Salsa Verde Mezcal Sour

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

A smoky mezcal sour with a fresh herbal twist reminiscent of vibrant salsa verde, balanced with citrus and a hint of sweetness. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 10 minutes brings together Mezcal, Fresh lime juice, Cilantro simple syrup for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 210 calories and feeds 1, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. 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: 10 min Serves 1 Cocktails cuisine 210 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: To make cilantro simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water with a handful of cilantro leaves, simmer briefly, then cool and strain.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz cilantro simple syrup, and 1 egg white to a cocktail shaker without ice.
  3. Step 3: Perform a dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
  4. Step 4: Add ice cubes to fill the shaker, then shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosted.
  5. Step 5: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass using a fine mesh strainer to ensure smoothness.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with a fresh cilantro sprig laid across the rim for aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Salsa Verde Mezcal Sour take to make?

Total time is about 10 minutes (10 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Salsa Verde Mezcal Sour?

Refrigerate any leftover salsa verde mezcal sour in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.

Can I substitute ingredients in Salsa Verde 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 Salsa Verde 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 Salsa Verde Mezcal Sour?

Cocktails cocktails & drinks 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.