Mezcal consumption has grown rapidly over the past decade, and the thirst for the agave spirit shows no signs of slowing. In 2021, U.S. spending on mezcal grew 53 percent in value, while the spirit made its way into just about every classic cocktail template, from Negronis to Martinis; it also continued its reign in modern classics like the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned.
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to mix with mezcal. Some recipes, like Employees Only’s Mezcal Margarita, simply swap the spirit in for tequila, while others, like the Fumata Bianca, build something entirely new, calling on the ingredient to lend its signature profile between layers of flavor. Take a crash course on the spirit, then find 18 of our favorite easy mezcal cocktail recipes below.
Snake Eyes
A mezcal take on the Caribbean staple of Scotch and coconut water.
White Negroni Piña Colada
The fairer Negroni goes tropical.
Negroni Absinthe
A nuanced riff on the mezcal Negroni with a splash of crème de cacao.
I’m on Fire
The spicy Margarita, with an added dose of pineapple.
Stone Raft
A spicy, savory take on the Oaxaca Old-Fashioned.
Employees Only’s Mezcal Margarita
The New York bar’s signature, smoky serve.
Mezcal Mule
A cucumber-inflected take on the mule.
Watermelon Sgroppino
A smoky-sweet update to the Italian palate cleanser.
50/50 Margarita
A split base of mezcal and manzanilla sherry offers a lower-ABV take on the classic.
Thou Shall Not Be Named
An agave spin on the Boulevardier.
Lefty’s Fizz
Served down over seltzer, the fluffed up fizz from San Francisco's ABV is equal parts sour, smoky and smooth.
White Mezcal Negroni
Mezcal and an extra-bitter aperitif swap in for gin and Suze.
Fumata Bianca
A soft, yet edgy mixture of sweet, herbal and smoky.
Mezcaletti
Mezcal and Amaro Meletti—need we say more?
I Am Keith Hernandez
A take on the dirty Martini with mezcal at the base.
Oaxaca Old-Fashioned
The modern classic that helped spark a boom in mezcal cocktails.
