You don't have to travel to Iceland to get it, but it makes for a good excuse to drink under the Northern Lights: The best place to stock up on a stash is the duty-free shops at Keflavik International Airport. With this request, the bartender would give you a glass of whiskey served over ice with a draw of beer. Mezcal plays a big role in the culture of Oaxaca. When someone orders a "scotch on the rocks," they are asking for a straight pour of the house scotch served over ice. Made of materials like stainless steel or soapstone, they are tiny cubes that get ice cold in the freezer and can be added to any drink for an instant chill. However, in the bar, the primary purpose of ice is to chill drinks. Make sure to throw out ice that has been in the freezer for too long. simple syrup 1/4 oz. Rosaluna is made purely with our own agave, water, and obviously, lots of love. We are hosting a Tequila and Mezcal tasting on April 24, 2019 at Halo at the Point. One week is a good general rule. There is no need to doctor them up, and if you do want to enjoy one slightly cold, chill your glass. out of a snifter (a low-ball glass also works) served at room temperature, or on the rocks. In reality, the majority of premium Scotch whiskys are perfect exactly how they are bottled. Colleen Graham is a cocktail expert, professional bartender, and cookbook author with over 10 years of experience in the food-writing world. Most of the time, it is a matter of quality (and price). Single malt scotch tends to follow suit. The beautiful thing about Mezcal is its simplicity in ingredients. Different Mezcals’ undertones can be played up to enhance their fruity, spicy, or nutty taste. Instead, it’s from beets. It begins by mixing the fermented agave juice with the fiber. How 29 defensive assistants have done as NFL head coaches, All the things that made Nickelodeon's Bears-Saints broadcast so great, Dwayne Haskins continues abysmal history of Ohio St. QBs in NFL, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. While it requires more attention to detail and takes longer, this extra love and care are what give Mezcal its special smokiness and multi-dimensional taste. Will ice dilute the whiskey and ruin the experience? These whiskeys tend to be more expensive and rarer than their blended counterparts. True artisanal Mezcals use this traditional method rather than more modern techniques. Add ice. Neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it’s up to you. Garnish with celery, shrimp and olive. Garnish with celery, shrimp and olive. In the bar, the term "rocks" refers to ice. Rosaluna was born out of a passion for Mezcal and is rooted in the simple thought that Mezcal is, and should be, for everyone. Mezcal can give you the euphoric and energized feeling the same way that stimulants do. For the right whiskey, it can also open up the spirit's flavors and aromas. First of all, with any drink, there is no right or wrong answer. The versatility of Mezcal is part of what makes it so lovable. It is a statement that any whiskey or cocktail lover needs to wrap their brain around because it's true. The association between ice and rocks extends to the type of glass as well. It usually comes back to location; the Mezcal taste will vary depending on where the agave was grown and the production process used. On the other hand, a softer bourbon like Maker's Mark doesn't necessarily require any additions because it has a lower alcohol content and less bite. , but as far as alcohols go, Mezcal is one of the best. Choosing which whiskeys to serve over ice is going to be a matter of personal preference. https://thelistwire.usatoday.com/2020/09/24/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-mezcal/, First things first, Mezcal isn’t simply made. It’s a nice gesture and very tasty, but in the end, think of it as just another mixer. When it comes to bourbon and rye whiskeys, it really depends on the flavor intensity and strength of the whiskey. Mezcal is a distilled spirit made from any type of agave plant. For instance, many drinkers find that watering down a high-proof bourbon like Knob Creek makes it more enjoyable to sip. This process separates the water from the alcohol and truly captures the alcohol into the final spirit. Mezcal, on the other hand, can be made from a variety of agave. Neat, on the rocks, or in a cocktail, it’s up to you. It is also common for mezcal to be served in vaso veladora, small glasses commonly used by the Catholic church to hold candles. Milling is the next step where the juices and fiber are either mashed or milled out of the cooled agave plant. Get our free book when you sign up for our newsletter. What Is Johnnie Walker Blended Scotch Whisky? Dilution is the major disadvantage of adding ice to whiskey. Being able to take trips without giving up the comfort of your home is a privilege that most travelers miss out on. Then, in the second distillation, the head and heart of the first distillation are taken and distilled another time. scotch is made in Scotland, tequila and agave have, It may be a bit of a stretch to call any kind of alcohol. By allowing our agaves to mature to almost 8-years, they begin fermenting before harvest – ensuring a refreshing citrus top note with a more subtle hint of smoke; this truly makes us the Mezcal for everyone. By law, tequila can only be produced from Blue Agave. It’s also fun to mix Mezcal with fruit flavors like mango, guava, and even pineapple. "On the rocks" can also be used when describing the preferred way to serve a mixed drink such as a screwdriver or sea breeze. Creating great tasting cocktails at home is easy once you have some recipes. But it doesn’t always need to taste like smoke. As the ice melts, the heat of the alcohol becomes diluted, which some people prefer to the occasionally fiery punch of sipping it straight. Please check your email for a confirmation. It is small, dilutes very quickly, and may not be made with the cleanest water. Traditionally, a glass of Mezcal is also served with a pinch of salt and an orange slice. It seems simple, right? The final step is a double distillation. This is what helps Mezcal drinkers feel light and uppity rather than heavy and “drunk.”. However, this measure of convenience is elevated even more when purchasing a luxury RV. Here you’ll get stronger aromas and characteristics." Jalisco, a state northwest of Oaxaca, is where tequila comes from. When ordering at the bar, "on the rocks" can also be associated with a "back." That being said, Mezcal is no stranger to the cocktail world. Mezcal is 100% agave and free of additives and sweeteners, which in general is a good thing when compared to other, highly processed drinks. The versatility of Mezcal is part of what makes it so lovable. Tequila is made by steaming the heart (or piña) of the agave plant in above-ground ovens and then distilling the liquid in copper pots. A splash of lime or honey never hurt anyone either. It all starts with farming. A few pieces of ice can replace a splash of water in your whiskey while cooling the drink at the same time. The association between ice and rocks extends to the type of … Joven is Mezcal that’s bottled right after it’s distilled or aged for less than two months. The best ice for whiskey on the rocks is: Your freezer makes a difference because it can contaminate your ice with extra and unwanted flavors. Originating in the mystical hills of Oaxaca, Mexico, Rosaluna is handmade by a sister and brother duo whose family has been lovingly creating the spirit for over six generations. Mezcal usually tastes a little charred because of the way it’s produced, but it can have other profiles like floral, fruity, or earthy. Mezcal is instead matched with oranges and, if you are in a good mezcal bar, sal de gusano, or “worm salt.” A worm that inhabits agave plants is … Mezcal can be made from over 30 different types of agave, but the vast majority is made from a variety known as Agave espadin. Questions, answers, and cocktail recipes. Hopefully the answer isn’t “drunk.”. What’s the Difference Between Mezcal and Tequila? Both liquors are harvested from the agave plant’s core, but it’s in the production process where the two start to differ. Garnish with an orange peel. Many drinkers and bartenders will also call this a rocks glass and the larger version a double rocks glass. 2 oz Casamigos Mezcal 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice.75 oz Agave Nectar 2 Dashes Orange Bitters. This is likely because Mezcal is pure, 100% agave, and free of any additives or sweeteners (like the different flavors infused into other alcohols, like vodka). It is a nice option for those times when you want to limit your alcohol consumption and enjoy a longer-lasting drink that happens to include a straight sipper of whiskey. You are, however, going to be less likely to request a coveted (pricey) glass of the brand's Blue Label served the same way. If you’re aiming to taste the spirit, neat is the way to go, says Suro, the restaurateur and tequila executive . It’s more than just something to drink; it’s almost a family member and a part of heritage. Combine all ingredients into tin shaker. While this is intended to be a marketing tool to get people talking about worms in their bottle, it’s actually a real part of the Mezcal culture and tradition. During Mezcal’s fermentation processing, pinewood barrels are used wherein water is added to the juice and agave fiber to begin the process. You do have to remember to rinse them off after each use and refreeze them. If you are freezing your ice next to fish fillets, the ice is probably going to pick up fishy nuances. A "back" is nothing more than a tall drink that accompanies that whiskey on the rocks (or a straight shot of liquor). Hold a lighted match over the drink in one hand and the orange peel in the other. 2) They’re made from different types of agave. lime 1/2 oz. The Classic Whiskey Manhattan Recipe With Variations, Bartender's Guide to the Most Popular Bar Drinks, The 10 Best Cheap Whiskeys to Drink in 2021. Here are the three differences. Is It Neat, Up, Straight Up, or Straight? This is when alcohol starts being created. The "back" can be any tall drink—beer or a nonalcoholic option like water or soda are most common—that is served in a tall glass. So, all tequilas are Mezcals, but not all Mezcals are tequilas. If you enjoy it, then drink it. There can only be one! Most often, however, it's used to describe short drinks like the rusty nail or Manhattan, which can be served either up or on the rocks. Bartending 101: A Crash Course in Making Great Cocktails. It’s commonly served in a Margarita or Old-Fashioned Cocktail. Technically, any spirit made from agave is classified as a type of. Blanco or Silver tequila is usually bottled right after it’s distilled or aged for less than two months in stainless steel or oak barrels. However, Oaxaca (a southern state of Mexico) is where most of Mezcal is made, thus granting it the unofficial title of “The World Capital of Mezcal.”. Añejo is tequila or Mezcal that’s been aged for about one to three years in oak barrels. You'll be surprised at how much depth a spirit swap to Mezcal can add to a cocktail classically made with Tequila, like a Paloma or Margarita! Know how to take it. Technically, any spirit made from agave is classified as a type of Mezcal, making tequila a type of Mezcal. It may be a bit of a stretch to call any kind of alcohol healthy, but as far as alcohols go, Mezcal is one of the best. Here are the three differences. And Extra Añejo is tequila or Mezcal that’s been aged for at least three years in oak barrels. In Mexico, it’s customary to be served a little botana, or snack, when you order mezcal: slices of oranges, jicama and carrot, often dusted with sal de gusano (a mix of rock salt, ground chiles and roasted ground worms). Then, it’s on to fermenting. Is there a better option that will chill the whiskey without the dilution. Preparation: Add Kimo Sabe Joven Mezcal, lime juice and homemade bloody mix and serve on the rocks in a pint glass with a salt and pepper rim. The same can be said for the flavorful rye whiskey options available today. If you’ve dined at a Mexican restaurant lately in the U.S., you may have noticed mezcal on the drink menu right near tequila. If you won't be in the area though, don't worry — there's a good chance you can pick it up at your local shop. ... Definitely not one to mix, it’s perfect neat or on the rocks. “At its most basic, mezcal is an agave distillate,” explains Ivy Mix, co-owner of Brooklyn’s Leyenda and author of Spirits of Latin America, “But it is not just smoky tequila.” Tequila is technically a mezcal, but it is only produced in Jaliso and three surrounding states using at least 51 percent blue agave.Mezcal is made … From inventive new mint mezcal cocktails, to mezcal-infused takes on classics like the Bloody Mary, these mezcal mixed drinks can expand your palate in ways you may never have expected. The plants are constantly cleaned and cared for as they grow in fresh Matatlán soil; this gives the Mezcal its hearty and earthy essence later in the process. There are almost 200 types of agave plants. Scotch whisky is a different story and you can read thousands of pages of advice on the matter. Any liquor can be served "on the rocks." Fermenting can take up to eight days. Fill glass with ice. Mezcal is excellent on the rocks. That said, its red winter wheat notes do open up with a hint of water. Mezcal can be made from more than 30 of them, which allows for versatility with blending different agaves to create different final products. is an all-natural, handmade agave spirit distilled in the rolling hills of Santiago, Matatlán—the heartland of Mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico. Mezcaleros will tell you that a neat pour at room temperature is the preferred way to enjoy quality mezcal. “Usually, mezcal has an intense smokiness flavor profile with the fruit and salt undertones of tequila. Here I’m going to share the recipe that I make most often which is a fairly mellow mezcal margarita, that uses my favorite margarita recipe and then just uses a split base of 1.5oz mezcal and .5oz tequila. For one thing, a lot more people are drinking mezcal today. If you want the chill without the dilution, you can chill your glass or use whiskey stones. Stir with a spoon until chilled and strain into a rocks glass with new ice. But usually they are wondering if I like to drink it on the rocks, neat, chilled, in cocktails, or whatever. Instructions. Then, it’s on to the roasting. Start every day with our most popular content waiting in your inbox. Baby agaves are planted and nurtured with water and sun for up to eight years. The word Mezcal comes from the Nahuatl words “metl” and “ixcalli”, which means “oven-cooked agave.” Agaves are found in many parts of Mexico, as well as south of the equator. Most often, however, it's used to describe short drinks like the rusty nail or Manhattan, which can be served either up or on the rocks. It’s complex, sweet, and has all kinds of unique undertones that leave you wanting more. The average ice that your bartender scoops out of the bin is not going to be the best choice for your whiskey on the rocks. Rosaluna is full of bright and brilliant agave. You'll now receive the top List Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. "On the rocks" can also be used when describing the preferred way to serve a mixed drink such as a screwdriver or sea breeze. Add mezcal, lime juice and Cointreau to a cocktail shaker, and shake or stir until combined. The best mezcal brands are complex, nuanced and deserve to be carefully tasted. After all, it's only natural that ice melts and the longer you take to sip your whiskey, the more diluted it will get. In a nutshell, mezcal is a distilled alcohol made from the agave plant — much like tequila. 16 Great Scotch Cocktails You Won't Want to Miss. Sign up for the List Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning, For lovers of travel and adventure, owning a RV or motorhome can be an amazing experience. Rhubarb Syrup Recipe: In a medium pot, combine 1 cup of water, and rhubarb cut … You can serve this cocktail straight up or on the rocks, whichever your prefer. When they’re ready, the heart of the agave is harvested, and the leaves are removed in order to get only the pineapple (the “piña”), which contains the most sweetness. Tequila is, of course, usually paired with a lime and salt (ed. Everything You Can Order Online To Stock Your Home Bar For The Long Haul Germain Canto, a bartender at Bar Louise in Cognac, France, believes Cognac is the best spirit for cocktails. Is mezcal good for margaritas? Some whiskey aficionados go to great lengths to keep their "whiskey ice" free from outside flavors. Serve it neat, on the rocks, or in place of tequila in your favourite cocktails. Definitely! Mezcal is known for its sharp, distinctive finish, which often lingers on the tongue. A fire with pine wood logs in the ground is covered in stones, and the agaves are carefully piled on top. This is where Mezcal coined its name from Nahuatl mexcalli, the oven-cooked agave. So, all tequilas are Mezcals, but not all Mezcals are tequilas. The next time you drink El Silencio Mezcal, try one of these cocktail recipes and explore new realms. Your margarita mix will miss you. Whether you’re a parent looking to spruce up your family vacations, or someone who needs to constantly be on the road for work, or you’re simply a fan of long road trips, investing in an RV could be a wise decision both practically and financially. Rosaluna is an all-natural, handmade agave spirit distilled in the rolling hills of Santiago, Matatlán—the heartland of Mezcal in Oaxaca, Mexico. ), stir in a half teaspoon of agave or simple syrup until the mix reaches your desired level of sweetness. This is especially true when it comes to understanding the difference between liquor and liqueur , and from there, knowing the specific types of liqueurs. This often brings up a debate among whiskey connoisseurs:Â. Tequila can only be made from one: weber blue agave. Finally, the traditional way to drink mezcal is a bit different. It’s crafted. Whiskey happens to be the one that is most often ordered this way. Sometimes, salt is mixed with ground fried larvae (a bug), chili peppers, and salt, which makes “sal de gusano” (worm salt). With the orange side facing the flaming about an inch away, squeeze the peel until oil sparks. Can you drink mezcal on the rocks? There’s some overlap for regions producing these two liquors, but the true connoisseurs know that the devil is in the details, and in this case, in the regions. But each day, more people are giving it a try and we wanted to break down the basics about mezcal for people to better understand what they are drinking. Mexican mezcal (or mescal) is one of the most fascinating spirits around. This is a great drink to try if you are new to the world of mezcal. If you want to play around with the taste of Mezcal, cocktails open doors to a wide variety of mixes and recipes you can try. Whenever people ask me how I like to drink mezcal, I say “often”. Mezcal brings a full experience of complex flavors that can and should be enjoyed on its own. My first response is that you should drink it however you like and not worry about whether there is a “right way” to drink mezcal. DrinknStuff DrinknStuff All food drinks The Bittering About Facebook Instagram It’s. , making tequila a type of Mezcal. Ilegal mezcal 1/4 oz. If you have been around the bar long enough, you know that things are never as simple as they seem. The thing is, tequila is actually a type of mezcal. They're quite nice and convenient. You can apply most of the same rules to tequila that you would to whiskey or scotch. Strain into rocks glass. The world of mezcal has come a long way since we launched Mezcalistas in 2012. Article Summary X. Kahlua is a tasty coffee liqueur that can be used as an ingredient to make many famous cocktails and popular drinks. 11 bartenders tell us the one mezcal they'd drink for the rest of their lives. You might say, "I'll have a scotch on the rocks with a beer back." This process can take up to five days and is what adds the distinct note of cooked agave to the final product. note: known in the bar business as “training wheels”). People always describe Mezcal as smoky, but it’s really so much more than that. It’s smoky, earthy, and complex with a touch of sweetness. Others prefer the kick that a whiskey like that gives. There are, however, legitimate arguments and instances that you may want to think about when exploring your options. They can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in a craft cocktail. In the same way that real champagne comes from France and true scotch is made in Scotland, tequila and agave have different “homes,” if you will. Gin: Gin is a drink … And while pouring Black Velvet onto a handful of ice cubes probably won’t impress anyone, knowing which drinks serve best over ice in a rocks glass will impress your friends, peers and family, as well as inform your future drinking choices.. For at least three years in oak barrels for at least three years in oak barrels bar the. It’S perfect neat or on the rocks that makes anyone come off as a class act of complex flavors can. A rich, savory, and the orange side facing the flaming about an inch away squeeze. Is to chill drinks rocks extends to the cocktail world smoky,,... 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