It’s basically the middle of winter and – unless you are lucky enough to live somewhere warm – there is nothing like a good cocktail to warm you up. We are especially loving these unique and creative mezcal cocktails from bars and restaurants around the country (and Mexico!), featuring one of our very favorite spirits to sip. Try them all while channeling warm weather vibes.
Drink These Mezcal Cocktails
Robbin Friday at Proof on Main
Proof on Main in downtown Louisville may be known for their outstanding selection of Kentucky bourbon but they hit it out of the park with this mezcal-based drink. Made with Sombra mezcal, Chareau, pineapple-cilantro-agave syrup, lime juice and habanero, it’s just what you need for those chilly nights. 702 W. Main St., Louisville, KY, 502-217-6360, proofonmain.com, @proofonmain
Dia de los Muertos at Travelle Kitchen + Bar
This cocktail features Siete Misterios mezcal mixed with rye, blackberry syrup, Angostura bitters and orange bitters and is a delicious and boozy treat. 330 N. Wabash Ave.; Chicago, IL, 312-923-7705, travellechicago.com, @TravelleChicago
El Burro Fantasma at Ghost Donkey
Ghost Donkey: it’s just so fun to say. But all jokes aside, the cocktails at this mezcal mecca in NYC are legit, especially the El Burro Fantasma. It’s made for two with Peloton de la Muerte, Aperol, agave, lime, pink grapefruit and chili. Yes. 4 Bleecker St., NYC, 212-254-0350, ghostdonkey.com, @ghostdonkeynyc
Chayita Cocktail at Andaz Mayakoba
Winter blues have us dreaming about sun and sand. And the Chayita cocktail at the newly opened Andaz Mayakoba is what dreams are made of. Served at the hotel’s Casa Amante, the Chayita is made with Chaya leaves, mint leaves, lime juice, orange juice, sugar syrup, and mezcal. Riviera Maya, Playa Del Carmen, www.mayakoba.andaz.hyatt.com/en/hotel/home.html
Mezcalattack at Kiki on the River
Head to Miami’s Kiki on the River for the Mezcalattack, featuring Ilegal mezcal, Boiron blood orange, coconut puree, lime and a splash of agave, garnished with dehydrated lime and cayenne pepper. 450 Northwest North River Dr., Miami, FL, kikiontheriver.com, @Kikiontheriver
Sante Fe Deluxe at Westbound
It’s like a tequila Old Fashioned – but better. Bartender Dee Ann Quinones mixes brown butter cimarron tequila, mezcal, thyme sage syrup, pecan bitters and apple bitters for a decadent cocktail that is a treat for the senses. 300 S. Santa Fe Ave., Suite N Los Angeles, CA, 213-262-9291, @WestboundDTLA
Fig Newton’s Law at The Bar in Charleston
The Bar at Charleston’s Spectator Hotel gets creative with this mezcal concoction, made with Montelobos mezcal, Braulio amaro, fig-balsamic rosemary, muscovado syrup and fresh lime juice. 67 State Street, Charleston, SC (at the Spectator Hotel), thespectatorhotel.com/the-bar, @spectatorhotel
All Mez’d Up at ORA
Miami’s ORA is already making a name for itself as a go-to spot for creative mixology on the beach, and the All Mez’d Up cocktail is not to be missed. Made with Gracias a Dios mezcal, Don Julio blanco, ginger-serrano syrup, lime juice, elderflower soda, chili powder and a mint spring, it’s refreshing – with a kick. 2000 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, Fl, 305-912-1010, ORAnightclub.com, @ORAmiami
Every Man A King at Trick Dog
San Francisco’s Trick Dog is known for their elevated cocktail program – they have been nominated for James Beard Foundation awards and got three stars from the San Francisco Chronicle – and this drink if proof of why this spot is so beloved. Made with Union mezcal, Ancho Reyes, bell pepper, passionfruit, lemon, and honey, it’s a little bit sweet with a little bit spicy – the perfect blend. 3010 20th St., San Francisco, CA, 415-471-2999, trickdogbar.com, @trickdogbar
Up in Smoke at Harvest by Kelly Liken
Located near the ski towns of Vail and Beaver Creek, Harvest by Kelly Liken is a great spot for that much needed apres ski drink. Check out the Up in Smoke, made with Del Maguey mezcal, 100% blue agave tequila, fresh squeezed lime juice, agave nectar, muddled orange and jalapeño, served up with salt. 1265 Berry Creek Rd. Edwards, CO, 970-477-5353, harvestvail.com, @harvestvail
Señor Silencio at Oyamel
The food at Jose Andres’ DC restaurant Oyamel is always a hit – but it’s the cocktails we are really digging, including the Señor Silencio, made with El Silencio mezcal, Dolin Sweet Vermouth, Aperol, Cynar and orange Miguel Lancha. 401 7th St. NW, Washington DC, oyamel.com, @oyameldc
Vida Y Muerte at Baltaire
OK, fine – it’s probably not exactly chilly winter weather on the Left Coast but it’s still nice to enjoy a delicious mezcal drink at LA’s Baltaire. The Vida Y Muerte is a funky combo of mezcal, sloe gin, lime and orange bitters, and you need to try one. 11647 San Vicente Blvd, Los Angeles, CA, 424-273-1660, baltaire.com, @baltaire
Brooklyn Sailing Club at RIDER
There are lots of great things happening over at RIDER in Brooklyn – including this cocktail, made with mezcal, Fernet Branca, pineapple and habanero shrub. It’s sweet and savory and needs to be added to your list. 80 N 6th, Brooklyn, NY, 718-210-3151, riderbklyn.com
Beekeeper at Root & Bone
Of course, we love the fried chicken and other yummy food here. But the drinks are no joke: check out the Beekeeper with chamomile-infused vodka, mead, lemon juice and habanero honey, shaken over ice and served in a mezcal-rinsed coupe. 200 E. 3rd St., NYC, rootnbone.com, @rootnbonenyc
Stolen Vespa at Coda di Volpe
Head to Coda di Volpe in Chicago for the Stolen Vespa cocktail, a potent blend of Milagro Blanco tequila, Del Maguey Vida mezcal, citrus and vermouth rouge, served up with black olive salt. 3335 N. Southport Ave., Chicago, IL, 773-687-8568, cdvolpe.com, @cdvolpe_chi
Our Best Stories Delivered Daily
