Fall calls for this straightforward Mezcal Sour recipe! It combines mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and a hint of egg white to create a refreshing yet potent cocktail.
Prep time:
1 minute
Mixing time:
2 minutes
Servings:
1
Calories:
220
Ingredients
- 2 oz Mezcal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- ¾ oz agave syrup
- 1 egg white - optional
- Lime wheel or twist - for garnish, optional
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Cocktail Strainer
- Fine strainer
- Old Fashioned Glass
- Measuring Jigger
Instructions
- Prep glass: Fill an old fashioned glass with ice cubes.
- Add egg white: Open an egg, separate the white from the yolk, and pour the white into the shaker (optional).
- Add Lime Juice: Measure and pour 1 oz fresh lime juice into the shaker.
- Add Agave Syrup: Add ¾ oz agave syrup to the mix.
- Add Mezcal: Pour 2 oz Mezcal into the shaker.
- Shake Well: Fill the shaker with ice. Close it well and shake the ingredients vigorously for about 15 seconds. If you’re not using egg white, go directly to step 8.
- Dry shake (only if using egg white): Open the shaker. Using the cocktail strainer, pour the liquid into the other tin and discard the ice. Close the shaker again and shake another time, for 15-20 seconds, without ice this time.
- Strain: Using the fine strainer, strain the mixture into the glass.
- Garnish: Express the lime zest on top of the glass (you can either discard it after or place it on the rim of the glass for an added orange touch) and add a lime wheel if you like.
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 sour. If it’s the smokiness you’re after, you can also make this recipe using peated Scotch whisky such as Laphroaig or Lagavulin (in that case, consider using lemon juice instead of lime juice and simple syrup to replace the agave syrup. See also “Whisky Sour” article).
- Fresh Lime Juice: You can use bottled lime juice in a pinch, but fresh is always best. You could also use lemon juice for a different citrus twist.
- Agave Syrup: If you're out of agave syrup, you can use simple syrup (to make your own: simply dissolve equal parts sugar and water over low heat). Alternatively, honey can also be used for a different kind of sweetness.
- Egg White: If you're vegan or don't like the idea of raw egg in your drink, you can use aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) as a substitute. It froths up just like egg white and doesn't affect the taste. Otherwise, you can simply omit it: your drink will have a lighter texture but will be equally delicious.
Making a Pitcher of Mezcal Sour:
- Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 16 oz of mezcal, 8 oz of fresh lime juice, 6 oz of simple syrup, and 8 egg whites.
- Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the mezcal, lime juice, and simple syrup. Add ice and stir well.
- Serve: Strain to remove the ice, serve immediately into ice-filled old fashioned glasses, and garnish with twisted lime zests or lime wheels. If you have some leftovers, be sure to keep them in the fridge (make sure no ice cubes are left inside) in an airtight container. Serve immediately.
Making it Non-Alcoholic:
- Mezcal Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic spirit that has a smoky flavor profile. Several brands on the market make non-alcoholic spirits with complex flavors. You can also use a non-alcoholic tequila substitute; several brands are available that mimic Tequila's flavor quite well. Otherwise, you can use fresh orange juice as a substitute or you can also try making your own substitute by mixing together water, a pinch of smoked salt, a splash of tonic and a bit of agave syrup (to taste).
- Proceed As Usual: Use this non-alcoholic substitute instead of the mezcal, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.
Making it Vegan:
- Egg White Substitute: As mentioned above, aquafaba (chickpeas water) is a vegan substitute for egg white. Use ½ ounce of aquafaba to replace the egg white. Follow all the steps, as aquafaba also needs to be shaken twice to make a proper foam.
- Proceed As Usual: Use the aquafaba instead of the egg white, follow the original steps, and enjoy your vegan Mezcal Sour.
What is a Mezcal Sour?
A Mezcal Sour is a smoky, citrus-based cocktail made of mezcal, lime juice, agave syrup, and egg white. It’s not difficult to make but requires basic bartending skills, such as shaking and straining. The Mezcal Sour is an exciting variant of the classic Whiskey Sour, where whiskey has been replaced with mezcal for a unique twist on the flavor profile. What sets this drink apart is its use of mezcal – a distilled alcoholic beverage from Mexico that offers distinctive smoky notes due to the cooking process of agave hearts used in its production.
What is a Mezcal Sour made of – The ingredients
If you’re making a Mezcal Sour, you’ll need these ingredients:
- Mezcal: The cocktail’s base spirit, Mezcal, provides a smoky and earthy flavor.
- Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to balance the smokiness of the Mezcal.
- Agave Syrup: Sweetens the cocktail and balances out the tartness of the lime juice.
- Egg White: Creates a frothy texture and smooth mouthfeel when shaken with the other ingredients.
- Ice: Chills the cocktail and dilutes it slightly for a smoother taste.
- Lime zest twist or Wheel (for garnish): Enhances presentation and adds a subtle fresh citrus aroma.
