This Mezcal Sour Cocktail is a vibrant fusion of smoky mezcal, tangy pineapple juice, zesty lime juice, and frothy egg whites. Put all of that together and you get a refreshing and sophisticated drink that will delight many a mezcal cocktail enthusiasts!
Mezcal is one of our favorite spirits in my house, so we make mezcal cocktails on the regular. Be sure to check out my Mezcal Manhattan and Mezcal Tonic, if you feel similarly.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Refreshing smoky flavor: This mezcal sour is a perfect cocktail that balances the smoky depth of mezcal with the fresh kick of pineapple and lime juices. It’s like a refreshing breeze with a hint of adventure. Everyone you serve it to will be asking, “What’s in this?”
Smooth and foamy: The egg white gives a frothy, creamy texture and mouthfeel. If egg whites in cocktails aren’t your jam, there are alternatives, which are detailed below. Sour cocktails make for a great at-home happy hour drink.
Customization: You can customize the taste so easily – want more sweetness? Add more simple syrup. More tart? Up the lime juice! Choosing different types of mezcals will also change the flavor.
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is an agave-based liquor and has a strong characteristic smoky taste. The smokiness comes from roasting the agave before distilling it. Tequila is also made from the agave plant. Tequila is a kind of mezcal but usually skips the roasting step. All tequilas are technically mezcals but not all mezcals are tequila.
Ingredient Notes
Mezcal: Go for a bottle you love; I went with Ilegal Joven.
Pineapple juice: This adds the classic foamy top along with the egg white and complements the smoky flavor very well. If you prefer you can replace it with orange juice (cara cara oranges would be particularly delicious). I used orange juice with mezcal in my Mezcalita, and it has a great flavor profile.
Fresh lime juice: Nothing beats the freshness of squeezing your own limes. If I’m just making one cocktail, I use a hand squeezer for my fresh citrus juice. If I’m making a batch, I’ll use my large electric citrus juicer. You can also use fresh lemon juice, but I went with lime as it adds to the tropical pineapple vibe.
Simple syrup: You can buy store bought simple syrup, but homemade is so easy and sooooo much cheaper. Simply, combine equal parts water and sugar, heat on the stove or microwave until the sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool completely and store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 weeks.
You can also use agave syrup, which would complement the cocktail well given mezcal comes from the agave plant. Maple syrup can work too in a pinch.
Egg white: This may seem like the most unusual cocktail ingredient, but egg whites are the secret to the cocktail’s silky texture and frothy top. If you don’t like the idea of egg whites in cocktails, I have measurements for using aquafaba or a cocktail foamer in the recipe card notes.
Lime twist: Citrus twist garnishes aren’t just pretty – there is a lot of aroma in citrus peels. Since we taste based on what we smell, this can make a real difference. Some people like to garnish with a few drops of Angostura bitters on top of the fluffy froth after pouring it into your cocktail glass. You can drag a cocktail skewer through the drops to make little heart shapes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add the mezcal and the juices to an empty cocktail shaker.
Step 2: Then, add the simple syrup and egg white. Then, shake the cocktail vigorously. This first shake does not include ice cubes.
Step 3: Add ice, then shake again until well chilled.
Step 4: Strain into a cocktail glass (I used a mezcal cocktail glass). You can do a single strain or double strain through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure smoothness. Garnish with a lime twist, if desired.
Expert Tips and Variations
If you don’t have a cocktail shaker, you can use a simple glass jar with a lid, like a mason jar.
To get that perfect frothy texture from the egg white, start with a dry shake (shaking the ingredients without ice). Then, shake again with ice. This technique whips up the egg white, giving your cocktail a silky, smooth finish.
If you want a sweeter cocktail, increase the amount of simple syrup and/or pineapple juice.
If you want a more tart or sour cocktail, increase the amount of lime juice.
For a stronger drink, add a touch of orange liqueur, like triple sec.
FAQ
What mezcal should I use?
Go for a mezcal that fits your taste preference. Since it is the main base spirit, you should definitely look for a quality mezcal. Del Maguey has great flavor for a good price point. Other brands you can try are Montelobos or Ilegal Mezcal as well. I used Ilegal Joven in my cocktail, but I frequently buy Del Maguey as well.
Why is mezcal so expensive?
Mezcal producers often employ artisanal processes to create mezcal, which can elevate the cost. Each agave plant, which mezcal is distilled from, can take up to 30 years to mature. Plus, many mezcals are still made using traditional methods, which are labor-intensive and yield less product than mass-produced spirits.
Should I refrigerate mezcal?
No need to refrigerate mezcal. Keep it in a cool, dark place like a cabinet. Extreme temperatures can alter its flavor, but room temperature is totally fine.
Is it safe to use raw egg whites in a sour cocktail?
Generally, yes – but to minimize any risk, you can use pasteurized egg whites, either from a carton or pasteurized whole eggs. This will still give you the silky, white foam top.
What can I substitute for an egg white?
If the use of egg white doesn’t sit well with you or want a vegan version, you can always substitute 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) or use a few dashes of a commercial cocktail foamer, which gives a similar feel.
More Sour Cocktails
Did you love this cocktail?
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📖 Recipe
Mezcal Sour Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
- 1 ounce lime juice
- ½ ounce simple syrup
- 1 ounce egg white
- lime twist for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add the mezcal, juices, simple syrup, and egg white to an empty cocktail shaker.
- Shake the cocktail shaker well, then add ice, and give it a second shake until it is well chilled.
- Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a lime twist, if desired.
Notes
- Use pasteurized egg whites, either from a carton or pasteurized whole eggs.
- For vegan/egg-free option: omit egg white or substitute 2-3 tablespoons of aquafaba (liquid from canned chickpeas) or use a few dashes of a commercial cocktail foamer, if desired.
- If you want a sweeter cocktail, increase the amount of simple syrup and/or pineapple juice.
- If you want a more tart or sour cocktail, increase the amount of lime juice.
Nutrition
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Cory
Smoky, tasty, delicious!