master-cooks | Yes, There's A Right Way To Drink Mezcal

Mezcal, a traditional Mexican spirit, is more than just a drink; it's a cultural experience that requires a mindful approach to appreciate its complex flavors fully. To enjoy mezcal the right way, start by selecting a high-quality brand that emphasizes craftsmanship and authenticity. It's essential to sip mezcal slowly, savoring its distinct smoky notes and rich aroma. Before taking a sip, gently swirl the glass to release its aroma and take a moment to appreciate the scent. Mezcal is best enjoyed straight, without mixers, to appreciate its natural flavors. Pairing mezcal with traditional Mexican foods like citrus fruits, nuts, or spicy dishes can enhance the tasting experience. The use of a copita, a small traditional clay cup, can also elevate the experience, as it allows the spirit to breathe and exposes the nuanced flavors. Engage all your senses during the tasting process, and be mindful of the spirit’s rich heritage and artisanal production methods. Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a curious newcomer, approaching mezcal with respect and an open mind will allow you to fully appreciate this unique and storied beverage.

Mezcal calls for a traditional drinking vessel

If you're not enjoying your mezcal in a cocktail like the Naked & Famous—which blends the Mexican spirit with yellow chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice—it's best to choose a traditional vessel for sipping it straight. The most authentic option is the jicara, a shallow bowl crafted from a calabash gourd, featuring a wide opening that allows you to get your nose close while sipping. This enhances your sensory experience, letting you appreciate the liquor's subtle nuances. Jicaras have a rich history, dating back thousands of years to the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, where they were often used in ceremonial contexts.

Copitas, which resemble jicaras but are made of clay, are favored by many mezcal enthusiasts because they do not absorb the liquor like the porous jicara. A more contemporary yet still suitable option is the veladora, originally a Catholic votive candle holder that has been adapted for mezcal enjoyment. It looks like a shot glass but features a fluted design and a wider opening, allowing you to inhale the aroma as you sip. You can find all three types of these drinking vessels on platforms like Etsy and Amazon.

Accompany it with an orange slice and worm salt

Now that we've figured out how to enjoy mezcal, the next step is to slice an orange and sprinkle some sal de gusano on it. The "worm" in this seasoning, much like the notorious tequila worm that is neither a worm nor found in tequila, is actually the caterpillar of the red worm moth, which feeds on the agave plants used to produce mezcal. To create sal de gusano, toasted caterpillars are ground and blended with chiles and salt. You can find sal de gusano online, at various Hispanic specialty shops, and in some liquor stores.

Take a bite of the salted orange slice, followed by a sip of mezcal. This is how this Mexican spirit is meant to be enjoyed. Once you've experienced this pairing, feel free to explore other options. In certain regions of Mexico, your mezcal might be served with a piece of cheese, dried crickets, slices of melon and mango, or non-alcoholic chasers like sangrita, a juice drink infused with chiles.

Yes, There's A Right Way To Drink Mezcal

Mezcal calls for a traditional drinking vessel

Accompany it with an orange slice and worm salt

Recommended

Next up