If you are new to mezcal, it is recommended to start with a less expensive bottle to get familiar with the taste. [2] X Research source If you don’t have a jicarita, you can drink mezcal from an old-fashioned glass. However, due to the design of the jicarita, you may not get the same experience from the aromas.
Authentic sal de gusano also contains ground, roasted worms from the agave plant. You can substitute sal de gusano with salt and ground dried chile peppers, but remember that the taste may vary slightly from the sal de gusano.
Other dishes to try with mezcal are pisole or quinoa salad. [6] X Research source
Mezcal has a distinct smoky flavor that pairs well with the citrus flavors in a margarita.
You can make agave syrup by dissolving light agave in an equal amount of hot or boiling water. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, use a mason jar or a bottle with a screw-on lid.
Your cocktail is ready once a light frost has formed on the outside of the shaker.
You can serve this cocktail straight up or on the rocks, whichever your prefer. This is a great drink to try if you are new to the world of mezcal. It allows you to experience its earthy and subtle tones in a familiar environment.
Chilling your glass will keep your cocktail cold longer and remove the possibility of your drink becoming watered down by melted ice.
Use either a liquid measuring cup or a 2 fl oz (59 mL) shot glass to measure your liquids. If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a mason jar or a bottle that has a screw-on lid to mix your ingredients. Freshly squeezed lime juice will taste better but you can use pre-squeezed lime juice if you need to. You can opt to squeeze your own lime juice by juicing 1-2 limes.
Luxardo maraschino and green chartreuse can be found in your local liquor store. If you like your drinks to be on the spicier side, add in another pepper slice or a dash of spicy bitters.
The frost on the outside of the shaker should form in about 20 seconds of shaking.
Double straining will remove any pulp or other pieces of ingredients that you want to keep out of your drink. [17] X Research source If you don’t have a fine-mesh strainer, place piece of cheesecloth over the top of your glass while you slowly pour your cocktail.
If heat isn’t your thing, leave off the pepper garnish.
