5 Mezcal Cocktails for the Thanksgiving Holiday

Whether you want to share some holiday cheer with loved ones or just get a stiff drink to help you survive hours with relatives, the perfect cocktail is an important part of any Thanksgiving meal. When planning a cocktail that works for Thanksgiving, your main goal should be loading up the drink with rich flavors like agave and seasonal tastes like cinnamon. Spice up your holiday entertaining with these delicious cocktails. 

The Shaman

If you want a bit of holiday spice but are sick of pumpkin pie spice flavored everything, this drink is a great choice for you. The Shaman layers floral, fruity, and cinnamon flavors to create a beverage that tastes like the holidays while having a slight hint of tropical vacation. To make it, all you need is these ingredients: 1 ounce pisco

  • 1 ½ ounce Salers aperitif

  • ½ ounce mescal

  • ½ ounce fresh lime juice

  • ¾ ounce fresh pineapple juice

  • ½ ounce cinnamon syrup

  • 8 dashes Angostura bitters

Source: https://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/the-shaman-pisco-cocktail 

Fennel Delight

Fennel might not be a native plant of Mexico like agave, but it pairs surprisingly well with mescal. When you sip this drink, you get anise hints of fennel and slightly bitter sweetness from grapefruit. The end result is a drink that will convert even the most intense licorice-haters into fans of fennel. This drink is made from: 

  • 2 slices of fennel bulb

  • ¼ ounce simple syrup

  • ½ ounce lime juice

  • 1 ½ ounces mescal

Source: http://smithratliff.com/2012/08/14/fennel-grapefruit-summer-cocktail/ 

The Velvet Gentleman


This dark and smoky cocktail pairs well with a slowly baked turkey and some roasted vegetables. The combination of fruity Italian wine and grapefruit bitters adds some refreshing brightness to this unusual drink. Its deep red color is truly impressive, so be sure to serve it in clear glasses that let your guests admire the appearance. The Velvet Gentleman contains: 

  • ½ ounce mezcal

  • 1 ½ ounces Cocchi Americano Rosa

  • 3 ounces brandy

  • 2 dashes of grapefruit bitters

  • An orange twist for garnish.

Source: https://www.saveur.com/article/recipes/the-velvet-gentleman-brandy-mezcal-cocktail 

Remontel Toddy


If you live in a cold climate, the last thing your guests will want is an ice cold beverage when they walk in. Help everyone to warm up with this delicious hot toddy featuring mescal. With hints of ginger, cinnamon, and mint, it is filled with holiday flavors. You can make a big batch and keep it warm in a crockpot if you have plans for a big party. Here's the basic ingredients for a single serving: 

  • ½ ounce agave nectar

  • 3 ½ ounces hot water

  • 1 ½ ounces mezcal

  • 1 ounce ginger beer

  • 2 dashes Bittermens mole bitters

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 2 mint sprigs

  • 1 lime twist

Source: https://drinks.seriouseats.com/2014/02/mezcal-hot-toddy-bobby-heugel-pastry-war-remontel.html 

Cocoa Smoke


Fans of hot chocolate from Mexico will appreciate this drink. Thanks to its blend of coffee and ancho chili, it is perfect for sipping with dessert. This delicious drink It is mixed up from these ingredients: 

  • 1 ½ ounces mescal

  • 3 dashes chocolate bitters

  • 1/2 ounce ancho chili liqueur

  • ½ ounce creme de cacao

Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/cocoa-smoke/15135/?utm_term=.e6ead67c51dd 

With these tasty cocktails, you will definitely have a blast at Thanksgiving. As you can see, mezcal is actually useful for more than just fresh beverages to sip by the pool. Its complex flavor can actually be the perfect pairing for fall flavors!

entertainingJames Colino