As you can probably guess from the title, this refreshing mezcal and tonic cocktail only calls for two main ingredients: mezcal and tonic water. The mezcal gives this cocktail a subtle smoky flavor that is complemented by some citrus-flavored tonic water and a dash of orange bitters. It also doesn’t require any shaking or straining, making it one of the easiest cocktails you will ever make.
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What is Tonic Water?
Tonic water has been around for a long time. Back in the 19th century, British soldiers stationed in India came up with a clever way to make the quinine powder that they had to take to prevent malaria less bitter: they mixed it with soda and sugar.
It was also in colonial India where tonic water was first mixed with gin to make gin and tonics.
Nowadays tonic water is made with much lower quantities of quinine than in the 19th century, but it still retains some of its bitterness. Therefore, I wouldn’t recommend swapping it for soda water because they are actually very different things.
If you would like to know more about tonic water, check out Mental Floss’ “A Brief History of the Tonic Water in your Gin and Tonic.”
What is the Best Tonic to Use with Mezcal?
Mezcal has a very distinct smoky flavor that comes to life when paired with citrus. In fact, if you visit a mezcalería in Oaxaca (where most mezcal is produced), they will give you slices of orange to suck on in between pours of mezcal.
This is why I decided to use a citrus-flavored tonic water for this mezcal and tonic cocktail. I love Fever Tree tonic water, and the company makes a delicious version flavored with tangerines, Mexican limes, and bitter oranges. You can find them at your local grocery store or through Amazon.
If you can’t find it, feel free to use regular tonic water. The orange garnish on the cocktail will still give you a very pleasant orange scent.
Mezcal Gin & Tonic Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz mezcal (I used Vida by Del Maguey)
- 1 bottle citrus-flavored tonic water
- 1 dash orange bitters
- 1/2 slice of orange to garnish
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice.
- Add the mezcal and top with the tonic water. Add a dash of the orange bitters and stir using a cocktail spoon or the handle of a long spoon.
- Garnish with a slice of orange and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Here are some other mezcal cocktails that you might enjoy:
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Also, if you have any questions or just want to let me know that you liked the recipe, please leave a comment below. Hearing from other adventurous home cooks always makes my day!
It is all about easy entertaining…, especially during the summer. This looks like a great drink for a bbq party or spending the afternoon on a sunny patio enjoying the weather.
There is nothing I love more than a gin and tonic and I can’t believe I never thought to make a mezcal and tonic! This is such a refreshing recipe.
Thank you, Pam!
That’s very interesting. I did not know that about tonic water. I thought it was just another variation of carbonated mineral water. What does tonic water taste like? Is it good in any other applications other than cocktails? Love this post, lots of good info about mezcal and tonic water. Thanks!
Hi, Tina! Tonic water tastes fizzy, dry, and a bit bitter because of the quinine. The one I’m using here is flavored with citrus, so it’s not as plain as regular tonic water. I actually haven’t used it for anything else besides cocktails, but I’ve heard that some people like to drink some tonic with lime when they feel a cold coming. It’s supposed to help you fight it off 🙂
This is sooooo good. My husband loved it and thank you so much for the tonic recommendations! Perfect for the summer heat!
Thank you, Tracy! I’m so happy your husband loved it 🙂
I’m in for this refreshing Mezcal tonic cocktail! Not only does it look summer-perfect but I love that it’s only 4 simple ingredients. I can see these being a hit through the warm weather!
Thank you, Jenni!
This is FANTASTIC! I never buy mezcal because I never know what to do with it other than sip. This is definitely a refreshing, summery way to drink it. A must make!
Thanks, Trish!
We made these over the 4th of July weekend. YUM. So simple, yet so refreshing. Our friends LOVED them. Will definitely make again.
I’m so happy to hear that, Debra!