Mezcal Fruit Cup

On a warm summer evening a few years back, I hosted a backyard gathering for close friends. Wanting to surprise them with something unique, I experimented with Mezcal and fresh fruits from the local farmer's market. I also searched for new recipes and came across an interesting fruit cup twist invented by Simon Difford - the Mezcal Fruit Cup.

This cocktail became the star of the evening. Its blend of smoky Mezcal and sweet, juicy fruits was both refreshing and intriguing, sparking conversations and requests for refills. 

Quick facts about the Mezcal Fruit Cup cocktail

• Method: built right in glass 
• Flavor profile: dry, sour, refreshing, fruity, smoky
• How to serve it: with plenty of ice
• Glassware: Collins glass
• Alcohol content: ~ 13.5% ABV, 23.2 grams of alcohol per serving

The Story Behind the Mezcal Fruit Cup

The Mezcal Fruit Cup is a modern twist on traditional fruit-infused cocktails. Inspired by the classic British Pimm's Cup and infused with Mexican flair, this drink combines the smoky depth of Mezcal with the natural sweetness of fresh fruits. It's a perfect example of how versatile Mezcal can be, seamlessly blending with various flavors to create a Mezcal cocktail that'sperfect for summer sipping.

Ingredients You'll Need

To craft this fruity and refreshing cocktail, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 oz Mezcal
• 0.75 oz Orange curaçao liqueur (Cointreau works fine)
• 0.75 oz Vermouth Rosso
• 2 dashes of Lavender bitters
• 1.5 oz Ginger ale
• 1.5 oz Cola
• Assorted Fresh Fruits (such as cucumber slices, strawberry halves, orange wedges, and mint leaves)
• Ice Cubes

Which Mezcal to use?

In this fruit cup recipe, opt for a joven (young) mezcal with a balanced smoky taste. Brands like Del Maguey Vida or El Silencio Espadín are excellent choices that complement the fruit without overpowering it. If you prefer stronger smoky notes, opt for Montelobos Espadin Joven Mezcal.

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Before working on the cocktail we need to prepare some other elements such as the fruit garnishes and the glass. Cut your selected fruits into bite-sized pieces or slices.

Then chill your glassware. Place your serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes to ensure the cocktail stays cold for just a bit longer.

Making the Mezcal Fruit Cup Cocktail

1. Add all ingredients: Grab your chilled glass and pour all ingredients in. Give it a quick stir.
2. Add ice: Fill the glass with ice until it's halfway full.
3. Add fruits and mint: Add a citrus slice, 1 or two strawberry pieces, and a few leaves of slapped mint.
4. Fill up and garnish: Fill the glass up with more ice and add the rest of the garnish.

Variations and Substitutions

There are plenty of ways you can adjust the recipe to your liking. Here are just some ideas of what you could do to tailor the cocktail to your taste buds.

Create a Non-Alcoholic Version

For a delightful mocktail, replace the Mezcal with a smoky lapsang souchong tea brewed and cooled. This tea is one of the go-to replacements for Mezcal in a drink. It maintains the smoky element without the alcohol.

Use Seasonal Fruits

By replacing the fruit garnish in the drink you can easily influence the style of the drink. Try the below twists to change the taste of your next Mezcal Fruit Cup:

• Tropical Twist: Incorporating pineapple chunks, mango slices, or even half a passion fruit brings exotic flavors into the drink.
• Berry Medley: By using fresh berries such as raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries you'll get a much richer, fruitier profile.
• Autumn Flair: Add apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a cozy variation that's perfect for the colder season.

Using Tequila Instead of Mezcal

If you prefer a less smoky flavor, substitute Mezcal with blanco Tequila. The cocktail will have a cleaner taste while retaining its refreshing qualities.

Mezcal Fruit Cup

A refreshing cocktail that brings a smoky twist to your favorite summer fruits

Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe

Shaking timeShaking Time: 1 minute minute

Total Time: 1 minute minute

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: British

Keyword: Cointreau, cola, Ginger ale, lavender, mezcal, vermouth

Servings: 1

Cost: 3,50

Equipment

• 1 Collins glass

Ingredients

• 1 oz Mezcal
• 0.75 oz Orange curaçao liqueur - (Cointreau works fine)
• 0.75 oz Vermouth Rosso
• 2 dashes of Lavender bitters
• 1.5 oz Ginger ale
• 1.5 oz Cola
• Assorted Fresh Fruits & other garnish - (such as strawberry slices, orange and lemon slices or wedges, and mint leaves)

Instructions

• Grab your chilled glass and pour all ingredients in. Give it a quick stir.
• Fill the glass with ice cubes until it's halfway full.
• Add a citrus slice, 1 or two strawberry pieces, and a few leaves of slapped mint.
• Fill the glass up with more ice and add the rest of the garnish.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!