Tequila and Mezcal Cocktails With Brown Butter Cookies.
Hey there! Ready to take your cocktail skills up a notch? Discover how fun and flavorful tequila and mezcal can be. This guide will walk you through making some unique cocktails, and we’ll even show some amazing brown butter cookies. Can’t go wrong with this perfect combo. Cheers to elevating your cocktail experience!
Gather Your Ingredients
Tasting with friends makes for a fun evening but before diving into cocktail crafting, it’s essential to assemble all necessary ingredients. For our tequila and mezcal cocktails, you will need:
- High-quality blanco tequila
- Mezcal
- Agave nectar
- Lime juice
- Himalayan salt
- Orange juice
- Fresh jalapenos
- Watermelon
- Bitters
- Ice
- Ginger beer
- Grapefruit soda
Having everything prepped will make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Ensure your ingredients are fresh, especially the fruits, as they greatly impact the cocktail’s flavor.
Prepare the Smoky Margarita
The smoky margarita is a refreshing twist on the classic. To make it, combine equal parts of high-quality blanco tequila, mezcal, agave nectar, and freshly squeezed lime juice. The Himalayan salt adds a delightful touch that enhances the overall flavor.
While preparing, we encountered a little hiccup with the shaker top. It was quite hard to open, which led to a bit of frustration. The last thing you want when mixing is to struggle with your tools!
Once the ingredients are combined. However, here’s a tip: using cold alcohol isn’t ideal. It’s better to have ice melt a little during shaking to achieve the perfect chill without compromising the cocktail’s integrity.
Make the Jalapeno Watermelon Margarita
Next up is the jalapeno watermelon margarita. Start by muddling fresh jalapenos in a shaker. Then, add some lime juice and watermelon juice. The sweetness of the watermelon balances the heat from the jalapenos beautifully.
Don’t forget to adjust the sweetness to your taste. Some prefer it sweeter, while others enjoy a more potent alcohol flavor. After mixing, top the drink with soda water for a refreshing fizz.
While we were making this drink, the soda water ended up overflowing when we mixed it, creating a bit of a mess. It was a classic case of “live and learn”.
Craft the Tequila Sunrise with a Twist
The tequila sunrise is a classic cocktail that never fails to impress. To give it a twist, start with two ounces of fresh orange juice. Carefully add a splash of tequila, allowing it to float for that iconic sunrise effect.
It’s essential to use high-quality tequila, as it makes a noticeable difference in flavor. This cocktail is not just visually appealing but also refreshing and delicious. It quickly became a favorite among us!
Create a Tequila Old Fashioned
Now, let’s switch gears and create a tequila old fashioned. This drink requires a different approach. Start with a base of aged tequila, then add a few dashes of bitters and muddle some oranges into the mix.
The Old-Fashioned is a drink that takes time to appreciate, which we haven’t quite mastered yet. However, using aged tequila makes it more enjoyable for us.
Mix the Mezcal Mule
The Mezcal Mule is a delightful twist on the classic Moscow Mule, adding a smoky flavor from the mezcal. It’s simple: gather your ingredients: mezcal, ginger beer, and fresh lime juice. This cocktail is served best in a copper mug, which not only keeps it cold but also enhances the drinking experience.
As you prepare to mix the ingredients, take note that unlike traditional mules, you won’t want to shake this one. Instead, gently swirl the mezcal, lime juice, and ginger beer together in the mug. The smokiness of the mezcal, combined with the spice of the ginger beer, creates a refreshing drink perfect for gatherings.
Prepare the Smoky Paloma
Next, let’s dive into the Smoky Paloma. This cocktail is a fantastic combination of mezcal, grapefruit soda, and fresh lime juice. Start by pouring two ounces of mezcal into a glass. Then, add two ounces of grapefruit soda and half an ounce of lime juice for that zesty kick.
During our mixing session, we talked about how the smokiness of the mezcal beautifully balances with the slight bitterness of the grapefruit. This combination creates a unique and refreshing flavor profile. It was a surprise that this cocktail didn’t require any salt on the rim, unlike traditional Palomas, which might surprise many.
As we tasted this cocktail, we shared our personal preferences. Some of us found this drink mild and easy to sip, while others felt it wasn’t their favorite. The contrasting opinions made for a lively discussion about the nuances of mezcal and tequila cocktails.
Cocktails Taste Amazing with Brown Butter Cookies
Now that we have crafted a variety of cocktails, let’s talk about pairing them with our delicious brown butter cookies. The rich, nutty flavor of the cookies complements the smoky notes of mezcal beautifully.
Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe:
10 tbsp Salted Butter, Browned and Cooled to room temp
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup brown sugar
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup flour
1 1/2 cup oats
1 cup milk choc chips
Preheat oven to 350. Mix flour and oats. Whisk brown butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla, salt, and baking soda until smooth. Combine flour and oats with the butter mixture until moistened, then add chocolate chips. Flatten tablespoons of dough onto parchment paper on a tray and bake for 10 minutes.
For the Mezcal Mule, the spiciness of the ginger beer works well with the buttery sweetness of the cookies. It’s a pairing that enhances the overall flavor experience. On the other hand, the Smoky Paloma, with its grapefruit notes, pairs nicely with cookies that have a hint of citrus.
Tips for Perfect Cocktails
To ensure your cocktails turn out perfectly every time, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- Use Quality Ingredients: Always opt for high-quality tequila and mezcal. The quality of the spirit significantly influences the final flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Room temperature tequila is ideal. Cold alcohol can hinder proper mixing and ice melting.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh lime juice and fruits for the best flavor. Avoid bottled juices when possible.
- Experiment with Ratios: Don’t be afraid to adjust the sweetness or acidity to fit your taste. Each palate is unique!
These tips helped us avoid a few mishaps, especially with the shaker top being difficult to open and the occasional soda overflow. A little preparation goes a long way! 
Where to Find Your Cocktail Supplies
Finding the right supplies for your cocktail-making adventures can be a fun journey. Here are some suggestions on where to source your ingredients and tools:
- Local Liquor Stores: Most liquor stores carry a variety of tequilas and mezcals. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations.
- Farmers Markets: These are great places to find fresh fruits and herbs that can elevate your cocktails.
- Online Retailers: Websites specializing in spirits often have a wider selection of high-quality products, including unique mezcals.
- Kitchen Supply Stores: Invest in good cocktail tools, such as shakers, jiggers, and strainers, to enhance your mixing experience.
By sourcing quality ingredients and tools, you’ll set yourself up for cocktail success. Remember, the journey of cocktail crafting is just as enjoyable as the final product!
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