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.