Mezcal is a liquor that is made from agave plants. Although some people think it is the same as tequila, the two are completely different. Actually, the only thing they have in common is the plant that they come from. Unlike the industrially made tequila, mezcal is hand-made and artisanal.  

The flavor of mezcal is more smokey with notes of floral and an earthy aroma. It's not as sweet as tequila but makes a great alternative to use in its place when you are looking for something different to try. You can get creative when it comes to drinking mezcals because the flavor works well in so many different drinks. Here are 3 delicious cocktail recipes you can make with mezcal:

Coconut Mezcal Margarita

This mezcal cocktail has the perfect balance of sweet and smokey. There's a little dash of richness in this easy-drinking cocktail.

What You Need:

● 2 ounces Mezcal
● 1/2 ounce Coconut Milk (canned)
● 1-ounce Orgeat
● 1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
● 1 Serrano Pepper (sliced) *optional*

What To Do:

1. Get out your cocktail shaker and fill it up with your desired amount of ice.
2. Put the pepper to the side, and put the rest of your ingredients in the cocktail shaker.
3. Put some ice in a short glass and double strain the mixture into the glass.
4. Garnish with the serrano pepper and enjoy your cocktail.

Spicy Mezcal Mule

The mixture of smokiness and spice isn't something everyone can handle. If your taste buds are calling for a bolder drink that most basic taste buds can't appreciate, the Spicy Mezcal Mule may be the right choice for you.

What You Need:

● 2 ounces of Mezcal
● 1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
● 1/2 cup Ginger Beer
● Just a Pinch of Cayenne Pepper  
● Ice
● Lime Wedge (garnish) *optional*

What To Do:

1. Get your favorite mule mug from the cupboard and fill it with ice.
2. Add the mezcal, fresh lime juice, and cayenne pepper to the mug.
3. Give the mixture a really good stir so everything is combined.
4. Top off the mixture with the ginger beer. Note: Tastes best if the ginger beer was chilled first.
5. Give it one more stir so everything is even.
6. Enjoy, if you can handle it that is!

Classic Mezcal Paloma

If you have never tried mezcal before, this classic drink is a great starting point. It has the perfect blend of sweet and smoky flavors without being too overwhelming. The ingredients in this beverage compliment the flavor of mezcal perfectly.

What You Need:

● 1/4 cup of Kosher Salt
● 1 teaspoon of Chili Pepper (ground)
● 1 Lime (zested and sliced)
● 2 ounces of Mezcal
● 2 ounces of Grapefruit Juice
● 1 ounce of Honey
● Club Soda

What To Do:

1. On a small plate for rimming your glass, mix the kosher salt, chili pepper, and lime zest.
2. Using a lime wedge, wet the rim of a highball glass.
3. Dip the edge of the glass in the salt mixture to lightly coat the rim of your glass. 
4. Get out your cocktail shaker and fill with ice.
5. Add the mezcal, honey, and grapefruit juice to the shaker and shake it up for roughly 15 seconds.
6. Pour the mixture into your rimmed glass and top off with club soda and more ice.
7. If you want to get fancy you can add a grapefruit slice or mint to garnish.
8. Enjoy your mezcal beverage. 

Final Thoughts

When it comes to mezcal, your options are limitless for creating fun and tasty cocktails. These are just three different ways that you can enjoy the artisan liquor. Which recipe will you be trying this weekend?