Smoked Cherry Mezcal Sour

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A smoky mezcal cocktail balanced by tart cherry and smooth egg white foam for a complex, layered taste. This cocktails & beverages-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 7 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh lemon juice, maraschino cherry 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 190 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: 7 min Serves 1 Cocktails & Beverages cuisine 190 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lemon juice, 0.75 oz maraschino cherry syrup, and 1 egg white into a cocktail shaker without ice.
  2. Step 2: Dry shake vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
  3. Step 3: Add ice cubes filling the shaker to the brim and shake again vigorously for 15 seconds until frosty.
  4. Step 4: Double strain into a chilled coupe glass to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
  5. Step 5: Garnish with 2 maraschino cherries skewered on a pick, and sprinkle a very light pinch of smoked sea salt on top of the foam for aroma and contrast.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Cherry Mezcal Sour take to make?

Total time is about 7 minutes (7 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 Smoked Cherry Mezcal Sour?

Refrigerate any leftover smoked cherry 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 Smoked Cherry 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 Smoked Cherry 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 Smoked Cherry Mezcal Sour?

Cocktails & Beverages 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.