Get ready to enjoy autumn with this straightforward Mezcal Martini recipe! The blend of Mezcal, dry and extra dry vermouth & Castelvetrano olives makes this cocktail genuinely invigorating.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 175
Ingredients
- 2 oz Espadin Mezcal
- ½ oz Dry Vermouth
- ½ oz Extra Dry Vermouth
- ½ oz olive brine - preferably Castelvetrano
- Pitted Castelvetrano olive - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Martini or Coupe Glass
- Stirring Glass
- Measuring Jigger
- Stirrer or Bar Spoon
Instructions
- Prep Glass: Fill a Martini glass with ice. Give it a stir to chill it and set it aside.
- Add Olive Brine: Pour ½ oz olive brine into the mixing glass.
- Add Vermouth: Measure and pour ½ oz Dry Vermouth & ½ oz Extra Dry Vermouth into the mixing glass as well.
- Add Mezcal: Finally, add 2 oz Espadin Mezcal to the mix.
- Add Ice and Stir: Fill the mixing glass with ice. Using a bar spoon or a long stirrer, stir well (for about 15-20 seconds). Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary.
- Strain: Take your Martini glass or cocktail coupe and discard the ice. Using the cocktail strainer, strain the mixture into the chilled glass.
- Garnish: Garnish with a Castelvetrano olive (you can put it on a skewer or directly drop it into the glass) and serve immediately.
Notes
Substitutes:
- Mezcal: If you don't have Mezcal on hand, you can use tequila as a substitute. It won't have the same smoky flavor but will still make a tasty cocktail.
- Dry & Extra Dry Vermouth: You can substitute dry vermouth with extra-dry vermouth or white vermouth if needed. It won't be exactly the same, but it will do in a pinch. For a different twist on this cocktail, you can also experiment with dry sherry instead of vermouth.
- Castelvetrano Olive Brine: you can use brine from any type of green olives to make this cocktail. If possible, try to use some higher quality olives as the taste of the brine will have a great impact on the overall flavor of the drink.
Making a Bottle of Mezcal Martini:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of Mezcal, 4 oz of dry vermouth, 4 ounces of extra-dry vermouth, and 4 ounces of Castelvetrano olive brine.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the Mezcal, extra-dry and dry vermouth, and olive brine. Add ice and stir well. Give it a taste and stir a bit more if you feel like more dilution is necessary. Strain to remove the ice and transfer it into a bottle.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into chilled martini glasses, garnish with a Castelvetrano olive, and serve immediately. Be sure to put the bottle back into the fridge or freezer between each serving: a Martini should always be served as cold as possible. If you have any leftovers, you can keep the bottle in the fridge or freezer for up to a year.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
Considering that the Mezcal Martini is solely made out of alcoholic ingredients and relies strongly on the flavor and strength of the mezcal and vermouth, it can be hard to recreate its flavor using only non-alcoholic substitutes. You can make a non-alcoholic version of the Mezcal Martini using alcohol-free mezcal and vermouth substitutes, but the overall flavor and mouthfeel will probably change greatly from the original drink.Making it Vegan:
Most mezcal and vermouth brands are vegan-friendly, but it's always good to check. Some brands may use animal products in their processing methods, especially if a filtration process is involved.What is a Mezcal Martini?
A Mezcal Martini is a cocktail made of Mezcal, extra dry & dry vermouth, and green olive brine. The quality of the drink can significantly depend on the type of Mezcal used, which makes selection potentially challenging for those unfamiliar with this spirit. This cocktail is an interesting variant of the classic Martini, where gin or vodka are replaced by smoky Mezcal, providing a unique flavor profile that is an excellent introduction to this distinctive Mexican spirit.
What is a Mezcal Martini made of – The ingredients
A Mezcal Martini requires these specific ingredients:
- Mezcal: This is the base spirit of the cocktail. It gives the drink its smoky and earthy flavor. Although Espadin Mezcal is usually preferred for this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of Mezcal.
- Dry Vermouth: Introduces herbal and slightly floral notes to the cocktail, balancing the strong flavors of the Mezcal and olive brine.
- Extra Dry Vermouth: Adds a crisp, dry quality that complements the dry vermouth, contributing to the Martini’s layered and sophisticated flavor profile.
- Olive Brine: Adds a savory and salty component that enhances the complexity of the cocktail, providing a delicious contrast to the smoky Mezcal.
- Ice: Used to chill the cocktail and slightly dilute it, making it smoother to drink.
- Castelvetrano Olive: Used as a garnish, this olive adds a touch of savory flavor and a visual element that enhances the overall presentation of the cocktail.
