Whiskey connoisseurs know the beauty of this spirit is its versatility. Yes, purists will say whiskey should only be enjoyed straight over ice but here at RackHouse we embrace whiskey in all of its iterations, as long as it tastes good! Some of the best known and iconic cocktails in the world have a whiskey base - the Manhattan, the John Collins and the Old-Fashioned to name a few. These classics have a timeless quality which has transcended generations.
We love a good Manhattan as much as the next whiskey fan, but it’s good to mix it up a bit and take inspiration from elsewhere. Why not mix whiskey with an unexpected partner and spirit of the moment: Mezcal. Every discerning whiskey drinker is dabbling with mezcal right now. Mezcal expert and author of Understanding Mezcal, Jay Schroeder admits, “Mezcal is somewhat of a niche spirit, but its popularity is growing rapidly.” Distilled from Agave, mezcal was traditionally a home brew, small batch Mexican spirit until about ten years ago when it started gaining traction in the US. Like whiskey, mezcal can vary in depth, smokiness and flavor depending on the type of Agave used, where it is distilled and the technique used.
Want to become a trend-setting whiskey connoisseur renowned for the tastiest cocktails around? Bring the flavor of Mexico to your home bar by infusing your cocktails with this smokey delight. The best way to show off your liquor knowledge this season is to try one of these whiskey and mezcal recipes.
The El Camino, from Imbibe Magazine
With aromatic notes and balancing bitters, this mix should be sipped slowly and enjoyed by a bonfire on a balmy summer evening.
Ingredients:
- 1 oz. mezcal
- 1 oz. rye whiskey
- ½ oz. Bénédictine
- 4 dashes Peychaud’s bitters
Directions:
Combine all ingredients and stir with ice. Strain over one large ice cube into an old-fashioned glass and garnish with an orange twist.
Smoky Piña, from Whisky Advocate
Are Piña Coladas your guilty pleasure? We won’t tell anyone. If you love pineapple and Tennessee whiskey then this is the cocktail for you. The sharpness of the citrus combined with the smoky mezcal offers a modern twist on your secret favorite.
Ingredients:
- ½ oz. Tennessee whiskey
- ½ oz. mezcal
- 1 oz. fresh pineapple juice
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
- ¾ oz. simple syrup
Directions:
Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into an ice-filled Highball glass and garnish with a pineapple leaf.
Smoked Lavender Flower, from Whisky Advocate
Fragrant lavender may not be your usual choice with whiskey, but blended with the tart lemon and a quality wheat whiskey, you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Ingredients:
- 1½ oz. wheat whiskey
- ½ oz. mezcal
- ¾ oz. warmed lavender honey
- ½ oz. fresh lemon juice
Directions:
Microwave the honey for 10 to 15 seconds to liquify it. Shake all ingredients with ice until well chilled. Strain into a double rocks glass and garnish with a lavender flower or lemon peel.
