Mezcal is often used to add a touch of its distinctive character (often delicately smoky) to cocktails based on other spirits, particularly tequila. However, it's also great as the main spirit base, as many of the cocktails below illustrate.

Call Mexico
With: Fino sherry, mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup and Margarita Bitters.
We say: Dry, sour, delicately smoky and delicious.

Closing Argument
With: Mezcal, green Chartreuse liqueur, maraschino liqueur and lime juice.
We say: A mezcal-based Last Word. It works! End of argument.

Division Bell
With: Mezcal, orange-red aperitivo, maraschino liqueur and lime juice.
We say: A mezcal-inspired variation of the Last Word with a refreshing, spirit-forward blend of ingredients.

Dragon Punch
With: Mezcal, Yellow Chartreuse, lime juice, orgeat syrup, and hot pepper sauce.
We say: An almond, mezcal and herbal liqueur Margarita with a touch of fire-breathing hot pepper sauce.

Fire & Brimstone
With: Red jalapeno, mezcal, triple sec, lemon juice, orange bitters and agave syrup.
We say: A refreshing riff on a Mezcal Margarita with enlivening chilli heat.

Mezcal Stone Sour
With: Mezcal, lemon juice, orange juice, sugar syrup, egg white, orange bitters, and saline solution.
We say: "Stone" in this mezcal sour refers to the inclusion of a splash or orange juice.

Mezcal Dante
With: Bazil, mezcal, blanco tequila, Green Chartreuse, kummel, agave syrup and lime juice.
We say: Some of the biggest flavours corralled, tamed and made to play together...

Mezcal Fruit Cup (Diffords No.8 Cup)
With: Mezcal, curaçao, sweet vermouth, lavender bitters, ginger ale and cola.
We say: While some struggle to appreciate mezcal its robust, slightly smoky character adds depth and complexity to this delicious summery cocktail.

Mezcal Margarita
With: Mezcal, triple sec, lime juice, agave syrup, salt and Difford's Margarita Bitters.
We say: A smokin' Margarita.

Naked & Famous
With: Mezcal, orange-red aperitivo, Yellow Chartreuse and lime juice.
We say: Salmon-pink in colour. Mezcal adds earthy smoky complexity to this bittersweet, citrusy fresh, aperitivo cocktail. Getting naked can certainly help you become famous!

Oaxaca Old Fashioned
With: Tequila, mezcal, agave syrup and chocolate bitters.
We say: Mezcal sings in this agave-based Old Fashioned.

Pastry War Margarita
With: Tequila, mezcal, amaro, lime juice and saline solution.
We say: Mezcal, amaro and elderflower liqueur set this Margarita apart.

Port of Spain (by Dominic Alling)
With: Mezcal, orgeat syrup, lime juice and Angostura Bitters.
We say: Named after the capital city of Trinidad, the home of Angostura Bitters, and fittingly this cocktail calls for a monster half an ounce of bitters. Despite this, it is incredibly easy to drink, particularly as an after-dinner digestive.

Sandy The Showgirl
With: Añejo tequila, mezcal, maraschino liqueur, agave syrup and lavender bitters.
We say: Tequila based with complex mezcal smokiness, rich maraschino cherry and floral lavender bitters. It's a drink that likes dilution so consider serving on the rocks.

Spicy Smoky Margarita
With: Mezcal, triple sec, chili liqueur, lime juice and agave syrup.
We say: Just as it says on the tin, but delicately smoky and subtly spicy.

Sunset Vibes
With Vodka, grapefruit juice, orange-red aperitivo, tonic water, and mezcal.
We say: Appropriately coloured, this delivers a symphony of surprisingly harmonious sips.

Tommy's Mezcal Margarita
With: Mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup and Margarita Bitters.
We say: Depending on your mezcal and agave syrup, this can be delicately meaty with cleansing lime juice.

Ultima Palabra
With: Mezcal, green Chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, pineapple juice and lime juice.
We say: Named after the direct Spanish translation of Last Word, hence the use of mezcal in place of the gin in a classic Last Word cocktail.

Velasco & Sand
With: Mezcal, cherry brandy, rosso vermouth and orange juice.
We say: A mezcal-based Blood & Sand. Be sure to try this. It's better than the original.

When The Smoke Cleared
With: Mezcal, orange-red aperitivo, ginger syrup, lime juice, pineapple juice and saline solution.
We say: Smoky, tangy and complex with layers of flavour, although happily mezcal dominates.

More mezcal cocktails