Smoky Mezcal Cherry Sour
A complex mezcal cocktail with tart cherry, smooth agave, and a smoky finish, balanced by fresh citrus. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & drinks ready in about 8 minutes brings together mezcal, fresh lime juice, cherry liqueur 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.
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 3/4 oz cherry liqueur
- 1/2 oz agave nectar
- 1 large egg white
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
- as needed large ice cubes
Instructions
- Step 1: Dry shake (without ice) 2 oz mezcal, 1 oz fresh lime juice, 3/4 oz cherry liqueur, 1/2 oz agave nectar, and 1 large egg white vigorously for 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
- Step 2: Add large ice cubes to the shaker and shake again for 15 seconds until the shaker is frosty.
- Step 3: Double strain the cocktail through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled coupe glass.
- Step 4: Garnish by placing a single maraschino cherry gently on the surface.
- Step 5: Optionally, express a thin lime peel over the drink and discard.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Smoky Mezcal Cherry Sour take to make?
Total time is about 8 minutes (8 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 Smoky Mezcal Cherry Sour?
Refrigerate any leftover smoky mezcal cherry 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 Smoky Mezcal Cherry 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 Smoky Mezcal Cherry 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 Smoky Mezcal Cherry 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.