21 Intoxicating Mezcal Cocktails​ To Lift Your Spirits in 2024

Mezcal cocktails include the traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant. They often appeal to tequila fans, but there are distinct differences between the two spirits. The flavors of these cocktails are complex, ranging from sweet and fruity to earthy and smoky. This makes the spirit, and the cocktails made from this spirit, desirable for bartenders and mixologists who want to create unique cocktails. It's also a fun addition to any home bar and an interesting spirit for those who are new to the art of mixology to try.

If you are new to mezcal and wondering how to enjoy it, you may be asking what mixes well with mezcal. Or perhaps you would like to know how to best drink mezcal. This article will provide fantastic ideas for simple and more complex mezcal cocktails. They're easy for both newcomers to mixology and more advanced bar enthusiasts to enjoy. From classic to citrus-forward and even 3-ingredient simple-to-make drinks, here’s your introduction to the mezcal world and ideas for popular ways to enjoy it.

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• Easy Mezcal Cocktails
• Classic Mezcal Cocktails
• Citrus Forward Mezcal Cocktails
• 3-Ingredient Mezcal Cocktails

Easy Mezcal Cocktails

1. Mezcal and Tonic

If you typically enjoy gin cocktails, mezcal and tonic is a refreshing alternative worth trying. To make this simple mezcal cocktail, fill a glass with ice, then add a shot of mezcal, followed by tonic water to taste. Squeeze a fresh lime or lemon wedge for a zesty kick, and garnish your drink with a sprig of rosemary for an aromatic touch. The smoky, complex mezcal flavors blend beautifully with tonic water's effervescence and create one of the best cocktails for those new to mezcal.

2. Mezcal Julep

Try the mezcal julep if you enjoy bourbon and whiskey cocktails like the mint julep. This spirited beverage offers a smoky twist on the classic variety, making it a refreshing and approachable mezcal cocktail for newcomers. Simply muddle fresh mint leaves with simple syrup in the bottom of a glass. Fill the glass with crushed ice, then pour in mezcal. Stir the mixture gently to combine. Garnish with a sprig of mint. This cocktail’s herbaceous notes and refreshing quality make it an accessible introduction to mezcal.

3. Mezcal on the Rocks

What do people drink mezcal with? Sometimes, just a glass of ice. Savor the pure essence of the spirit by grabbing a highball glass, filling it with ice cubes and adding mezcal. These mezcal cocktails are easy for even the novice mixologist to create, and they're great ways to truly enjoy the smokey notes and sweet flavor of the agave. 

4. Mezcal Sunrise

For a visually stunning and easy-to-make mezcal cocktail, try crafting a mezcal sunrise. To prepare one, pour mezcal and fresh orange juice over ice, leaving room at the top of the glass. Then, drizzle grenadine down the side of the glass, allowing it to settle at the bottom. This creates a beautiful sunrise effect. This beverage is quite a presentation and introduces new drinkers to the spirit's smokiness balanced by the sweet and tangy flavors of orange juice. Additionally, Healthline states that orange juice has health benefits, including high vitamin C and antioxidants, so mixing this drink might mean you are doing a little good for your body, too. 

5. Mezcal Wine Spritzer

Mezcal wine spritzers are approachable mezcal cocktails that showcase the versatility of this spirit, making them fantastic options for newbies. To create it, combine equal parts mezcal and your choice of white or sparkling wine and add ice to the glass. Top your refreshing beverage with a splash of soda water and garnish with fresh-cut strawberries. This spritzer is perfect for fall picnics and summertime poolside gatherings.

6. Mezcal Highball

Mezcal highballs are simple, refreshing cocktails that highlight the smoky nuances of mezcal. Craft these mezcal cocktails by filling a tall glass with ice, adding mezcal and topping it off with tonic water or ginger ale. Garnish with a lime wedge for added zest. The bubbly nature of the mixer complements the mezcal’s complexity, creating an enjoyable drink that is ideal for slow sipping. 

Classic Mezcal Cocktails

7. Mezcal Daiquiri

The mezcal margarita offers a harmonious blend of tart lime, sweet syrup and the earthy smokiness of mezcal, making it an ideal choice for rum cocktail drinkers looking to explore new flavor profiles while enjoying a timeless classic. Prepare this delightful drink by combining 2 ounces of mezcal, 3/4 ounces of fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker. Shake vigorously, then strain the mixture into a chilled glass and enjoy. 

8. Mezcal Mimosa

Enjoy a delightful and refreshing twist on the traditional mimosa with this mezcal cocktail. The mezcal mimosa combines the sweet tang of fresh orange juice with the smoky complexity of mezcal. To make this twist on a brunch classic, fill a flute to the halfway point with chilled mezcal, then top with freshly squeezed orange juice. You can add fizz to your beverage by replacing the orange juice with orange soda. You can also layer flavors with a lime juice or grapefruit splash. 

9. Mezcal Martini

For a sophisticated and smoky cocktail, try the mezcal martini. This unique take on the classic drink offers a bold, complex flavor profile. To make it, combine 2 ounces of mezcal and 1 ounce of dry vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir until chilled and strain these mezcal cocktails into martini glasses. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive. The smokiness of mezcal contrasts eloquently with the crisp, earthy notes of vermouth, making this beverage refined, adventurous and worth trying for martini lovers and James Bond fans looking for something unique.

10. Mezcal Negroni

Mezcal Negroni is a sophisticated drink that adds a smoky dimension to the traditional Negroni. To prepare this mezcal cocktail, combine 1 ounce of each mezcal, Campari and sweet vermouth in a mixing glass with ice. Stir and strain into a glass over a large ice cube. Garnish with an orange peel to give your drink that perfect citrus essence. The mezcal’s rich, earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the bitter-sweet balance of Campari and vermouth, making these mezcal cocktails intriguing options for the more refined mixologist to sample.

11. Mezcal Sour Smash

Try the mezcal sour smash if you're searching for fresh and vibrant mezcal cocktails that blend smoky and zesty flavor profiles. Combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 3/4 ounces of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 ounce of simple syrup and a handful of fresh mint or basil leaves in a shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into an ice-filled glass. Garnish your drink with fresh mint. Combining tart citrus, sweet syrup and herbal notes enhances mezcal’s smokiness and depth.

Citrus Forward Mezcal Cocktails

12. Mezcal Lime Rickey

Made with 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, club soda and simple syrup, the mezcal lime rickey is a lovely mezcal cocktail with a bubbly finish. The lime's bright citrus notes complement the mezcal’s smoky and earthy depth. The result is a crisp and light sipping cocktail perfect for warm evenings conversing on the patio.

13. Mezcal Mojito

The Mezcal Mojito replaces rum with mezcal, bringing a smoky edge to the classic Mojito. To craft your own, muddle fresh lime wedges and mint leaves with simple syrup in a glass, then add 2 ounces of mezcal and fill with ice. Top with club soda and garnish with mint. The citrusy lime and refreshing mint elevate the mezcal’s complex, smoky flavors, making these some of the most invigorating and exciting mezcal cocktails for mixologists and connoisseurs who enjoy a vibrant drink with a citrusy bite.

14. Mezcal Collins

Sample a zesty, citrus-forward twist on the Tom Collins with a mezcal Collins. Create one by combining 2 ounces of mezcal with 1 ounce of lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup. Shake with ice, strain into a tall glass filled with additional ice and top your mezcal cocktail off with club soda. The tangy lemon burst makes this beverage an excellent choice for citrus lovers who appreciate a refreshing and smoky drink.

15. Grapefruit Mezcal Fizz

The grapefruit mezcal fizz is perfect for citrus-loving drink connoisseurs. This smokey yet sweet beverage is easy to make. Simply combine 2 ounces of mezcal with 1 ounce of fresh grapefruit juice and 1/2 ounce of lime juice, then shake with ice and strain into a glass. Top your mezcal cocktails with sparkling water to add the fizz — the bright tartness of grapefruit and lime pairs seamlessly with the Mexican spirit’s smoky undertones.

16. Blood Orange Mezcal Spritz

Here is an option for stunning yet simple mezcal cocktails that combine smoky mezcal with the bold, tangy flavor of blood oranges — the blood orange mezcal spritz. Mix 2 ounces of mezcal with 1 ounce of fresh blood orange juice, then top with sparkling wine or soda for a light, effervescent touch. Garnish with a tangy blood orange slice for a finished beverage. 

3-Ingredient Mezcal Cocktails

17. Mezcal Margarita

What are the three ingredients of mezcal cocktails that most people are familiar with? The mezcal margarita is undoubtedly one of them. Create yours by combining 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce of Cointreau or Triple Sec in an ice-filled shaker. Shake your margarita vigorously to ensure it is well chilled. Strain the beverage into a glass filled with ice and rim it with salt and a lime wedge. You’ll love the hint of smokiness in this version of a margarita. 

18. Mezcal Sour

Balance sweet and sour flavors with a mezcal sour. It’s ideal for citrus-loving mixologists who want to try something different. To make this mezcal cocktail, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 3/4 ounces of fresh lemon juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in an ice-filled shaker. If you prefer a creamy texture, add an egg white before shaking. This creates a frothy top. Garnish with a lemon twist or a few dashes of aromatic bitters for an elegant touch.

19. Oaxacan Mezcal Old-Fashioned

The Old-Fashioned is a famous bourbon cocktail. The Oaxacan mezcal Old-Fashioned is a sophisticated alternative that balances the earthy depth of mezcal with sweetness and aromatic complexity. To make it, simply muddle a sugar cube with a few dashes of Angostura bitters in a rocks glass, then add a large ice cube and pour in 2 ounces of high-quality spirits to create the mezcal cocktail. Garnish your refreshing beverage with a twist of orange peel for a bright citrus aroma. 

20. Mezcal Paloma 

The Mezcal Paloma is a balanced cocktail with citrus notes and the liquor’s known earthy flavor. It substitutes tequila with mezcal, adding a smoky twist to a popular drink. To prepare this mezcal cocktail, combine 2 ounces of mezcal, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice and 1/2 ounce of simple syrup in a shaker filled with ice. Strain the mixture into a glass of ice and top it off with grapefruit soda. Garnish with a tangy lime wedge or a fresh slice of grapefruit.

21. Mezcal Mule

Infuse the traditional Moscow mule with the earthy richness of mezcal instead of vodka when you create the mezcal mule. To craft this delicious cocktail, fill a copper mug with ice and add 2 ounces of mezcal and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. Finally, top it off with spiced ginger beer. Stir gently to combine, and garnish with a lime wedge. This unique drink balances the zing of lime with the sweetness of ginger beer, creating a lively and flavorful new favorite beverage.

Mezcal cocktails are fun additions to any home bar, and this spirit is fantastic for new or experienced mixologists who want to impart a smoky flavor to their beverages. There are plenty of options, from lime-infused margaritas to classic martinis and fruity sunrise cocktails. Each provides a smoky depth and unique flavor profile that helps to set these modern twists on classic drinks apart. The next time you are at the liquor store, pick up a mezcal bottle and plan to sample some of these recipes. Your guests are sure to be impressed.

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