Method: Stirred
Glassware: Rocks glass
Ice: Large cube
Time: 3 min

Mezcal Negroni

ContemporaryMezcalMexican cocktailsEasyEditorial draft

The Negroni with an Oaxacan accent: mezcal's smoke and agave replace juniper. It is now a fixture in mezcalerías and bars across Mexico.

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Ingredients

1 × servings

30 mlEspadín mezcal
30 mlCampari
30 mlSweet vermouth
1 pieceOrange peel

Volume before dilution: 90 ml

Step by step

1
Stir the mezcal, Campari and vermouth with ice for 20 to 30 seconds.
2
Strain over a large cube.
3
Express the orange peel and garnish.

GarnishOrange peel

Allergenssulfites

Flavor profile

Sweetness

Acidity

Bitterness

Body

Aroma

Smoke

SmokeBitter orangeAgave

Story

It emerged naturally with mezcal's rise in cocktail bars in the 2000s and 2010s. It has no documented creator.

Technical notes

Choose a moderately smoky mezcal; a very smoky one can clash with Campari. Stir to keep the silky texture.

Serving

Aperitivo before an Oaxacan meal.

Origin

Uncertain origin · 2000s

A variation with no documented author.

Variations

Mitad y mitad
Split the base between gin and mezcal.

Substitutions

Sotol or raicilla to explore other Mexican spirits.

Pairings

Memelas with asiento
Quesillo with pasilla chile

Techniques

Infusions & tinctures

Infusions and Tinctures

Pulling flavor from chiles, fruit, herbs or spices into a spirit or syrup. The key is controlling time, ratio and proof, and tasting often.

Beginner · 6 min read

Smoke & aromatics

Smoking and Aromatics

Smoke and atomized aromas change what we perceive before the first sip. Used well they add depth; overdone, they turn acrid and dominate.

Intermediate · 5 min read

Ice

Clear Ice and Carving

Directional freezing produces transparent ice blocks that can be carved into spheres, cubes and spears. They look better, melt slower and dilute predictably.

Intermediate · 6 min read

Flavor extraction

Flavor Extraction

Choosing heat, cold, pressure or ultrasound determines which compounds you pull from an ingredient. Hoja santa, cacao, chiles and café de olla spices are ideal for practice.

Advanced · 6 min read