Mezcal is becoming a trendy bar staple. Tequila is more familiar to most, but the truth is that mezcal came first. Tequila is, in fact, just a kind of mezcal, so while you aren’t as familiar with it, you’ve been drinking it for years, or regretting, depending on your experience with tequila. Mezcal is any liquor made from the agave desert plant. Tequila is, by law, made from one kind of agave variety: blue weber. While mezcal can be made from up to 30 different types of agave, both mescal and tequila have long periods for the spirits to mature. The significant difference in their flavors is that for mezcal, agave hearts are charred and deeply roasted in pits creating a smokey flavor. Mezcal is commonly more expensive than its agave cousin tequila, but many different factors can change its flavor profile, such as more extended aging periods and single-region mezcals made from agave varietals in certain regions. They are creating a perfect craft artisan spirit that mixologists, spirit nerds, and specialty bars are getting excited about it.
It’s a century-old spirit with a history of bold flavors. And because of newly developed productions methods, younger mezcals are offering increasingly unique characteristics to our palate.
Try this recipe given to us by El Silencio Espadin Mezcal. Mezcal Margarita 2 oz El Silencio Espadin 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice ½ oz Agave Nectar Shake and serve over ice. Garnish with a salt rim and a lime wedge.
Cirrus Ice Ball Press Kit If you want to up your cocktail game at your home bar to the level of the lobby bar at The Four Seasons, consider the luxurious addition of the Cirrus Ice Ball Press Kit to your home bar. There are several versions of this ice press, which turns blocks of ice into perfect spheres that melt slower than your traditional cubes and enhances the bouquet of your spirits. The melt on these conversation-starting balls of ice is a more even one, elevating your cocktail in a way that will make you feel full-on hipster. Plus, it’s simple to use. Just use one of their included ice molds to freeze your ice blocks, place the blocks of ice in the press and let gravity do its magic. The press will form the spheres without any physical effort and will change the shape of your ice in about a minute. The tray included catches any spillover, and tongs are included to help you serve your unique cocktail creations. Perfect for whiskey aficionados, and craft cocktail creators alike. Consider upgrading your bar with this stylish accessory.