The best mezcal cocktails lean into the spirit's smoke rather than hiding it: a smoky margarita, an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, a Mezcal Negroni, a mezcal Paloma, a Naked and Famous, and a mezcal mule. Each one balances that earthy, smoky agave against citrus, bitterness or spice. Here are six worth making or ordering, and how each one works.
Mezcal is an agave spirit roasted in underground pits, which is where its signature smoke comes from. That smoke is a feature, so the cocktails that work best give it something to play against.
Smoky Margarita
The easiest entry point. Build a classic margarita, two parts spirit, one part fresh lime, one part orange liqueur, but swap some or all of the tequila for mezcal. The smoke turns a familiar drink into something deeper. Salt the rim, and add Tajín if you want heat.
Oaxaca Old Fashioned
A mezcal and tequila old fashioned, usually built with a reposado or añejo tequila, a measure of mezcal, agave syrup and mole or chocolate bitters. Stir, strain over a large cube, and express an orange peel over the top. It is the drink for whisky lovers meeting agave for the first time.
Mezcal Negroni
Replace the gin in a Negroni with mezcal for equal parts mezcal, Campari and sweet vermouth. The smoke and the bitter orange are made for each other. Stir over ice, garnish with orange, and sip slowly.
Mezcal Paloma
The Paloma is tequila, grapefruit and a little lime, lengthened with soda. Made with mezcal, it becomes brighter and smokier at once, one of the most refreshing ways to drink agave. A grapefruit soda works in a pinch, but fresh grapefruit is better.
Naked and Famous
An equal-parts modern classic: mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol and fresh lime, shaken and served up. Smoky, herbal, bitter and citrusy in one balanced glass. It is the cocktail to order when you want to show someone how versatile mezcal can be.
Mezcal Mule
A smoky spin on the Moscow Mule: mezcal, fresh lime and ginger beer over ice in a copper mug. Simple, spicy and easy to love, and a good gateway for anyone unsure about smoke.
Where to Try Mezcal Cocktails in Toronto
The best way to find your favourite is to taste a few side by side. Aitch, our agave lounge on King West below the Silent H dining room, pours an artisanal tequila and mezcal program with more than fifty bottles and cocktails built to highlight them. Tell the bar what you like and let them build one for you. We are at 461 King Street West in the Entertainment District, with happy hour every day from 5 to 7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best mezcal cocktail for beginners?
Start with a smoky margarita or a mezcal mule. Both wrap the smoke in familiar, easy-drinking flavours, which makes them the gentlest introduction to mezcal.
Can you use mezcal instead of tequila in cocktails?
Yes. Mezcal works in most tequila cocktails, from the margarita to the Paloma, and adds smoke and earthiness. You can swap all or just part of the tequila depending on how much smoke you want.
What mixes well with mezcal?
Citrus like lime and grapefruit, bitter liqueurs like Campari and Aperol, ginger, and agave syrup all pair well. Mezcal also takes nicely to a little heat from chili or Tajín.
Is mezcal always smoky?
Most mezcal carries some smoke because the agave is roasted over wood and hot rock, but the intensity varies by producer and agave. Cocktails let you dial that smoke up or down.
Where can I try mezcal cocktails in Toronto?
Aitch, the agave lounge below Silent H at 461 King Street West on King West, pours more than fifty tequilas and mezcals with cocktails built around them.