If you’re a fan of cocktails and looking for something new to tantalize your taste buds, mezcal should be at the top of your list. Mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit made from the agave plant, brings a unique flavor profile that other spirits can’t match. Its distinctive smoky notes and earthy complexity make it an exceptional base for a wide range of drinks.
Whether you prefer straightforward, classic cocktails or enjoy experimenting with more adventurous recipes, mezcal can shine in both. Let’s explore some of the best mezcal cocktails you absolutely must try. Get ready to discover new favorites that will make you fall in love with the Spirit of Oaxaca.
- Mezcal Classics
- Refreshing & Fruity
- Unique & Creative
- Experience the Best Cocktails With the Best Mezcal
Mezcal Classics
Mezcal Margarita
Everyone loves a good margarita, but the mezcal version is something special. The smokiness of the mezcal adds a layer of complexity that takes this classic to the next level.
Recipe
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- 2 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1 oz Cointreau or triple sec
- 1/2 oz Agave syrup (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously until chilled.
- Strain into a salt-rimmed glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a lime wedge.
Variations
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- Add a few slices of jalapeño to the shaker for a spicy kick.
- Substitute lime juice with orange or grapefruit juice for a citrus twist.
Mezcal Negroni
If you’re looking for a more sophisticated sip, this is your cocktail. Mezcal adds a smoky dimension to the classic Negroni, beautifully balancing the bitter Campari and sweet vermouth.
Recipe
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- 1 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1 oz Campari
- 1 oz Sweet vermouth
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
For whiskey lovers venturing into mezcal, this modern classic is a natural bridge. The combination of mezcal and tequila, sweetened with agave syrup and rounded off with bitters, creates a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet cocktail that’s sure to impress.
Recipe
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- 1 1/2 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1/2 oz Reposado tequila
- 1 tsp Agave syrup
- 2 dashes of Angostura Bitters
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
- Garnish with an orange peel.
Refreshing & Fruity
Palomaesque
The classic Paloma is a beloved Mexican cocktail made with tequila and grapefruit soda. But if you use mezcal, along with fresh juices and herbs, you get a smoky, refreshing twist.
Recipe
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- 2 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1 oz Fresh grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz Fresh lime juice
- 1/2 oz Agave syrup
- Sparkling water or club soda
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except club soda in a shaker with ice.
- Shake until chilled.
- Strain into an ice-filled glass.
- Top with sparkling water or club soda.
- Garnish with a grapefruit slice and a sprig of rosemary.
Mezcal Jungle Bird
Who says mezcal can’t hang with tiki drinks? This tropical delight swaps rum for mezcal, resulting in a smoky-sweet concoction perfect for poolside lounging or backyard barbecues.
Recipe
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- 1 1/2 oz Palomo mezcal
- 3/4 oz Campari
- 1 1/2 oz Pineapple juice
- 1/2 oz Lime juice
- 1/2 oz Agave syrup
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake until chilled.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Unique & Creative
The Chalice
This elegant cocktail is a showstopper. The smoky mezcal is perfectly balanced by the sweetness of agave and the tangy citrus. The egg white adds a silky texture and a beautiful frothy top.
Recipe
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- 1 1/2 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1/2 oz Grapefruit juice
- 1/2 oz Lime juice
- 1/2 oz Ancho Reyes Verde
- 1/2 oz Agave syrup
- 1 Egg white
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker without ice and shake vigorously.
- Open the shaker and add a few pieces of ice. Shake again until chilled.
- Fine strain into a coupe glass.
- Garnish with a few dashes of Angostura bitters and a sprig of torched rosemary.
Quiubo Espresso Martini
Looking for an after-dinner drink with a kick? This mezcal espresso martini is sure to wake up your taste buds. The coffee and mezcal play surprisingly well together, while the liqueurs add sweetness and complexity.
Recipe
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- 1 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1/2 oz Demerara syrup
- 1/2 oz Licor 43
- 1/2 oz Caffè Moka liqueur
- 1 oz Cold brew coffee
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice.
- Shake until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe or cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a few espresso beans.
Black of Hearts
This dark and mysterious cocktail is perfect for those who love deep, fruity flavors. The muddled black cherries add a touch of sweetness and tartness that complements the smoky mezcal, while the lemon juice brightens everything up.
Recipe
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- 1 1/2 oz Palomo mezcal
- 1/2 oz Agave syrup
- 1/2 oz Lemon juice
- 4 Pitted black cherries
Instructions
- Muddle the black cherries in the bottom of a rocks glass.
- Add the remaining ingredients and stir gently.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Garnish with a black cherry and a twist of lemon zest.
Experience the Best Cocktails With the Best Mezcal
Mezcal is a spirit that can do it all. From classic and fruity concoctions to unique and sophisticated mixes, the possibilities are endless. But to truly elevate your cocktail experience, you need a mezcal that’s as exceptional as the drinks you’re making.
Crafted with generations of mezcal-making expertise in the heart of Oaxaca, Palomo is your perfect cocktail companion. Our commitment to tradition, sustainability, and quality results in a spirit that’s as smooth as it is flavorful, ideal for all your mezcal cocktail creations.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab a bottle today, invite your friends over, and start shaking up some of the best mezcal cocktails! Explore our wide range of premium mezcals and discover your perfect match. Our convenient store locator makes it easy to find Palomo near you.