Are you looking for ways to spice up your holiday? A mezcal bottle in hand is excellent. Mezcal is any liquor from the agave plant. Once you got one, your holiday experience becomes limitless. While it already has a delicious taste, pairing mezcals with citrus, vegetables, teas, spices, salt, and honey creates the difference. Here, you’ll find a range of cocktail recipes to light and refresh your holiday session.
But, How Is Mezcal Made?
Unlike tequila, which is only made from blue agave, mezcals come from any of the 200 agave species found in Mexico. Let’s look at the five commonest agave varieties.
Tobala
Tobala is a rare agave type that grows on rocky terrains in Oaxaca. While Espadin can grow on its own, Tobala relies on bats and birds to scatter its seed. Of course, that’s the reason it’s pretty difficult to find. Since the plant takes about 15 years to mature, tobala mezcals are pricier and smokier. Besides, each pina only produces at most two bottles.
Espadin
Espadin is responsible for about 90% of mescal drinks on the market. It grows in Oaxaca in large quantities. Mezcal drinks from Espadin have a fruity taste because of the plant’s extra sugar content.
Arroqueno
This type of agave plant produces green and floral mezcals with a spice or bitter taste.
Tepeztate
Often grows in the wild and takes up to 30 years to mature. Once the flowers bud, it means tepeztate is ready for harvest.
Tobaziche
Also grown in the wild, Tobaziche agave produces savory and herbal mezcal drinks.
Top Mezcal Recipes for Your Holiday
If you’re ready to feel cozy this holiday season, try any of these recipes.
Smoke and Honey Mezcals
Mezcals, especially those from the Arroqueno agave plant variety, can taste bitter, which is the reason to sweeten them with honey. Simply mix your mezcal with ginger, lime juice, ice, beer, and honey to make it more delicious.
Rosemary Mescals
This cocktail is simple to make but cozy. Impress your friends with a mix of mezcal and apple cider.
Mezcal Negroni
If you want to have a more adventurous holiday, try this Negroni recipe. It pairs mezcal smokiness with vermouth and Campari. You don’t need a specific shaker for the mix. Pour the ingredients into a glass, stir, and serve.
The Chocolate cocktail
Mezcal and chocolate have come a long way. Pairing them is one of the best ways to enjoy a mezcal drink. This recipe helps refine the liquor, giving it a sweeter taste and an orange color.
Mezcal with Cilantro and Hibiscus
Are you planning a vacation next summer or winter? You shouldn’t miss this recipe. Fresh hibiscus flowers offer your drink that tannic look. Garnish, make it more savory with cilantro flowers.
Oaxaca Traditional Mezcal
Made with agave nectar, tequila, and mezcal, here is another cocktail that’ll always give you a whip. As a safety rule, don’t drink it too fast.
Mescal Watermelon Margarita
Making watermelon juice is simple for many people. Put watermelon chunks into a blender, stir until smooth. Pour the juice into a bottle, and then add your mezcal drink.
Mezcal Paloma
If watermelon juice sounds too simple for you, then you’ll love the Palomas. This is a mix of water, grapefruit juice, and honey. You can kick it up a little with a pinch of lime salt. Of course, it’s ideal for every palate, thanks to the chili taste.
Mezcal Sour
Get the best moment with friends and loved ones with this mezcal sour shake. It’s made with mezcal, orange juice, lemon juice, and egg white. You can sweeten the drink with a little honey.
Conclusion
If you want to have a fulfilled holiday, mezcals are perfect. Always look for sweet ingredients like honey and apple cider to personalize your cocktail.