Must-Try Mezcal Cocktail Recipes

With characteristics that range from earthy and smoky to fresh and verdant, mezcal is a versatile spirit primed for mixing into cocktails. Here are 20 of our favorite recipes.

Ahumado Seco
The earthiness of mezcal shines with the brightness of hibiscus and ginger.

All Jacked Up
One of Mayahuel’s boldest cocktails, made with apple brandy, Fernet Branca, maraschino and sweet vermouth.

Bitters & Smoke
For amari and agave lovers, a cocktail combining mezcal, tequila, Cynar and Fernet.

Calebassito Cocktail
Straight from Mexico City, this cocktail combines watermelon, mezcal, Strega, lime and ginger beer.

Carter Beats the Devil
Thai chilis lend a little heat to this tequila and mezcal classic from San Francisco bartender Erik Adkins.

Esplanade Swizzle
Mezcal and sherry meet in this summery swizzle.

El Camino
A mashup of mezcal and whiskey makes for a rich, smoky combo.

How to Kill a Friend
A tropical cocktail that hits all the right flavor notes.

Jamaica Cocktail
Hibiscus steals the show in this simple mezcal cocktail from Mexico City.

La Capirucha
Juicy prickly pears bring an earthy sweetness and electric pink color to this cocktail.

Last of the Oaxacans
The classic gin cocktail meets mezcal.

Limantour Michelada TJ
Inspired by flavors of Tijuana, this spin balances cucumber and Clamato with mezcal.

Mezcal Ancho Paloma
A spicy, smoky take on the traditional tequila cocktail.

Mezcal Avocado Margarita
A unique twist on the classic.

Mezcal Milk Punch
An amped up milk punch from Velveteen Rabbit in Vegas.

Pasion de Oaxaca
Tropical flavors abound in this agave spirits cocktail from Guelaguetza.

Smoke & Mirrors
The heat of jalapeño makes the flavors of pineapple and ginger pop.

Tamarind Margarita
An inventive riff that’s a little tart, a little savory and a touch smoky.

Oaxacan Old Fashioned
A Mexican-accented Old Fashioned riff, created by Phil Ward, mixes reposado tequila with mezcal and mole bitters.

Virgin’s Sacrifice
A frozen cocktail inspired by one of San Francisco’s modern classics.