How to Make Mezcal and Tonic Cocktail

If you like a gin and tonic, but fancy livening things up, you could do a lot worse than to consider a Mezcal and tonic cocktail. Similar to the original namesake drink, the Mezcal version differs by offering up a subtle change in flavour, which will depend heavily on the type of Mezcal you buy.

If you’re looking for a drink that is super easy to whip up, that requires no gadgets or tools, this one ticks those boxes. You don’t need a shaker, a strainer, or anything fancy, just a glass and your ingredients, plus a stirrer or something similar to stir it up with.

Let’s take a closer look…

Mezcal and Tonic Cocktail: Ingredients

You will need the following ingredients to make this cocktail:

• Mezcal
• Tonic water – citrus flavoured
• Orange bitters
• Orange slice(s) for garnish

You will also need the following items/tools:

• Glass (highball, or your favourite)
• Measuring device (if you’re a measurer!)
• Knife + cutting board (to cut oranges)

Mezcal and Tonic Cocktail: Instructions

Grab your glass, your ingredients, and any other bits and bobs you might need (knife for the oranges, for example).

Start by adding ice to the glass. I like to fill it up, but this one’s down to you.

If you’re a measurer, pour out a 55ml (2-ounce) shot of Mezcal.

You’ll want to add one dash of orange bitter, and then fill the glass up with the citrus-flavoured tonic water. Alternatively, you can add regular tonic water plus a dash of lemon and/or lime juice or use the juice from the orange you slice up for the garnish.

For the most part, this drink is all down to personal preference and taste, so add more or less of each ingredient depending on how you like it.

To finish, cut up your oranges and stick a slice in the top. If you’re feeling really fancy, attach it to the side of the glass like they do when you’re on holiday.

What is Mezcal?

Mezcal, also sometimes referred to as mescal, is an alcoholic beverage made from the agave fruit. It can have a range of flavours and finishes, depending on the type of agave fruit it was created from.

Some are smoky in nature, others offer a citrus or floral finish. Some have even been described as herbal, or even earthy. There are said to be around 50 different varieties of agave used in the creation of this distilled boozy beverage.

Quiquiriqui Mezcal Espadin offers a smoky, whisky-like flavour.

Madre Mezcal is described as being smokey, but with peat-like undertones.

San Cosme Mezcal Tequila, on the other hand, is smokey and soft but with a leathery finish.

Originating in Mexico, it is usually served in a shot glass and sipped. It might look like a shot, but you don’t just gulp it down in one go like a shot. Well, you could, but that’s not how it is traditionally consumed.

Mezcal vs Tequila: Are They the Same?

No, mezcal and tequila are not the same.

They are similar in that they are both technically made from agave, but tequila is usually only made from around 50% agave where mezcal is required to be 100% made from the fruit.

If it’s not 100% agave, it’s not technically mezcal.

Can You Get Mezcal in the UK?

Yes, you absolutely can get mezcal in the UK.

Alongside the products on Amazon listed above, here are a few of the other places I’ve found it:

Remember: Always drink responsibly.