Stir Society

Derivative · Tequila & Mezcal

Mezcal Negroni

A smoky, earthy alternative to the classic Negroni

Family: Negroni / Bitter AperitivoVerifiedBoozySpirit-forwardStirredModern classicSmokyBitterAperitivoEqual parts

Ingredients

  • 1 ozMezcal
  • 1 ozCampari
  • 1 ozSweet vermouth

Method

  1. Add the mezcal, Campari, and sweet vermouth into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.
  2. Strain into a rocks glass over one large ice cube.
  3. Garnish with orange half-wheel.

History

The Mezcal Negroni is a contemporary favorite and was popularized by agave-focused spots like New York City's Mayahuel (with head bartender Phil Ward). It's a simple Negroni twist: mezcal is substituted for gin. The agave spirit changes the mouthfeel of the cocktail to something more smoky and earthy. It works mainly because mezcal has a distinctive personality, which is able to interplay with the bitter Campari and herbal vermouth. In fact, Negronis work well with base spirits that have character - gin has distinctive juniper flavors that make the classic work well.

Flavour

Sweet
Bitter
Sour
Boozy

Details

Glass
Rocks
Served
Over one large ice cube
Garnish
Orange half-wheel
Technique
stirred

Family

Derived from

Negroni - Mezcal in place of gin

Compared with Negroni

What changes: Mezcal in place of gin.

Negroni

  • 1 ozLondon dry gin
  • 1 ozCampari
  • 1 ozSweet vermouth

Mezcal Negroni

  • 1 ozMezcal
  • 1 ozCampari
  • 1 ozSweet vermouth

Green = new ingredient · Gold = different amount · Red = not used in Mezcal Negroni

Other takes on the Negroni

Boulevardier (Whiskey)White Negroni (Gin)