If you’re in the market for a new favorite cocktail to sip fireside this season, look no further than the Southpaw, developed by Sami Katrib of Mercy Me at Yours Truly in Washington, D.C. A smoky delight, the Southpaw features a mezcal reposado base and two types of sherry, which provide a unique blend of dried fruit notes to complement the spirit’s classic profile. The cocktail is rounded out with the addition of Cherry Heering, allspice dram, and just a spoonful of Cynar.
Ingredients
2 ounces Ilegal Mezcal Reposado
¼ ounce Alvear Fino Sherry
¼ ounce Alvear Px Sherry 1927
¼ ounce Cherry Heering
¼ ounce allspice dram
Bar spoon Cynar
Orange peel
Garnish: Brandied cherry and Brigadeiro truffle on a bay leaf
Directions
Add all ingredients to a mixing glass with ice and stir until chilled.
Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
Express with orange oil, rub the rim, and discard.
Serve with brandied cherry and Brigadeiro truffle on bay leaf.
The Mezcal Margarita Recipe:
Mezcal imparts this cocktail with a smokiness that tempers the citrusy and tart elements in a traditional Marg. Read on for the recipe!
The Oaxaca Old Fashioned Recipe:
A little smoky and a little sweet, the Oaxaca Old Fashioned helped solidify agave spirits as a mainstay of modern cocktail culture.
The Tia Mia:
Created by Brooklyn-based bartender Ivy Mix, the Tia Mia is a split-base mezcal and rum cocktail that deserves a place in your repertoire.
The Ponche de Mezcal:
The Ponche de Mezcal serves as a Mexican-inspired Hot Toddy, combining the smoky spirit with homemade ponche. Check it out here!
The Abandoned Highway:
While mezcal may not be the first spirit you think of around the holidays, the smoky spirit shines in the Abandoned Highway. Check it out!
The Electron Recipe:
Jordan Hughes, whose handle is @highproofpreacher, is behind this lively mezcal cocktail made with carrot juice, pink peppercorns, and cinnamon syrup, Get the recipe here!