Meet the Honey & Smoke, my new favorite mezcal cocktail recipe.
2016 felt like it was the year of mezcal. It took the spotlight and held on tight. And I sure am thrilled. But, just because it appeared to be the shining star of 2016 doesn’t mean I’m letting it sneak away that easily. In fact, mezcal’s become my go-to all-weather spirit. It’s refreshing in the summer in some strange way (like tequila! So, mostly when paired with fresh fruit…), and warming in the winter thanks to its intense smoky flavor. Now add in a touch of sweetness and you’ve got me hooked.
Sweet and spicy is a favorite duo that I’ll simple never tire of, and this Honey & Smoke cocktail is like a new, richer, take on that. Chipotle chocolate? Uhm, yes please. Grapefruit Jalapeรฑo popsicles? I’m in. I think you get the picture.
Honey & Smoke
Mezcal can be quite harsh, so pairing it with the honey simple syrup and lime juice help tame it the right amount. It doesn’t lose its flavor, but rather it’s enhanced with the slight sweetness of the honey. In fact, if you can get your hands on some floral or fruity honey, give it a go! I bet it’d be downright delicious.
For the cocktail:
1 part honey simple syrup
2 parts mezcal
2 parts ginger beer
Juice from 1/2 lime
For the honey simple syrup:
1 part honey
1 part water
Make the honey simple syrup:
1. Boil water and pour over honey. Whisk to combine.
Make the cocktail:
1. Combine simple syrup, mezcal, and lime juice in tumbler.
2. Shake for 10 seconds.
3. Pour over ice and top off with ginger beer.
4. Garnish with lime slice.
*Optional glass garnish: Salt rim of glass with Jalapeรฑo salt or sea salt
What are some of your other favorite sweet & spicy, or dare I say smoky, snacks and cocktails?
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This post originally appeared on Cocorrina, where I’m a contributor.
I saw this over on Corina’s blog!! SO GOOD! I love your collaboration ๐
Yay! Thanks, Natalie! I’ve been loving it, too – isn’t Corina the best? ๐
xo
This is gorgeous! I love your photos and blog style ๐
Thank you so so much, Ruby! I really appreciate your kind note ๐
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Mmmm, love how this looks. I’ve actually never heard of mezcal, but it sounds delicious! I’ll have to find it once I’ll be able to drink again ๐ Btw, love your photos! ๐
Oh it’s so so tasty! It’s like a smoky tequila and it’s absolutely divine, especially when paired with sweet fruit. I especially love it with strawberries. Hope you enjoy it if you try it!
ps. Thank you so much for your kind comment, Anja! ๐
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