History & Heritage
“Born from the craft‑cocktail movement's "Mr. Potato Head" approach, bartenders in the 2000s began replacing the Negroni's gin with mezcal to showcase the spirit's rising popularity. Phil Ward and other agave evangelists spread the smoky twist across cocktail bars, where it quickly became a gateway drink for mezcal newcomers.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Add mezcal, sweet vermouth, and Campari to a mixing glass filled with ice
Stir until well chilled, about 30 seconds
Strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Garnish with an orange peel
Glassware
Served over ice in a rocks glass
Garnish
Express oils and drop in
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
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Sour
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Bitter
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Strong
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Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Choose a balanced espadín mezcal so smoke doesn't overwhelm
Stir with large, cold ice for proper dilution
Express an orange peel over the top for bright aromatics
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Mezcal Negroni.
Mezcal-Forward
1.5 oz mezcal with 1 oz each Campari and vermouth.
Changes
Perfect Mezcal Negroni
Split sweet and dry vermouth for a drier cocktail.
Changes
White Mezcal Negroni
Uses Suze and Lillet Blanc for a pale, floral take.
Changes
Mezcal Boulevardier
Replaces whiskey with mezcal in the Boulevardier template.
Changes
Mezcal Sbagliato
Top with sparkling wine instead of mezcal for a lighter spritz.
Changes
Mezcal Coffee Negroni
Adds cold brew or coffee liqueur for roasted depth.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Mezcal Boulevardier
A modern classic, a smoky and complex variation of the Prohibition-era Boulevardier that swaps bourbon for mezcal.
Mezcal Coffee Negroni
A modern classic that exemplifies the craft cocktail renaissance, brilliantly fusing the smoky, earthy notes of Mexican mezcal with the rich, roasted bitterness of coffee.
Mezcal Sbagliato
A smoky evolution of the Negroni Sbagliato, where mezcal's earthy complexity meets the bittersweet effervescence of Campari, sweet vermouth, and prosecco.