Minted Lime Mezcal Sour

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky and tangy sour cocktail balanced by fresh mint and lime, creating a complex yet refreshing experience. This cocktails-inspired mexican ready in about 7 minutes pairs mezcal, fresh lime juice, agave syrup for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 1, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Gently muddle 4 fresh mint leaves in a cocktail shaker to release their oils.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz agave syrup, and 1 egg white to the shaker without ice.
  3. Step 3: Dry shake vigorously for 20 seconds to emulsify the egg white and create foam.
  4. Step 4: Fill the shaker halfway with ice cubes and shake again for 15 seconds until well chilled.
  5. Step 5: Fine strain into a chilled rocks glass without ice to showcase the foam.
  6. Step 6: Garnish by placing a lime wheel on the rim and lightly slap a small mint sprig to release aroma, resting it atop the foam.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Minted Lime Mezcal Sour take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Minted Lime Mezcal Sour?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep mezcal from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Minted Lime Mezcal Sour?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Minted Lime Mezcal Sour for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Minted Lime Mezcal Sour?

Cocktails mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.