19 Classic Mezcal Cocktails Worth Ordering 

Replace the tequila in the most famous tequila drink by making this mezcal margarita.

Keep the triple sec, lime juice, and even a salt rim – this cocktail translates easily to using mezcal.

Smokey and deep mezcal pairs beautifully with the bright, refreshing flavors of a margarita.

Ginger beer provides the signature flavor for a Moscow mule, a cocktail recipe typically using vodka, lime juice, and ginger beer.

This zesty mixer balances assertive mezcal perfectly in this flavorful mixed drink.

Pair this powerful cocktail with a rich steak dinner for a terrific meal, or choose a yummy after-dinner mixed drink.

Palomas traditionally pair tequila with fresh grapefruit juice for a tart, delicious cocktail.

Take a paloma to the next level with the dynamic flavors of mezcal, but feel free to keep all other aspects of the paloma the same.

Spicy, grilled barbacoa tacos or other hearty entrees make the perfect combination with a mezcal paloma.

Replace whiskey with mezcal for a thrilling new twist on this classic mixed drink.

Mezcal works perfectly with many traditional whiskey recipes. 

Whiskey sours highlight lemon and cherries with whiskey for a cocktail that will make you pucker.

Mezcal mellows out this tart cocktail and leaves a campfire-like taste on your tongue. 

Negronis are enjoying renewed fame as a classy and powerful cocktail using only three simple ingredients: vermouth, gin, and Campari.

Equal parts of Campari, vermouth, and mezcal instead combine for this strong mixed drink, featuring no mixers for relief.

Savor this mezcal negroni for a complex, sipping drink after a long day.

This cheeky drink features equal parts of three out-of-the-ordinary cocktail ingredients.

Mix up a Naked and Famous as a fun party drink.

Bittersweet orange-red aperitivo, lime juice, and yellow chartreuse liquor combine in equal parts for this hot pink drink.

Mezcal is a surprisingly hearty touch in this girly cocktail.

While most often connected to the Kentucky Derby, mint juleps are the sweet and strong cocktails beloved by Southern Belles on the front porch.

Take this classic cocktail in a sassy mezcal direction with this recipe for the Mexican Mint Julep.

Generous helpings of mint help balance the sweetness of this mezcal cocktail.

Mango brilliantly stands up to smoky mezcal in this recipe for a mezcal mango smash.

Enjoy this delicious, multi-ingredient cocktail on a hot day or if you want to conjure those summertime vibes wherever you are.

Mango and mezcal combine with cilantro, lime, jalapenos, and orange liqueur. Mix up this drink during a delicious Mexican-themed dinner party.

The warm spices of apple cider meet their autumn-season match with mezcal.

This pairing is a match made in heaven, resulting in a smoky and sweet cocktail perfect for a late-season bonfire.

Generous amounts of citrusy orange liqueur add another element for a balanced and delicious mezcal cocktail.

Check out other fall flavored cocktails to try!

Like mango, peach makes a great combination with the deep flavors of mezcal.

This juicy fruit makes a sophisticated cocktail grounded by smoky and herbaceous mezcal. 

Mexican food often features menu items like peach salsa over fish tacos, which would make a great pairing with a peach mezcal cocktail.

An old-fashioned remains one of the classic cocktails among alcohol enthusiasts.

This straightforward cocktail layers complex and high-end liquors to deliver a nuanced sipping drink.

The addition of mezcal lets old-fashioned fans mull over a new type of old-fashioned.

Oaxaca is the region of Mexico most well-known for traditional mezcal production that remains today.

Mojitos deliver island inspiration for home mixologists everywhere.

Mint is the most well-known ingredient for mojitos, with rum usually joining the mix.

This recipe mixes sweet strawberries with smoky mezcal and herbaceous mint for this balanced mezcal cocktail.

Muddle the mint thoroughly to make sure the mint flavors infuse into the mixed drink.

If you’re a fan of spicy cocktails, try this honey & smoke mezcal cocktail.

Chili powder partners with the mezcal to punch up the smokey, spicy flavors of this drink, while a sweet honey syrup brings it all together.

Plan this recipe for a tailgating crowd or late summer bonfire because it makes a big batch.

If egg nog isn’t your thing, this Cheermeister Punch delivers a sweet, tart, and smokey punch for your next holiday gathering.

A thrilling assortment of flavors goes into this punch, including ginger, jalapeno, pomegranate juice, mezcal, and tequila.

This recipe makes enough for a full punch bowl. Check out other Christmas cocktails to make!

Mezcals and margaritas are a match made in heaven and have been so for centuries.

This smoky watermelon lemon margarita combines the best flavors of summer into one irresistible mezcal cocktail.

Juicy watermelon is an unexpected but delicious partner with earthy mezcal for your next poolside occasion.

Celebrate the holiday season with this mezcal harvest ole.

The flavors of citrus, apple cider, and maple syrup combine with mezcal for a cocktail that will warm you from the inside out.

Lime and lemon juice provide a tart complement to this sweet and smoky mixed drink.

Agave is a cactus, so you are probably not surprised a mezcal cocktail would feature a prickly name.

But this cocktail doesn’t refer to the mezcal’s agave, but rather the vibrant prickly pear fruit.

This bright pink fruit lends its color and delicate flavor to The Prickly Lady mezcal cocktail.

Mango is back in this alluring island mango mezcal breeze mezcal cocktail.

Lemon, lime, and mango juices blend with chili powder and mezcal for a delicious and spicy mixed drink.

Shake this cocktail until all ingredients are combined, and finish with a floater of sparkling water on top.

This spin on a traditional tequila margarita replaces tequila with mezcal and highlights orange over lime.

The result is a delicious citrus mezcal cocktail with a beautiful tajin rim.

Tajin is a Mexican spice blend that is commonly used to rim Mexican cocktail drinks or as a dip for fruits.