Stirred Mezcal with Spiced Cacao
A deeply smoky, earthy cocktail where mezcal's campfire notes mingle with roasted cacao for a satisfyingly complex sipping experience. This cocktails-inspired cocktails & beverages ready in about 8 minutes brings together mezcal, cacao nibs, 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 220 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
- 1.5 oz mezcal
- 0.5 tsp cacao nibs
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- 1 large ice cube
Instructions
- Step 1: Place 0.5 tsp cacao nibs in a mixing glass. Add 1.5 oz mezcal and 0.5 oz simple syrup.
- Step 2: Stir gently with a bar spoon for 25 seconds to infuse the cacao without creating foam.
- Step 3: Chill the glass by filling it with ice cubes for 1 minute, then discard the ice.
- Step 4: Strain the mezcal mixture into the chilled glass over a single large ice cube.
- Step 5: Garnish with a tiny dusting of cacao nibs on the surface and a single toasted cacao bean resting on the rim.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stirred Mezcal with Spiced Cacao 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 Stirred Mezcal with Spiced Cacao?
Refrigerate any leftover stirred mezcal with spiced cacao 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 Stirred Mezcal with Spiced Cacao?
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 Stirred Mezcal with Spiced Cacao 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 Stirred Mezcal with Spiced Cacao?
Cocktails cocktails & beverages 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.
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