7 Best Mezcal Cocktails for Smoky Drink Lovers (With Buying Guide)
Recipes · 2026-08-10 · 9 min read · by Jake
Mezcal is tequila's smoky, complex cousin. While tequila is made exclusively from blue agave, mezcal can be made from over 30 agave varieties, each bringing different flavors. The smoke comes from roasting the agave hearts in underground pits before fermentation.
If you've never tried mezcal in a cocktail, start small — a half-ounce float or split base. The smoke is powerful and a little goes a long way. These cocktails showcase mezcal at its best.
Oaxacan Old Fashioned
The modern classic that introduced most people to mezcal cocktails. Created by Phil Ward at Death & Co in 2007. It's an Old Fashioned with tequila and a touch of mezcal — the smoke adds depth without overwhelming.
1.5 oz reposado tequila, half an ounce mezcal, barspoon of agave syrup, 2 dashes Angostura bitters. Stir with ice, strain over a large cube. Flame an orange peel over the top.
Mezcal Margarita
Replace half (or all) of the tequila in a Margarita with mezcal. The smoke against the lime creates this incredible savory-citrus combination that's addictive.
1 oz mezcal, 1 oz blanco tequila, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz agave syrup. Shake, strain over ice. Sal de gusano (worm salt) rim if you can find it — it's the traditional mezcal pairing.
Naked and Famous
Equal parts mezcal, Aperol, yellow Chartreuse, and fresh lime juice (3/4 oz each). Created by Joaquin Simo at Death & Co. The smoke, bitterness, and herbal complexity create something truly unique.
This is an advanced cocktail — it requires yellow Chartreuse which is expensive and hard to find. But if you can get it, this drink is extraordinary.
Mezcal Paloma
Mezcal with grapefruit soda. The smoke and bitterness of mezcal amplifies the grapefruit's natural bitterness. It's a Paloma with more depth and character.
Two ounces mezcal, squeeze of lime, pinch of salt, fill with grapefruit soda. Build over ice. The salt is important — it bridges the smoke and the citrus.
Mezcal Negroni
Replace the gin in a Negroni with mezcal. The smoke against Campari's bitterness is intense but fascinating. Equal parts mezcal, Campari, sweet vermouth. Stirred, over ice, orange peel.
This is not for beginners. It's bitter, smoky, and challenging. But for people who love both Negronis and mezcal, it's a revelation.
Mezcal Buying Guide
For cocktails: Del Maguey Vida ($30-35) is the industry standard. It's smoky enough to be interesting but clean enough to mix well. Banhez and Montelobos are also good mixing mezcals in the $25-30 range.
Avoid anything under $20 — cheap mezcal is often harsh and overly smoky. Also avoid expensive sipping mezcals ($60+) for cocktails — their subtlety gets lost in mixed drinks.
Start with espadin agave mezcal (the most common). Once you're comfortable, explore tobala, madre cuishe, and other wild agave varieties for sipping.