We tapped Chris Reyes of NYC’s agave-obsessed Temerario to walk through you some basic rules. So you’re a tequila drinker—a sipper, a snob, a stasher of rare earthen bottles. My favorite way to drink mezcal is in a bloody mary. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Mezcal Punch For A Crowd. 25 ml Vermouth . “You sip your mezcal, then take a bite of your orange, so you keep cleaning your palate and keep tasting the mezcal.”, But if you spot a worm in the mezcal bottle, take a pass. It is known for its distinct smoky flavor that’s derived during the production method used in the distilling process. Advanced: Spicy Paloma. You can opt to squeeze your own lime juice by juicing 1-2 limes. “You sip your mezcal, then take a bite of your orange, so you keep cleaning your palate and keep tasting the mezcal.” But Not the Worm in the Bottle But if you spot a worm in the mezcal bottle, take a pass. It allows you to experience its earthy and subtle tones in a familiar environment. Cointreau: What It Is and How to Use It. You can serve this cocktail straight up or on the rocks, whichever your prefer. The secret to this cocktail’s vibrant color isn’t what … tequila (best to skip the mezcal on this one, I think), 1¼ oz. The best way to drink mezcal is out of a jicarita and accompanied by orange slices sprinkled with worm salt. Mezcal is typically served with orange slices and sal de gusano (salt ground with the dried caterpillars that infest agaves). If you don’t have a jicarita, you can drink mezcal from an old-fashioned glass. Kara Newman is an award-winning writer, book author and cocktail expert with more than a decade of experience in the drinks-writing world. In fact, if you visit a mezcalería in Oaxaca (where most mezcal is produced), they will give you slices of orange to suck on in between pours of mezcal. Be sure to save extra slices for garnishing. The important thing to remember at the end of all this is that there’s no wrong – or right – way to drink mezcal. The drink that gin is most known for is the Martini, and here again Mezcal is right at home. You smell, you taste, you take it from there.”, The what salt? Mezcal Ford Cocktail. Seal and shake until well blended. If heat isn’t your thing, leave off the pepper garnish. Use either a liquid measuring cup or a 2  fl oz (59 mL) shot glass to measure your liquids. Mezcal (/ m ɛ ˈ s k æ l /, Spanish: ()) is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave.The word mezcal comes from Nahuatl mexcalli [meʃˈkalːi], which means "oven-cooked agave", from metl and ixcalli [iʃˈkalːi].. Agaves or magueys are found mainly in many parts of Mexico and south to the equator, though most mezcal is made in Oaxaca. Check out our favorite tequila drink recipes for inspiration. Steps Combine the pomegranate, lime and orange juices, the agave nectar and hot sauce in a cocktail shaker. Double straining will remove any pulp or other pieces of ingredients that you want to keep out of your drink. This is a great drink to try if you are new to the world of mezcal. Instructions. Lower a large format rock into the glass and stir until chilled. This article has been viewed 31,524 times. Mezcal Mule. Then add ice cubes, lemon juice, a shot of mezcal, and grapefruit soda. Get your nose and fingers wet. By law, tequila can only be produced from Blue Agave. We know ads can be annoying, but they’re what allow us to make all of wikiHow available for free. If you like your drinks to be on the spicier side, add in another pepper slice or a dash of spicy bitters. If there are worms in the bottle, it’s probably a cheaper mezcal, which can be good but it will not be a top-of-the-line product. Basil Cranberry Julep. “You can choose something stronger or milder that will go down easier, or something funkier,” he says. Your cocktail is ready once a light frost has formed on the outside of the shaker. The combination of sweet, tart, and salty are meant to accent and sort of contradict the flavors in the mezcal. Freshly squeezed lime juice will taste better but you can use pre-squeezed lime juice if you need to. In its simplest form, this Mexican classic is just grapefruit soda … He recommends a two-ounce pour of mezcal (in a jicarita), accompanied by a half-wheel of orange sprinkled with worm salt. Double straining will remove any pulp or other pieces of Ingredients that you want to out... Bank instructs us, put your nose in the mezcal on this,! Is ready once a light frost has formed on the other hand, can be found in your local store. Due to the very artisanal production process love this Fresh … the Oaxacan slushie or funkier! 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