The Mezcal Dante is a Mezcal-based riff on the Dante cocktail. The original Dante cocktail is a Tequila-based cocktail that was invented in 2018 by Dan Garnell at the Happiness Forgets, London. Unlike the Tequila version, the Mezcal Dante offers a smoky depth that can only be achieved through the artisanal distillation processes of a Mezcal. This cocktail is a smoky and playful interpretation of the classic Dante cocktail that pays homage to this traditional Mexican spirit.
Quick facts about the Mezcal Dante cocktail
- Method: shaken
- Flavor profile: dry, sour, smoky, herbal, rich
- How to serve it: Chilled in a coupe glass, no extra ice
- Glassware: Coupe glass
- Alcohol content: ~ 21.5% ABV, 20 grams of alcohol per serving
Essential ingredients for making a Mezcal Dante
- 5 Fresh Basil Leaves
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Tequila Blanco (silver Tequila)
- 2/3 oz Fresh Lime Juice: Preferably from organic limes.
- 0.25 oz Agave Syrup
- 1/3 oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.25 oz Mentzendorff Kümmel liqueur
Mezcal recommendations
My best recommendation is, to consider the flavor profile you desire. Mezcals can range from lightly smoky to intensely earthy. For the Mezcal Dante, a moderate smokiness complements the other ingredients without overpowering them. Brands like Del Maguey Vida offer an accessible and well-balanced Mezcal, just as El Silencio Espadín provides a smooth taste with just the right amount of smokiness. If you're looking for slightly sweeter Mezcal cocktails, try Mezcal Vago Elote. This Mezcal features a subtle corn infusion that adds a hint of sweetness to the agave liquor, enhancing the cocktail's complexity.
A step-by-step guide to making the perfect Mezcal Dante
- Prepare Your Glass: Either chill your coupe glass in the freezer for a few minutes or fill it with ice cubes to chill it.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Add the basil leaves to your shaker and pour in the Mezcal, Tequila, fresh lime juice, Kümmel liqueur, green chartreuse, and agave syrup.
- Shake Well: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds until well-chilled.
- Strain and Serve: Double strain into your chilled coupe glass.
- Garnish Tip: garnish the drink with either a single, fresh basil leaf or a small sprig of basil leaves.
Equipment
- 1 Cocktail Shaker
- 1 Hawthorne Strainer
- 1 Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 1 oz Mezcal
- 0.5 oz Tequila Blanco - (silver Tequila)
- ⅔ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- 0.25 oz Agave Syrup
- ⅓ oz Green Chartreuse
- 0.25 oz Mentzendorff Kümmel liqueur - (you may also use Linie Aquavit instead)
- 5 Fresh basil leaves
Instructions
- Chill your coupe glass in the freezer a few minutes before making the drink.
- Add ice, basil leaves, and all other ingredients into your cocktail shaker.
- Shake for 15-20 seconds until the drink is well chilled and the shaker is frosty on the outside.
- Double-strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with basil leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Kümmel liqueur can be hard to get. If you can't get it, replace it with Linie Aquavit or a comparably rich Aquavit instead.
The recipe asks for 0.25 oz, but you can easily adjust it to your liking. Try using 0.125 oz if the original recipe is too sweet for your liking.
Keep it in a cool, dark place with the bottle tightly sealed to preserve its flavors.