neat , neat ,” but notes that , “ swapping out tequila for mezcal on any of the Mexican classics like a margarita or paloma will always add another dimension to an already great cocktail .”
In the town of Tequila , the epicenter of the eponymous spirit , is the home to Mexico ’ s largest producer , Jose Cuervo . In Tequila , the beloved local signature is the Cantarito , made with fresh orange , grapefruit and lime juices with a healthy pour of tequila topped with grapefruit soda . This is a very refreshing hot weather drink that is also elevated in complexity by using mezcal instead .
But mezcal is not just reserved for Mexican drinks anymore . Bartenders find mezcal surprisingly versatile and can use it in place of everything from gin to Scotch . “ One of the great things about mezcal is that you can substitute it for many different spirits in a lot of classic cocktails , and it works great ,” Lavenue notes . “ The result is neo-classic mezcal cocktails , and they are here to stay .”
He especially likes it in lieu of peaty or smoky Scotches . “ Peaty scotches are in a lot of old cocktails , but there have been some notable new ones , and the Penicillin is probably the most popular ‘ new classic .’ It uses both blended Scotch and Islay single malt plus lemon . The agave version is the Medicina Latina , with tequila instead of blended Scotch , mezcal instead of Islay , and lime instead of lemon . It ’ s basically a Mexicanized Penicillin .”
If you want to mix drinks at home , according to Lavenue , mezcal works well in any “ equal parts ” cocktail recipe , like a classic Negroni , which is one part gin , one part Campari , one part vermouth . Substitute mezcal for the gin . A bartender at New York ’ s Death & Co . created the Oaxaca Old Fashioned , using tequila and mezcal for the whiskey and agave syrup for the sugar , and it has become a craft cocktail bar institution worldwide .
Simple substitution in straightforward cocktails is the easiest way to experiment with mezcal on your own . A well-versed bartender can help you try more complex cocktails and then move on to side-by-side tastings .
Bonnie ' s Surrender mezcal cocktail is available at River Bar .
SEA ISLAND MEZCAL
At Sea Island , popular cocktail options include mezcal palomas , mezcal margaritas and also mezcal mules . According to Resort Lead Bartender Nic Wallace , “ Mezcal Old Fashioned cocktails are really popular right now ,” in lieu of the standard bourbon . Wallace is also seeing a rise in requests for half-and-half margaritas , with mezcal subbed for half the tequila , which gives it a nice complexity .
The Clear Skies Margarita was the first mezcal cocktail to make it onto the permanent Classics menu at Oak Room , located in The Lodge at Sea Island , which is known for its extensive singlemalt Scotch library . The drink uses half tequila and half Siete Misterios mezcal , plus grapefruit , lime and basil and then is clarified with a milk wash . At River Bar , the Hall of Fame cocktail list includes Bonnie ’ s Surrender , with a mix of tequila , mezcal , local Georgia honey , lemon , lavender and angostura bitters .
Sea Island offers select wine and spirit classes at the resort throughout the year , where mezcal turns up frequently in its intermediate and advanced courses .
74 SEA ISLAND LIFE | SPRING / SUMMER 2023