Mango Madness Mezcalita

I find that mezcal takes just about everything it’s used in to another level, and this cocktail is no different. The subtle sweetness of fresh mango puree and the extra dimension of mango liqueur make for interesting dancing partners with mezcal. Freshly squeezed lime juice make this reminiscent of another closely related cocktail, the margarita. Once sip though, and you won’t be confused. This is no margarita. This is a Mango Madness Mezcalita. Just enough smokiness. Just enough sweetness. And, Just enough tartness.

What is mezcal?

The history of mezcal dates back thousands of years and is deeply intertwined with the cultural heritage of Mexico. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from the agave plant, specifically the varieties within the Agave genus.

The production of mezcal can be traced back to pre-Columbian times when indigenous communities in Mexico discovered and cultivated agave plants. The process of making mezcal has been handed down through generations, preserving traditional techniques and knowledge.

The origin of mezcal production is believed to be in the state of Oaxaca, although it is now produced in several regions across Mexico. The Zapotec and Mixtec cultures in Oaxaca were among the earliest civilizations to cultivate and ferment agave plants for alcoholic beverages. Mezcal played a significant role in their rituals, ceremonies, and daily life.

The Spanish conquest of Mexico in the 16th century brought about the introduction of European distillation techniques, which influenced the production of mezcal. The production methods evolved, incorporating copper stills and other advancements, but the traditional production process of mezcal, known as artisanal or ancestral, has been preserved in many regions.

One crucial aspect of mezcal production is the harvesting and cooking of the agave piñas (hearts). The piñas are traditionally roasted in underground pits lined with volcanic rocks, giving mezcal its distinctive smoky flavor. After roasting, the piñas are crushed and the juices are fermented before being distilled.

Mango Mezcalita Madness

5 from 1 vote

Course: CocktailsCuisine: MexicanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

1

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Total time

10

minutes

Mango puree, mango liqueur, and mezcal form the basis of this sweet and smoky cocktail

Ingredients

• 2 ounces 2 mezcal

• 2 ounces 2 mango puree

• 1 ounce 1 mango liqueur

• 1 ounce 1 lime juice, freshly squeezed

• 1/2 ounce 1/2 agave syrup

• ice to shake

• salt to rim

Directions

• To make mango puree: Peel and slice 2 whole mangoes. Add to a blender with 1/2 cup water and blend until a smooth puree forms.
• Add all ingredients, including ice, to a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously until well combined.
• Salt the rim of a cocktail glass. Pour the contents of the cocktail shaker into your glass. Serve with a slice of lime. Enjoy!