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Smoky Bourbon Cocktail Recipes Featuring Casamigos Mezcal

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When you think of smoky cocktails, bourbon often comes to mind for its rich, caramel notes and warming finish. But adding Casamigos Mezcal to your bourbon cocktail opens a new world of flavor, blending the smooth sweetness of bourbon with the smoky, earthy character of mezcal. This combination creates complex, layered drinks that stand out at any gathering or quiet evening at home.


This post explores how Casamigos Mezcal enhances smoky bourbon cocktails, shares recipes that highlight this pairing, and offers tips for crafting the perfect drink. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home enthusiast, these smoky bourbon cocktails will inspire your next cocktail hour.


Close-up view of a smoky bourbon cocktail with Casamigos Mezcal in a rocks glass, garnished with an orange twist and a cinnamon stick
Smoky bourbon cocktail with Casamigos Mezcal, orange twist, and cinnamon stick

Why Casamigos Mezcal Works with Bourbon


Casamigos Mezcal is known for its smooth, balanced flavor profile with subtle smoke and hints of agave sweetness. Unlike harsher mezcals, Casamigos offers a refined smokiness that complements bourbon’s vanilla, caramel, and oak notes without overpowering them.


  • Smooth smokiness: Casamigos has a gentle smoke that adds depth without bitterness.

  • Balanced sweetness: The natural agave sweetness pairs well with bourbon’s caramel tones.

  • Versatility: It blends seamlessly in cocktails, enhancing complexity while maintaining drink balance.


This makes Casamigos Mezcal an excellent choice for smoky bourbon cocktails, adding a sophisticated twist to classic recipes.


Essential Ingredients for Smoky Bourbon Cocktails


To create smoky bourbon cocktails featuring Casamigos Mezcal, you’ll want to gather a few key ingredients that enhance and balance the flavors:


  • Bourbon: Choose a bourbon with rich caramel and vanilla notes. Brands like Buffalo Trace or Woodford Reserve work well.

  • Casamigos Mezcal: Use this mezcal to add smoky depth.

  • Bitters: Angostura or orange bitters add aromatic complexity.

  • Sweeteners: Simple syrup, honey, or maple syrup balance the smoky and bitter flavors.

  • Citrus: Fresh lemon or orange juice brightens the drink.

  • Garnishes: Orange twists, cinnamon sticks, or smoked sea salt rims enhance aroma and presentation.


With these ingredients, you can build cocktails that highlight the harmony between bourbon and Casamigos Mezcal.


Classic Smoky Bourbon Cocktail with Casamigos Mezcal


This recipe is a smoky take on the classic Old Fashioned, using Casamigos Mezcal to add a smoky layer.


Ingredients


  • 2 oz bourbon

  • 0.5 oz Casamigos Mezcal

  • 1 sugar cube or 0.25 oz simple syrup

  • 2 dashes Angostura bitters

  • Orange twist for garnish


Instructions


  1. Place the sugar cube in a mixing glass and add bitters.

  2. Muddle the sugar and bitters until dissolved.

  3. Add bourbon and Casamigos Mezcal.

  4. Fill the glass with ice and stir gently for 20 seconds.

  5. Strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.

  6. Express the orange twist over the drink and drop it in.


This cocktail balances bourbon’s sweetness with the smoky, earthy notes of mezcal, creating a rich and warming drink.


Mezcal Bourbon Sour with a Smoky Twist


The bourbon sour gets a smoky makeover with Casamigos Mezcal, adding complexity to the tart and sweet balance.


Ingredients


  • 1.5 oz bourbon

  • 0.5 oz Casamigos Mezcal

  • 1 oz fresh lemon juice

  • 0.75 oz simple syrup

  • Egg white (optional for texture)

  • Lemon wheel or smoked sea salt rim for garnish


Instructions


  1. Add bourbon, mezcal, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white to a shaker.

  2. Dry shake (without ice) for 15 seconds to emulsify.

  3. Add ice and shake again until chilled.

  4. Strain into a rocks glass with fresh ice.

  5. Garnish with a lemon wheel or rim the glass with smoked sea salt for extra smoky flavor.


This cocktail offers a refreshing yet smoky experience, perfect for those who enjoy a balance of tartness and depth.


Casamigos Mezcal Boulevardier


A smoky twist on the Boulevardier cocktail, replacing some bourbon with Casamigos Mezcal for added smokiness.


Ingredients


  • 1 oz bourbon

  • 1 oz Casamigos Mezcal

  • 1 oz sweet vermouth

  • 1 dash orange bitters

  • Orange peel for garnish


Instructions


  1. Combine bourbon, mezcal, sweet vermouth, and bitters in a mixing glass with ice.

  2. Stir until well chilled.

  3. Strain into a chilled coupe or rocks glass.

  4. Garnish with an expressed orange peel.


The smoky mezcal adds a new layer to the classic bitter-sweet profile of the Boulevardier, making it a great choice for cocktail lovers seeking bold flavors.


Tips for Perfecting Your Smoky Bourbon Cocktails


  • Use quality ice: Large, clear ice cubes melt slower and keep your drink balanced longer.

  • Measure carefully: Balance is key when mixing bourbon and mezcal to avoid overpowering smokiness.

  • Experiment with garnishes: Smoked cinnamon sticks, charred orange peels, or a pinch of smoked salt can elevate aroma and taste.

  • Serve in the right glass: Rocks glasses or coupe glasses work best for these cocktails, enhancing the drinking experience.

  • Adjust sweetness: Depending on your taste, tweak the amount of simple syrup or sweetener to balance the smoky and bitter notes.


Where to Find Casamigos Mezcal


Casamigos Mezcal is widely available in liquor stores and online. Look for the official bottle with the signature Casamigos label to ensure authenticity. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in smoky cocktails due to its smooth and approachable flavor.


Final Thoughts on Casamigos Mezcal in Bourbon Cocktails


Adding Casamigos Mezcal to bourbon cocktails introduces a smoky, earthy dimension that transforms familiar drinks into something special. The smooth smokiness of Casamigos pairs beautifully with bourbon’s rich sweetness, creating cocktails that are both complex and approachable.


Try the recipes shared here to experience how Casamigos Mezcal elevates smoky bourbon cocktails. Whether you prefer a classic Old Fashioned or a refreshing sour, this mezcal adds a unique twist that will impress your guests and delight your palate.


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