezcal and ice together initially.
- Mezcal's distinctive smoky profile complements the citrus notes in a margarita.
Pour in the lime juice and agave syrup. Add 1 fl oz (30 mL) of lime juice and 1⁄2 fl oz (15 mL) of agave syrup to the shaker with the mezcal. These ingredients enhance mezcal's smokiness and provide a touch of sweetness to the cocktail.
- You can create agave syrup by dissolving light agave in an equal amount of hot or boiling water.
- If a cocktail shaker isn't available, a mason jar or a bottle with a screw-on lid works well.
Shake the mixture for 10-30 seconds. Securely seal the shaker and vigorously shake the mixture. Aim for thorough mixing and complete cooling of the liquids by the ice.
- Your cocktail is ready once a light frost forms on the outside of the shaker.
Transfer the mixture into a cocktail glass. The shaker's lid includes a built-in strainer. Secure the top edges and invert the shaker to strain the cocktail into a glass. Any cocktail glass is suitable for this dry margarita.
- You can serve this cocktail straight up or over ice, depending on your preference.
- This is an ideal drink for newcomers to mezcal, offering a chance to savor its earthy and subtle notes in a familiar setting.
Top with a lime wheel and pair with tacos and guacamole. The flavors of your mezcal margarita complement beef, fish, or carne asada tacos. Enhance the spice and lime flavors of the mezcal with guacamole. Choose seasonings with black pepper, chile, or lime to complement your cocktail.
Crafting the Last of the Oaxacans Cocktail
Pre-chill your cocktail glass in the freezer. Place the glass in the freezer until it reaches 32 °F (0 °C). To expedite the process, wrap a damp paper towel around the glass before freezing.
- Pre-chilling your glass ensures a longer-lasting cold cocktail and prevents dilution from melting ice.
Add mezcal and lime juice to a shaker with ice. Combine 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) mezcal and 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) lime juice in a stainless steel shaker. Fill the shaker two-thirds full with ice after adding the mezcal and lime juice.
- Use a liquid measuring cup or a 2 fl oz (59 mL) shot glass to measure your liquids.
- If you lack a cocktail shaker, a mason jar or a bottle with a screw-on lid will suffice for mixing.
- Freshly squeezed lime juice is preferred, but pre-squeezed lime juice can be used if necessary.
- Alternatively, you can extract juice from 1-2 limes yourself.
Incorporate luxardo maraschino and green chartreuse. Add 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) of maraschino and 3⁄4 fl oz (22 mL) of chartreuse to the shaker containing mezcal, lime juice, and ice. For a spicier kick, consider adding a slice of serrano pepper.
- You can find luxardo maraschino and green chartreuse at your local liquor store.
- To enhance spiciness, add an extra pepper slice or a dash of spicy bitters.
Shake the mixture for approximately 20 seconds. Shake vigorously to thoroughly blend the liquids and flavors. Continue shaking until frost forms on the exterior of the shaker.
- Frost typically forms within 20 seconds of shaking.
Filter the mixture into your pre-chilled cocktail glass. For this drink, double straining is recommended. Hold a fine-mesh strainer over the cocktail glass while pouring from the shaker to remove any remaining ingredients. Double straining provides an additional filtration step to ensure a smooth drink.
- Double straining eliminates pulp or other residue from the drink.
- If lacking a fine-mesh strainer, use cheesecloth over the glass while pouring the cocktail.
Adorn with a pepper slice and pair with Oaxacan mole sauce. A chilled glass allows for leisurely enjoyment of your drink. As with most mezcal cocktails, the Last of the Oaxacans is best sipped slowly to savor each flavor. Its spiciness complements beef, chicken, or fish dishes accompanied by spicy red mole sauce.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the pepper garnish.
Essentials
Enjoying Mezcal Neat
- Traditional Jicarita (clay cup)
Crafting a Mezcal Margarita
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring cup or shot glass
- Cocktail glass
Making the Last of the Oaxacans Cocktail
- Cocktail shaker
- Measuring cup or shot glass
- Fine-mesh strainer
- Cocktail glass
Useful Tips
-
If there are worms in the bottle, it's likely a cheaper mezcal, which can be satisfactory but won't be top-tier.
-
Don't give up if you don't enjoy the first bottle you try. Mezcal varies widely in potency. There's a mezcal for every taste.
-
If you're new to mezcal, don't splurge on the most expensive bottle.
Warnings
- Never drink and drive; always arrange transportation in advance if you plan to drink.
- Mezcal has a higher alcohol content, so alternate drinking mezcal with a 12 fl oz (350 mL) glass of water.
- Do not consume mezcal if you are under the legal drinking age.
