London's best mezcal cocktails

Move over tequila, it's all about mezcal on the London cocktail scene. Emily Jupp shows you where to drink it
Earthy but sweet: the QuiQuiRiQui Matatlan at El Nivel
Emily Jupp11 November 2014

The UK’s first tequila and mezcal festival launches at Grange Tower Bridge Hotel on November 22-23, signalling the popularity of mezcal, the Mexican drink made from agave plants. Sitting on the flavour spectrum between whisky and grappa, this smooth, peaty drink is variable and complex, and it works well in cocktails. So here’s where to get slammed.

Mezcal Fix at El Nivel

A well-balanced drink with roasted pineapple syrup, QuiQuiRiQui Matatlan (a very smoky mezcal), lime juice and cynar, with a maraschino cherry at the bottom and sea-salt spray spritzed on top. It’s earthy, with a rich sweetness.

Find it: 28 Maiden Lane, WC2, elnivel.co.uk

Mezcalito at Mestizo

For authentic Mexican flavours head to the oldest mezcal bar in town, where there are 36 different mezcals plus more than 250 tequilas. They’re best neat but newcomers to mezcal can ease themselves in with a Mezcalito; like a Caipirinha but made with Illegal Joven (“un-aged”) mezcal.

Find it: 103 Hampstead Rd, NW1, mestizomx.com

Mezcalita at 184 Hackney Road

The easiest introduction to mezcal is with a margarita, because the spirit works with citrus, salt and chilli — this bar under a Hackney kebab shop does a great one with agave nectar and lime.

Find it: 184 Hackney Rd, E2, 184hackneyroad.co.uk

Citrus Mezcal Slushie at Le Bun Social

The QuiQuiRiQui San Juan del Rio mezcal lends a citrussy brightness to this fresh-tasting frozen cocktail, made with elderflower, apple and lemon, served at Le Bun’s Taco Tuesdays in its new residency in Dalston.

Find it: The Three Compasses, 99 Dalston Lane, E8, 3compasses.blogspot.co.uk

Ancho Mezcalito at La Bodega Negra

Ancho is a dried mild chilli that gives this drink its kick. El Jimador blanco tequila and Del Maguey vido mezcal are mixed to balance the flavours, with lime, mint and a sweet and spicy ancho syrup.

Find it: 16 Moor Street, W1, labodeganegra.com

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