The motivation for this Mighty Mezcal Mint Cocktail was inspired by the Kentucky Derby and my feeling that I SHOULD like Mint Juleps, yet simply don’t enjoy the bourbon-based drink.
But I DO like Mezcal and I do like mint, so I went from there for this variation on a refreshing classic cocktail with a smoky mezcal twist.
This is a spirit-forward cocktail, with the strong flavors of the mezcal showing up front and center. Mezcal is an agave-based liquor with a smoky taste.
The mint mezcal cocktail is perfectly balanced out with fresh lime juice (yes, you should always use fresh limes) and mint simple syrup.
MEZCAL ADDS SMOKE TASTE
When I made this drink, I used an Anejo mezcal, but you can use any type you prefer. Mezcal is a liquor made from the agave plant. The difference between tequila and mezcal is that, while both are made from agave, tequila only comes from a blue agave plant. Mezcal can be distilled from a number of different agaves and is known for its smokiness.
Serve the Mint Mezcal cocktail over ice. I like the fanciness of a large ice cube mostly because of the satisfying sound it makes as it hits the cube, but also because of the slow dilution rate.
What cocktails are your favorite to drink outside in the summer? Let’s have a conversation in the comments!
Mighty Mezcal Mint Cocktail
Description
The mezcal cocktail is perfectly balanced with fresh lime juice and homemade mint simple syrup. It really has a smoky, mezcal kick!
Ingredients
Mezcal Mint Cocktail
- 1.5 ounces Mezcal
- .75 ounces fresh lime juice
- .75 ounces mint simple syrup
Mint Simple Syrup
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 cup water
- ¾–1 cup of fresh mint leaves
Bring all the syrup ingredients to a boil over low and simmer for 3-4 minutes. Make sure the sugar is dissolved and turn off the heat. Let the mint leaves infuse for another 10 minutes, then strain out the mint and store the simple syrup in the fridge after cooling.
Instructions
Add Mezcal, lime juice and mint simple syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously to chill for 10-15 seconds.
Strain into a low-ball glass over a big ice cube and enjoy!
Notes
Simple syrup will keep 2-3 weeks in the fridge.
Try the mint simple syrup in coffee. It's delicious!
Try out these cocktail recipes if you liked the Mighty Mezcal Mint Cocktail!
