Mezcal cocktails

Mezcal is tequila’s smoky relative. It is made from agave too, but the hearts are baked in earth pits, which gives it its unmistakable smoke. A small splash adds depth and drama to a drink; used as the base, it becomes the drink’s whole character.

Because the smoke is so distinct, mezcal is a great way to give a familiar drink a new angle: a Negroni, a sour, or a Last Word variation such as the Naked and Famous. New to it? Start gently: half tequila, half mezcal softens the smoke without losing it.