Mezcal
Smoky Mexican agave spirit, typically made from espadín agave roasted underground.
Mezcal is the ancestor of tequila — a broader category of agave spirit produced mostly in Oaxaca, made from any of dozens of agave species, and traditionally produced by roasting agave hearts in earthen pits before crushing and fermenting. The underground roast gives mezcal its signature smoke, which ranges from whispered to full campfire depending on producer and agave. Espadín-based mezcals like Del Maguey Vida, Los Amantes, and Mezcal Vago are affordable cocktail bottles; single-village and tobalá mezcals are for sipping. In a Mezcal Negroni or Naked & Famous, the smoke transforms familiar structures into something new.
History
Mezcal predates tequila by centuries — indigenous peoples of central Mexico distilled agave long before the arrival of Spanish copper stills. The modern craft renaissance has brought dozens of small palenques into the international market.
Common uses
Mezcal Negroni, Naked & Famous, smoky riffs on classics.
Cocktails that use Mezcal
- Mezcal Negroni — The Negroni with mezcal instead of gin — smoky, complex, and addictive
- Naked & Famous — Equal parts mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and lime — bold and balanced
Substitutes
- Islay Scotch (Peaty) — Different smoke source but comparable role.
- Blanco Tequila — No smoke; kills the character of most mezcal drinks.