The Mezcal Negroni is a twist on the Negroni cocktail, usually made with gin. Mezcal’s smokiness makes this one great addition to the original.
Where to find ingredients for Mezcal Negroni cocktails
You can find all the ingredients at Spirits Kiosk (10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK.) in the UK; or Saucey.com in the USA!
What goes into a Mezcal Negroni?
Unlike the original Negroni recipe, to make a Mezcal Negroni, you need to replace the gin with mezcal! Campari, sweet vermouth, and orange peel. Here’s a breakdown of each ingredient:
Mezcal
Mezcal is a type of distilled alcoholic beverage that is made from the agave plant. This agave spirit has a smoky flavor and is the perfect substitute for gin in a Negroni. When selecting a mezcal for your Negroni, look for one that is smooth and has a balanced flavor.
Campari
Campari is an Italian bitter aperitif that is made from a blend of herbs and spices. It has a deep red color and a bitter taste that pairs perfectly with the smokiness of the mezcal. When adding Campari to your Negroni, be sure to measure it precisely to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.
Sweet Vermouth
Sweet vermouth is a fortified wine that is flavored with various botanicals. It has a sweet and slightly bitter taste and is a key ingredient in a Negroni. The sweetness of the vermouth balances the bitter Campari and smoky note of the mezcal. When selecting a sweet vermouth for your Negroni, look for one that is well-balanced and not too sweet.
Orange Peel
Orange peel is used as a garnish for a Negroni and adds a bright citrus flavor to the cocktail. To prepare the orange peel, use a vegetable peeler to remove a strip of orange zest, being careful to avoid the bitter white pith. Twist the orange peel over the cocktail to release its oils, then place it in the drink as a garnish.
Overall, these four ingredients work together to create a perfectly balanced and flavorful mezcal Negroni.
What tools you need to make Mezcal Negroni
You won’t be needing a cocktail shaker for this one! Grab a jigger, a barspoon, and a rocks glass for this Jägermeister Negroni recipe.
Once the ingredients are prepped, it’s time to mix them together. Here’s how to do it:
- Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth into the mixing glass with ice.
- Stir until well-chilled, about 30 seconds. This will help dilute the cocktail slightly and blend the flavors together.
- Be careful not to over-dilute the cocktail. Stirring for too long or too vigorously can water it down and mute the flavors.
- Strain the cocktail into a rocks glass over one large ice cube. This will help keep the cocktail cold without over-diluting it.
- Garnish with the orange twist or half-wheel. This will add a pop of color and a hint of citrus aroma to the cocktail.
Overall, the Mezcal Negroni is a delicious and smoky twist and is a classic cocktail in its own right!
Variations
There are many variations to the classic Negroni recipe, and the Mezcal Negroni is no exception. Here are two popular variations that are worth trying:
Negroni Sbagliato
The Negroni Sbagliato, or “wrong” Negroni, is a variation that swaps out gin for sparkling wine. This variation was created by accident when a bartender mistakenly used sparkling wine instead of gin. The result is a lighter and bubblier version of the Negroni.
To make a Negroni Sbagliato, simply replace the gin in the classic Negroni recipe with sparkling wine. The proportions of Campari and sweet vermouth remain the same. Serve in a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with an orange slice.
Mezcal Boulevardier
The Boulevardier is a variation of the Negroni that swaps out gin for whiskey. The Mezcal Boulevardier takes this variation a step further by using mezcal instead of whiskey. Mezcal is a smoky and complex spirit that pairs well with the bitterness of Campari.
To make a Mezcal Boulevardier, replace the gin in the classic Negroni recipe with mezcal. The proportions of Campari and sweet vermouth remain the same. Serve in a rocks glass over ice, and garnish with an orange twist.
Both of these variations offer a unique twist on the classic Negroni recipe. They are perfect for those who want to try something new while still enjoying the flavors of the original cocktail.
Tips and Tricks
Choosing the Right Mezcal
When making a Mezcal Negroni, it is essential to choose the right mezcal to ensure the perfect balance of flavors. A good mezcal should be smoky, but not overpowering, and have a smooth finish. Look for a mezcal with a distinct flavor profile that complements the other ingredients in the cocktail.
Some popular mezcal brands for a Mezcal Negroni include Del Maguey Vida, Ilegal Joven, and El Silencio. It’s recommended to use a joven (young) mezcal for this cocktail, as it has a more vibrant and fresh flavor profile.
Choosing the Right Glassware
The right glassware can elevate the drinking experience and showcase the beautiful color of the Mezcal Negroni. A rocks glass or an Old Fashioned glass is the perfect choice for this cocktail.
Make sure the glass is clean and free of any watermarks or fingerprints. A chilled glass can also enhance the drinking experience. Place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving to keep the cocktail cold for longer.
Garnishing
Garnishing is the final touch that can make a Mezcal Negroni look and taste even better. A classic garnish for this cocktail is an orange peel. The oils from the orange peel add a bright citrus note to the cocktail and complement the bitterness of the Campari.
To garnish the cocktail, cut a thin strip of orange peel using a peeler and twist it over the cocktail to release the oils. Rub the peel around the rim of the glass and place it in the cocktail.
Another popular garnish for a Mezcal Negroni is a sprig of fresh rosemary. The herbaceous aroma of the rosemary adds a pleasant fragrance to the cocktail and complements the smokiness of the mezcal. Simply place a small sprig of rosemary on top of the cocktail as a garnish.
Overall, choosing the right mezcal, glassware, and garnish can make a big difference in the taste and presentation of a Mezcal Negroni. By following these tips and tricks, anyone can create a delicious and visually appealing cocktail.
FAQ
What are the ingredients for a white Negroni?
The ingredients for a white mezcal negroni are mezcal, bianco vermouth, and Suze. Unlike the traditional Negroni, which uses gin, Campari, and sweet vermouth, the white mezcal Negroni swaps out gin for mezcal and Campari for Suze.
What is the taste of a Mezcal Negroni?
A mezcal Negroni has a smoky flavor that comes from the mezcal, along with a bitter taste from the Campari or Suze and a sweet taste from the vermouth. The combination of these flavors creates a complex and sophisticated cocktail that is perfect for sipping.
What flavors pair well with mezcal?
Mezcal pairs well with a variety of flavors, including citrus, honey, and spicy peppers. In a Negroni, the bitter Campari or Suze and the sweet vermouth complement the smoky flavor of the mezcal.
Where to find more Negroni variations
Here are a few of my favorites:
- How to Make a Great Negroni
- How to Make the Stambecco Negroni
- How to Make the Amaro Montenegroni
- How to Make the Savoia Americano Negroni
- How to Make the Tanqueray Negroni
- How to Make the Reverend Hubert Winter Gin Liqueur Negroni
- How to Make the Four Pillars Gin Nutcracker Negroni
Plus more mezcal cocktails here
Here is the recipe!
Mezcal Negroni
Ingredients
- 50 ml Campari
- 50 ml sweet vermouth
- 50 ml gin
- 10 ml super smoky mezcal
- Garnish: orange half-wheel
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing glass
- Add ice
- Stir, stir, stir
- Strain into a rocks glass with ice
- Garnish with an orange half-wheel
Nutrition
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