Smokey Robinson Cocktail Drink

Smokey Robinson

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by
Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

Are you craving something different? Try this Smokey Robinson Cocktail recipe! Simple ingredients make it easy and delicious.

Smokey Robinson Cocktail Recipe

Savor the flavors of fall with the Smokey Robinson Cocktail recipe! Blend whiskey, mezcal, lemon juice, and maple syrup to create an ideal autumn drink.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

180 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz Whiskey
  • 1 oz Mezcal
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz maple syrup
  • Lemon zest, for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Maple Syrup: Add ½ oz maple syrup to a shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour ¾ oz lemon juice.
  • Pour Spirits: Add 1 oz Whiskey and 1 oz Mezcal to the mix.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Add a twist of lemon zest on top for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Whiskey: If you don't have whiskey, use dark rum in a pinch; it adds a different but enjoyable flavor.
  • Mezcal: If you do not like mezcal's smokiness, substitute it with tequila for a milder taste. Using a smoky scotch can also work well to keep that smoky essence.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be an excellent substitute if you're out of lemons. It gives a slightly different citrus note but still works great.
  • Maple Syrup: If needed, honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup. Both add sweetness but bring unique flavors to the cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Smokey Robinson Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of whiskey, 8 oz of mezcal, 6 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of maple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, mezcal, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with lemon zest, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Mezcal Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic smoky tea like Lapsang Souchong or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The original recipe is already vegan-friendly since it uses maple syrup as the sweetener. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified vegan to avoid any cross-contamination issues.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
180
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.1
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.01
g
0
%
Sodium
 
1
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
11
g
4
%
Fiber
 
0.1
g
0
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Potassium
 
54
mg
2
%
Protein
 
0.1
g
0
%
Vitamin A
 
1
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
8
mg
10
%
Calcium
 
17
mg
2
%
Iron
 
0.1
mg
1
%

 

Smokey Robinson Cocktail Drink

Smokey Robinson Cocktail Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Savor the flavors of fall with the Smokey Robinson Cocktail recipe! Blend whiskey, mezcal, lemon juice, and maple syrup to create an ideal autumn drink.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 180

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz Whiskey
  • 1 oz Mezcal
  • ¾ oz lemon juice
  • ½ oz maple syrup
  • Lemon zest - for garnish
  • Ice cubes

Equipment

  • Old Fashioned Glass
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Shaker
  • Strainer

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Fill your Old Fashioned glass with ice cubes.
  • Add Maple Syrup: Add ½ oz maple syrup to a shaker.
  • Add Lemon Juice: Measure and pour ¾ oz lemon juice.
  • Pour Spirits: Add 1 oz Whiskey and 1 oz Mezcal to the mix.
  • Add Ice: Fill your shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake Well: Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  • Strain into Glass: Strain the mixture into the prepared Old Fashioned glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Add a twist of lemon zest on top for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Whiskey: If you don't have whiskey, use dark rum in a pinch; it adds a different but enjoyable flavor.
  • Mezcal: If you do not like mezcal's smokiness, substitute it with tequila for a milder taste. Using a smoky scotch can also work well to keep that smoky essence.
  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice can be an excellent substitute if you're out of lemons. It gives a slightly different citrus note but still works great.
  • Maple Syrup: If needed, honey or agave syrup can replace maple syrup. Both add sweetness but bring unique flavors to the cocktail.

Making a Pitcher of Smokey Robinson Cocktail:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 8 oz of whiskey, 8 oz of mezcal, 6 oz of lemon juice, and 4 oz of maple syrup.
  • Mix: In a large pitcher, combine the whiskey, mezcal, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Stir well.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into ice-filled Old Fashioned glasses, garnish with lemon zest, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • Whiskey Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic whiskey alternative; these are available and mimic the flavor profile quite well.
  • Mezcal Substitute: Opt for a non-alcoholic smoky tea like Lapsang Souchong or a non-alcoholic tequila alternative.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes instead of the regular ingredients, follow the original steps, and enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

The original recipe is already vegan-friendly since it uses maple syrup as the sweetener. Just ensure all your ingredients are certified vegan to avoid any cross-contamination issues.

What is a Smokey Robinson Cocktail?

A Smokey Robinson Cocktail is a whiskey and mezcal drink made of whiskey, mezcal, lemon juice, and maple syrup. It’s easy to make because it involves straightforward steps like shaking the ingredients together and straining them into an Old Fashioned glass. The unique blend of smoky mezcal with smooth whiskey creates a distinctive flavor profile that sets this cocktail apart.

A side shot of a Smokey Robinson cocktail in an old fashioned glass on a wooden coaster and tray with two lemons and a shaker on the side

What is a Smokey Robinson Cocktail made of – The ingredients

For a Smokey Robinson Cocktail, use the following ingredients:

  • Whiskey: Adds a smooth, rich base to the cocktail.
  • Mezcal: Introduces a smoky flavor that complements the whiskey.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a refreshing citrus tang to balance the drink.
  • Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness and depth with its rich, earthy notes.
  • Lemon Zest (for garnish): Enhances the aroma and adds a touch of elegance.

Whiskey, Mezcal, lemon juice, maple syrup, and lemon laid out on a white bar table

How do you make a Smokey Robinson Cocktail?

Create a Smokey Robinson Cocktail by following our straightforward instructions:

1
<p>Start by chilling an old fashioned glass.</p>

Start by chilling an old fashioned glass.

2
<p>Add ½ ounce of maple syrup to the shaker, adding sweetness and depth with its rich, earthy notes.</p>

Add ½ ounce of maple syrup to the shaker, adding sweetness and depth with its rich, earthy notes.

3
<p>Squeeze ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice into the shaker, providing a refreshing citrus tang to balance the drink.</p>

Squeeze ¾ ounce of fresh lemon juice into the shaker, providing a refreshing citrus tang to balance the drink.

4
<p>Add 1 ounce of mezcal to the shaker, introducing a smoky flavor that complements the whiskey.</p>

Add 1 ounce of mezcal to the shaker, introducing a smoky flavor that complements the whiskey.

5
<p>Pour 1 ounce of whiskey into the shaker, adding a smooth, rich base to the cocktail.</p>

Pour 1 ounce of whiskey into the shaker, adding a smooth, rich base to the cocktail.

6
<p>Fill your shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.</p>

Fill your shaker with ice cubes to chill the mixture.

7
<p>Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure all ingredients blend well.</p>

Shake the mixture vigorously for about 15 seconds to ensure all ingredients blend well.

8
<p>ill the old fashioned glass with fresh ice cubes.</p>

ill the old fashioned glass with fresh ice cubes.

9
<p>Strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass.</p>

Strain the mixture into the Old Fashioned glass.

10
<p> Garnish the cocktail with a twist of lemon zest to enhance the aroma and add a touch of elegance.</p>

Garnish the cocktail with a twist of lemon zest to enhance the aroma and add a touch of elegance.

History and Origin of the Smokey Robinson Cocktail

Bartenders created it more recently to explore new flavor combinations. They wanted to blend the smoky essence of mezcal with the smooth richness of whiskey. The name likely pays homage to the legendary singer Smokey Robinson, reflecting the cocktail’s smooth yet complex character. This drink has quickly gained popularity for its unique taste and easy preparation, making it a favorite among modern cocktail enthusiasts.

A Smokey Robinson cocktail, shot from above, in an old fashioned glass on a beige surface surrounded by Whiskey, Mezcal, lemon juice, maple syrup, and lemon

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Smokey Robinson Cocktail?
A Smokey Robinson Cocktail typically contains around 150-200 calories, depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
How strong is the Smokey Robinson Cocktail?
The cocktail has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of approximately 20%, translating to 40 proof.
What alcohol is used in a Smokey Robinson Cocktail?
This cocktail uses whiskey and mezcal as its primary spirits.
In which glass is the Smokey Robinson Cocktail served?
Bartenders serve the drink in an Old Fashioned glass.
What does a Smokey Robinson Cocktail taste like?
The cocktail offers a unique blend of smoky, rich, and slightly sweet flavors with a refreshing citrus tang from the lemon juice.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Smokey Robinson Cocktail?
The typical ratio is equal parts whiskey and mezcal, with slightly less lemon juice and maple syrup to balance the flavors.
How is the Smokey Robinson Cocktail served?
Serve the Smokey Robinson Cocktail over ice, ensuring it stays chilled and refreshing.

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