Hey, Reader!
Today is National Mezcal Day, so let’s talk about this smoky Mexican spirit! Mezcal is made from the heart, or piña, of agave plants grown in designated regions of Mexico.
Before you tell me you “hate mezcal but love tequila,” allow me to burst your bubble: tequila is a type of mezcal in the broad sense, since both are agave spirits — just as Champagne and Prosecco are both types of sparkling wine.
The complaint mezcal-haters often cite is its smoky flavor, which comes from traditionally roasting the piñas underground in stone pits filled with wood and charcoal. But not all mezcal is intensely smoky. Region, agave type and roasting method all shape the flavor. Most tequila skips the smokiness because the piñas are steamed in industrial cookers or brick ovens.
There’s a lot more to mezcal than smoke, and it’s worth trying a few until you find one you like. Sip it neat, on the rocks or mixed into drinks that bring out flavors ranging from floral to fruity to earthy.
Here are a few recipes with mezcal as the star (and if you’re still on the fence, tequila works too):
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mezcal cranberry cocktail
This mezcal cranberry cocktail is a must make! Just four ingredients, this simple sip is great for late fall and winter. Combining mezcal, bourbon, cranberry simple syrup and some orange bitters, it is full of flavor and delicious!
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spooky pomegranate mezcal cocktail
This cocktail is how adults do Halloween, with serious flair. The smoky notes combined with tart pomegranate juice and smooth Amaro make for the ideal bold cocktail.
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apple cider margaritas
Fresh apple cider, tart lime juice, and your favorite mezcal (or blanco tequila) combine for a delicious fall cocktail with these apple cider margaritas. Serve in cinnamon-sugar rimmed glasses for a tasty treat.
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homemade zero-proof tequila
Making your own zero-proof tequila at home is an easy way to enjoy your favorite mezcal or tequila sippers sans booze. Create a batch, then make any of these drinks non-alcoholic to enjoy anytime!
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If you need help picking a bottle of mezcal for your bar, I have a list of my favorite brands that can help.
But if you ever have the chance, do a mezcal tasting — a friend took me to one once and it really deepened my understanding of this mysterious spirit.
When you're ready to go beyond mezcal and tequila, there's a lot more to love. Mexico boasts a few other agave spirits that aren't mezcal, called Sotol, Bacanora and Raicilla, that are worth a try too.
¡Salud y vida! (That's a Spanish toast meaning "health and life" used for wishing someone well.)
Susannah
