Mezcal is warm and goes down slowly – the antithesis of what multitude traditionally conceive of the spirit with which it ’s most often associate : tequila . The John Barleycorn , typically derived from the agave works ( tequila itself is technically a form ofmezcal ) , was once considered the Mexican combining weight of moonshine , but in the last few years has seen a boom in popularity globally . ( In fact , this surge in popularity may also be cause for its eventual scarcity , asThe New Yorkernoted recently . ) In NYC , that earmark smokiness and Scotch - same sippable caliber has helped the spirits move from corner bars likeLa Bibliotecato a near - ubiquity status . It ’s no longer hard to find mezcal on a cocktail menu in New York , but these are the nine spots in the city that continuously research the absolute good ways to utilise it .
The Black Ant
Yes , you may actually eat insects at The Black Ant , whose name reflects the menu ’s inclusion of off - kilter , crunchy items . But do n’t rent that disquiet you from how good the drinks are ; the Yum Kaax in particular is a standout among the smoky cocktail . The low - tonality flavors of homemade corn succus , lime , agave , and dirt ball salt make the drink an excellent entry point for mezcal neophyte , while veteran drinkers will appreciate how the simplicity of the factor brings out the spirit ’s flavor .
Ducks Eatery
An imaginative carte of crispy slovenly person ear and spicy brisket jerked meat take the spotlight at this beer - forward-moving BBQ spot , but grab a seat at the small bar so you may get all the details on the extremely underrated cocktail program . The star here is the business firm Paloma . The unsubdivided tequila , grapefruit , and soda classic is reinvented with a base housemade grapefruit - habanero shrub . The spicy sirup , which takes two to three days to make , cuts the lovingness of the Ilegal Mezcal , while the smokiness brings out the citrus flavour .
Maya
The cocktails at this UES Mexican spot go far beyond the bottomless brunch special that typically grab care . The refreshing cucumber vine serrano martini starts with El Silencio mezcal , an Espadin varietal that has bright fruit flavors on top of the typical smoke . Combined with the cucumber , svelte spice of the serrano , and citrus , the deglutition finds a balance between acidulousness and sweetness , which flux well with Tajín spice .
El Born
El Born brings Catalonian flavor to a neighbourhood better known for its pierogis . minor plates pair well with big cocktails , and the drinks at El Born are both powerful and interesting in their tone , and The Wawa is exactly that . A layering of bold flavors , the drink combines mezcal , orange liqueur , calcined lime , agave , and homemade habanero shade ; that habanero tincture give the crapulence a hot bite , while the orange liqueur and agave provide a unfermented , floral base .
Fonda
A large mezcal selection at Fonda ’s three locations defecate it an ideal smear for purist to dig deeply into mezcal or novitiate to first introduce themselves with the spirit ’s natural relish . Should you go the cocktail route , touch for the Azulada . It ’s a refreshful , summery selection , made with Montelobos mezcal , clean lime & homemade blueberry jam . The drink walk that rarified fine - transmission line of being sweet without cloying or syrupy , while the use of jam shows off mescal ’s versatility in mixing well with unexpected and equally strong flavors .
Forrest Point
The Falcon Lake Incident , the signature mezcal cocktail at this Bushwick mainstay , riffs on the Jungle Bird , a classic of rum , ananas , and Campari . Here , pineapple and cappelletti maintain the frothy texture and acerb component of the original cocktail , and pink peppercorn , smoke from the mezcal , and flowered overtones from the chamomile syrup act anchor the drink .
Cosme
Cosme is the most storied Mexican restaurant in NYC , and the level of the cocktail program matches the nutrient . The Striptease , a compounding of Vida mezcal , Dolin blanc vermouth , guanábana , lime , and absinthe salt , relieve oneself for an alien potable worthy of its soubriquet . “ Beyond the notes of gage , [ our ] mezcal cocktails centre on the lowly and tertiary annotation that mezcal pass , ” explain Yana Volfson , film director of beverages . spirit of ferment fruit are revealed lento thanks to the guanábana nectar . Come for the Striptease , and then go another bout with the more floral El Ninja .
The Wayland
On a weekday night , the Wayland ’s enceinte windows , wooden interior , and typical live music give the impression that you ’ve somehow , just briefly , get away city rabidity , and its Smoked and Roasted cocktail twain well with said escapism . With mezcal , fresh Ananas comosus , chipotle - infuse agave ambrosia , lemon , and chili salt , the drink hold out down unruffled and finishes with just a confidential information of a kick from the Piper nigrum notes . The Wayland ’s bartenders have sex how to make a well - poise cocktail : pineapple dances with the mezcal ’s smokiness without overpowering it .
Ofrenda
All of the mezcal cocktails at this West Village Mexican eatery demand respect , and the margaritas almost beg that you fill in mezcal for tequila . But The Devil in Oaxaca cocktail is the veridical standout , using flavors that play up the smoky spirit . The carrot juice , cilantro , agave , and orange bitters make for a avant-garde combo that surprisingly put to work ( the carrot juice ’s subtle inclusion will make you reconsider its power as a cocktail ingredient).Sign up herefor our daily NYC email and be the first to get all the food / drink / fun New York has to offer .
The Wayland|Drew Swantak/Thrillist
Courtesy of The Black Ant
Courtesy of El Born
Sean Campbell
Lucy Hawthorne
