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 Single Village Fix:
In the Single Village Fix, smoky, vegetal mezcal mingles with bright, punch pineapple gum syrup and lime juice for a refreshing cocktail.
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 Cadillac Swizz Recipe:
From Bibo Ergo Sum in Los Angeles comes this vibrantly colored cocktail featuring gin, mezcal, and fresh carrot and lime juices. Learn how to make it with this recipe.
The Inside Baseball Recipe:
Bar manager Brett Adams created this cocktail — a combination of Scotch, mezcal, amaro, and Italian liqueur — as an alternative to the Margarita.
Casamigos Berry Mezcal Margarita:
A batch of Berry Mezcal Margaritas effortlessly blends bright berries, smoky mezcal, and vibrant lime juice.
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.