20 Must-Try Mezcal Cocktails

The Tia Mia is a smoky, nutty riff on the classic Mai Tai, blending the deep richness of Jamaican aged rum with the earthy edge of mezcal. Dry curaçao and lime juice add brightness, while toasted almond orgeat gives the drink a smooth, mellow sweetness.

Served over crushed or pebble ice and topped with a fresh mint sprig and lime wheel, it’s a well-balanced cocktail with tropical roots and a mezcal twist. Great for summer sipping or tiki nights, this drink bridges bold and refreshing with surprising ease.

The Smoky Blue Wave is a frozen cocktail that combines striking looks with bold, layered flavor. It blends smoky mezcal with the sweet, citrusy taste of blue curaçao and the bright tang of fresh lime juice. The smoky depth of the mezcal pairs perfectly with the vibrant citrus notes, creating a balance that’s both refreshing and memorable.

Blended with ice until smooth, it has a cool, slushy texture that’s perfect for hot weather. Its vivid blue color makes it eye-catching, while the flavor keeps you coming back for more. Ideal for summer parties, beach days, or any time you want a fun, colorful drink.

The Mezcal Sun-Risa, created by renowned bartender Ignacio “Nacho” Jimenez for Ghost Donkey, is a cocktail that’s as striking in flavor as it is in appearance. It brings together the smoky depth of mezcal with the bright, tangy freshness of citrus, creating a base that feels vibrant and balanced. The drink is elevated by a hibiscus-habanero syrup, which adds a burst of floral sweetness followed by a gentle, lingering heat.

This layered combination makes every sip exciting and complex. Perfect for warm evenings, lively brunches, or any occasion where you want a drink with personality, the Mezcal Sun-Risa delivers both style and substance.

The Barbacoa is a bold mezcal cocktail that delivers smoky, savory, and slightly spicy flavors in every sip. Built on a base of smoky mezcal, it’s brightened with fresh lime juice for a burst of citrus and layered with the unique sweetness of red bell pepper. Ginger syrup adds a warm, zesty note, while a touch of Fresno chile brings a subtle heat that lingers pleasantly.

This combination creates a drink that’s rich, complex, and full of character. Finished with its signature beef jerky garnish, the Barbacoa is as striking in presentation as it is in taste perfect for adventurous cocktail lovers.

The Limoncello Mezcal Sour is a bold yet beautifully balanced cocktail that combines smoky depth with bright citrus sweetness. Smooth mezcal forms the base, bringing its signature earthy smokiness, while limoncello adds a vibrant lemon flavor that feels sunny and uplifting.

Honey lends natural sweetness and richness, and fresh citrus juice ties everything together with a tangy kick. A silky egg white layer creates a frothy, velvety texture, making each sip smooth and luxurious. A dash of orange bitters adds subtle spice and complexity. Perfect for evenings when you want something distinctive, this cocktail is refreshing, intriguing, and full of character.

The Mezcal Sour is a smoky and flavorful twist on the classic sour cocktail, offering a perfect balance of earthy depth and bright citrus. Smooth, smoky mezcal forms the base, giving the drink a bold character, while fresh lemon or lime juice adds a refreshing tang.

Agave syrup brings a gentle sweetness that ties the flavors together, keeping the cocktail smooth and well-rounded. An egg white is shaken in to create a silky foam layer, softening the edges and adding a luxurious texture. Bold yet approachable, the Mezcal Sour is ideal for mezcal fans or anyone craving something unique and memorable.

The Frozen Mango Mezcal Margarita is a vibrant, refreshing cocktail that blends the smoky depth of mezcal with the natural sweetness of ripe mango. Fresh lime juice adds a bright, citrusy kick that keeps the flavors balanced, while the icy texture makes it perfect for warm days.

Served with a Tajín-rimmed glass, each sip brings a mix of spicy, tangy, and sweet notes that keep you coming back for more. This drink is ideal for summer afternoons, poolside lounging, or evening cookouts with friends. It’s easy to make, visually stunning, and delivers a bold yet smooth taste you will remember.

The Frozen Passion Fruit Mezcalita is a bold and refreshing cocktail that brings together the smoky depth of mezcal with the bright, tropical taste of passion fruit. Using frozen passion fruit purée gives the drink a smooth, icy texture, while a splash of blood orange juice adds a tangy sweetness and beautiful color.

The balance of smoky, sweet, and citrusy flavors makes each sip both intriguing and satisfying. Perfect for summer afternoons, rooftop gatherings, or casual evenings with friends, this drink feels like a tropical escape in a glass. Serve it with a salted rim for a little extra flair.

The Mezcal Madras is a smoky twist on the classic Madras cocktail, replacing vodka with the bold, earthy character of mezcal. Fresh orange juice adds a bright, sweet note, while cranberry juice brings a tart contrast that keeps the drink lively and refreshing.

The mezcal’s gentle smokiness blends beautifully with the citrus and berry flavors, creating a balanced cocktail that is both approachable and distinctive. Its colorful appearance makes it visually appealing, while the flavor combination offers a satisfying mix of sweet, tart, and smoky. Perfect for casual gatherings, outdoor parties, or relaxing evenings, this cocktail is easy to mix and enjoy.

The Mezcal Sunset is a striking cocktail that combines the smoky depth of mezcal with the bright, tangy taste of citrus. Fresh orange juice gives it a smooth sweetness, while a splash of grenadine creates a beautiful layered effect, resembling a glowing evening sky.

This drink is both simple to make and visually stunning, making it an ideal choice for relaxed afternoons, backyard gatherings, or winding down after a busy day. The flavors blend into a balanced mix of sweet, tart, and smoky with each sip. If you want a drink that looks impressive but takes little effort, the Mezcal Sunset delivers.

The Tamarind Mezcal Smash is a bold cocktail that blends smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors into one refreshing drink. Mezcal’s earthy depth pairs perfectly with the tart brightness of tamarind and fresh lime juice, creating a sharp yet balanced base.

A touch of chile liqueur adds gentle heat that lingers with each sip. Finished with a Tajín-rimmed glass and a lime wheel, it’s as visually appealing as it is flavorful. This cocktail stands out at any gathering, from casual backyard parties to festive celebrations, offering a unique taste experience that keeps people coming back for more. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.

The Strawberry Mezcal Margarita is a fresh take on the beloved margarita, blending smoky mezcal with the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries. The rich, earthy notes of mezcal balance beautifully with the juicy berry flavor, while a splash of citrus brightens the mix.

A touch of agave syrup smooths out the edges, giving the drink a gentle sweetness without overpowering its bold character. Served in a glass with a salted rim, it offers a satisfying mix of sweet, smoky, and savory in every sip. Perfect for warm evenings, weekend get-togethers, or any time you want a margarita with a unique twist.

The Mango Mezcal Fizz is a refreshing cocktail that combines tropical sweetness with a hint of smoky depth. Smooth mezcal brings an earthy character that pairs beautifully with the rich flavor of ripe mango purée. Fresh lime juice adds brightness, while a touch of agave syrup provides gentle sweetness.

Topped with sparkling wine, it becomes light, crisp, and bubbly, making it perfect for warm afternoons or festive gatherings. Each sip offers layers of flavor, from the tropical mango to the smoky mezcal, with a clean finish from the fizz. This drink is both easy to enjoy and impressive to serve.

This Avocado Paloma variation brings in a creamy, unexpected twist with avocado soda. Mezcal gives the drink a smoky base, balanced by tart grapefruit and lime. Agave syrup ties everything together with a light sweetness.

The avocado soda adds just enough richness and fizz to make this cocktail stand out without making it heavy. It’s smooth, slightly smoky, and citrus-forward with a fun finish.

The Disaronno Mexican Sour is a smoky-smooth spin on a classic sour. It pairs the almond sweetness of Disaronno with the earthy bite of mezcal, balanced by fresh lemon juice and simple syrup.

The egg white adds that signature sour foam on top, making it feel a little richer without being heavy. This drink’s great when you want something slightly sweet, slightly smoky, and super well balanced.

The Raspberry Mezcal Martini is a striking mix of smoky, tart, and lightly sweet flavors. At its core, mezcal delivers a rich, earthy base that sets the tone for each sip. Raspberry liqueur and syrup bring a burst of fruity depth, adding both color and sweetness.

Fresh lemon juice cuts through with a bright, citrusy edge, balancing the boldness and creating a smooth, layered taste. This martini is ideal for those who enjoy a drink with a touch of intrigue bold yet approachable. Whether for a quiet evening or a stylish gathering, it’s a cocktail that makes an impression.

The Pineapple Mezcal Sour is smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. Mezcal gives the drink its signature earthiness, while pineapple juice adds a tropical kick. Lime juice keeps it bright, and agave syrup rounds it out without making it too sweet.

An egg white gives the drink a smooth, foamy top, and a few drops of aromatic bitters finish it with a nice spice note. It’s rich in flavor but still refreshing great for slow sipping when you want something bold but balanced.

The Lychee Guava Mezcalita is smoky, fruity, and just a little tropical. Mezcal brings a deep, earthy flavor that pairs surprisingly well with the soft sweetness of lychee syrup and the tangy, floral notes of guava syrup. A splash of lime juice keeps it bright and balanced.

This drink is bold but approachable, with a smooth finish and a refreshing edge. It’s a good choice when you want something that feels a little different but still easy to enjoy. Serve it over ice with a lime wheel or a slice of guava if you’ve got it for a clean, colorful touch.

The Prickly Pear Pineapple Mezcalita is smoky, fruity, and just the right amount of tart. Mezcal brings in a bold, earthy base that’s balanced by the sweetness of pineapple juice and the bright, slightly floral flavor of prickly pear water.

Lime juice adds a fresh citrus kick, and Cointreau ties it all together with a smooth orange finish. This margarita is great when you want something with a little edge but still refreshing. It’s colorful, layered, and perfect for late afternoons, dinner on the patio, or any time you’re in the mood for something different but easy to enjoy.

The Basil Cucumber Mezcalita is a fresh and smoky cocktail that blends earthy, herbal notes with a crisp finish. Made with mezcal, muddled cucumber, fresh basil, and lime juice, it’s cool and refreshing with just the right amount of edge.

The mezcal brings a smoky backbone, while the cucumber and basil keep it light and clean. It’s perfect for warm days or whenever you want something that feels a little outside the usual. Easy to sip and full of character, the Basil Cucumber Mezcalita strikes a nice balance between bold and fresh without going over the top.