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Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Buffalo Wings

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Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Buffalo Wings is a bold twist on a classic favorite, offering a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and smoky mezcal undertones. These wings start with a crispy baked coating, achieved by tossing them in a mixture of baking powder, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple yet effective seasoning adds flavor and ensures the wings are perfectly crisp without frying.

What sets these wings apart is the unique mezcal-infused sauce. Mezcal, renowned for its smoky, earthy flavor, combines with traditional buffalo sauce components, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The sauce brings together mezcal with hot sauce for that signature buffalo kick, unsalted butter for richness, and agave nectar for a touch of sweetness. Lime juice and zest add a refreshing twist, while apple cider vinegar gives the sauce a perfect tangy bite. This unique combination of flavors is sure to pique your interest and inspire you to try these wings.

Adding a rehydrated chipotle pepper further enhances the smoky notes, infusing the sauce with a subtle heat that complements the mezcal. The garlic mellows into a savory background flavor that ties everything together. The result is a perfectly balanced sauce – sweet, smoky, tangy, and spicy – that clings to each crispy wing.

These wings are baked to perfection, maintaining a juicy interior and satisfyingly crisp exterior. Once tossed in the mezcal-infused sauce, they become a flavor-packed dish ideal for parties, game days, or any occasion where bold, exciting flavors are welcome.

The smoky sweetness of the mezcal and agave pairs beautifully with the spicy tang of the hot sauce, making them a crowd-pleaser for both heat seekers and those who enjoy a bit of sweetness in their savory dishes. You can serve them with lime wedges to enhance the citrus notes, or alongside a cool ranch or blue cheese dip for a creamy contrast to the heat. This versatility allows you to get creative with your serving options and cater to different flavor preferences, empowering you to make these wings your own.


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Whether you’re a fan of classic buffalo wings or looking to try something new, Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Buffalo Wings offer a unique, gourmet spin on a beloved dish. The smoky mezcal, paired with the heat from the hot sauce and chipotle, creates a memorable flavor experience that’s both bold and satisfying. Perfectly crispy, smoky, sweet, and spicy, these wings will become a new favorite for anyone looking to elevate their wing game. This unique gourmet spin on a classic dish is bound to intrigue you and make you eager to try these wings.

Serve them at your next gathering, and prepare for your guests to be blown away by this dish’s depth of flavor and creativity. They’re not just wings—they’re an experience!

Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Buffalo Wings

Recipe by Kyle Taylor
4.7 from 3 votes
Course: MainsCuisine: New AmericanDifficulty: Medium
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

1

hour 
Total time

1

hour 

15

minutes

Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Buffalo Wings are a bold twist on classic wings, featuring a crispy baked exterior and a sauce made from smoky mezcal, hot sauce, and agave nectar. The wings are perfectly balanced with a hint of sweetness, a touch of heat, and a burst of lime for a flavorful experience.

Ingredients

  • For the Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings
  • 2 pounds buffalo wings

  • 1 tablespoon baking powder

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 tablespoon paprika

  • For the Sweet and Smoky Mezcal-Infused Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mezcal

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 1/4 cup agave nectar

  • 1 lime, juiced and zested

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 dried chipotle pepper, rehydrated and chopped

  • salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Prepare the Wings:
    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Pat the wings dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the wings with baking powder, salt, ground black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until well coated.
  • Bake the Wings:
    Arrange the wings on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet lined with foil. Bake for 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the wings are crispy and golden brown.
  • Make the Mezcal Sauce:
    Combine the mezcal, hot sauce, butter, agave nectar, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic, and rehydrated chipotle pepper in a saucepan over medium heat. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat, and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.
  • Coat and Serve:
    Once the wings are done baking, toss them in the sweet and smoky mezcal sauce until fully coated. Serve the wings hot with extra lime wedges for garnish if desired.

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