The Avocado Barbacoa Mezcal Cocktail is a bold, creamy, and smoky drink with a touch of spice, inspired by the flavors of Mexican cuisine. Blending ripe avocado, mezcal, lime juice, ginger syrup, agave nectar, and chipotle pepper, this unique cocktail delivers a smooth, slightly spicy sip perfect for adventurous palates. Optional garnishes of beef jerky and red bell pepper add flair and a savory twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors in a one-of-a-kind cocktail.
- The avocado creates a silky texture without dairy.
- Homemade ginger syrup adds a warm, sweet heat.
- Mezcal gives a rich, smoky complexity.
- Perfect for parties, Cinco de Mayo, or a creative cocktail night.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
The Cocktail
- 1 California avocado, cut into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups crushed ice
- 4 ounces mezcal
- 2 ounces lime juice
- 2 ounces ginger syrup (recipe below)
- 2 ounces agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon minced chipotle pepper
- Optional garnish: 2 pieces beef jerky, 4 strips red bell pepper
The Ginger Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup agave nectar
- 2-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into coins (unpeeled)
Directions
Make the Cocktail
- Place avocado chunks, crushed ice, mezcal, lime juice, ginger syrup, agave nectar, and minced chipotle pepper into a blender.
- Puree until smooth and creamy.
- Divide between two highball glasses.
- Garnish with beef jerky and red bell pepper strips, if desired.
Make the Ginger Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, agave nectar, and ginger coins. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Cover, remove from heat, and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain syrup into a container and discard ginger pieces.
- Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Servings and timing
- Servings: 2 cocktails
- Prep time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes steeping for syrup)
- Cook time for syrup: 5 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes (including syrup steeping)
Variations
- Swap mezcal for tequila for a lighter, less smoky flavor.
- Add fresh cilantro to the blender for an herbal twist.
- Replace chipotle with fresh jalapeño for a different heat profile.
- Use honey instead of agave in the ginger syrup for a floral sweetness.
- Top with sparkling water for a lighter, fizzy version.
Storage
- Ginger syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- The blended cocktail is best enjoyed immediately and does not store well.
FAQs
Can I make this cocktail without alcohol?
Yes, substitute mezcal with sparkling water or non-alcoholic mezcal alternatives.
What does mezcal taste like?
Mezcal has a smoky, earthy flavor with hints of fruit and spice, distinct from tequila.
Can I make the ginger syrup ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually recommended to prepare it in advance for quick cocktail mixing.
Is the chipotle pepper very spicy?
It adds a smoky heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
Fresh lime juice is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.
How can I make the cocktail thicker?
Use less liquid or more avocado for a thicker, smoothie-like drink.
Can I use frozen avocado?
Yes, thaw before blending for the best texture.
Is this cocktail sweet?
It’s balanced — the agave nectar and ginger syrup add sweetness to offset the smoky and spicy elements.
What food pairs well with this cocktail?
Tacos, grilled meats, ceviche, or roasted vegetables complement its bold flavors.
Can I make a large batch?
Yes, multiply the ingredients and blend in batches, storing in a pitcher for serving.
Conclusion
The Avocado Barbacoa Mezcal Cocktail is an adventurous, creamy, and smoky drink that stands out from the crowd. With its blend of fresh avocado, mezcal, ginger, and chipotle, it offers a rich, layered flavor experience perfect for cocktail enthusiasts looking to try something new and unforgettable.
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Avocado Barbacoa Mezcal Cocktail
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 2 cocktails
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A bold, creamy, and smoky cocktail blending ripe avocado, mezcal, lime juice, ginger syrup, agave nectar, and chipotle pepper, inspired by the flavors of Mexican cuisine. Garnished optionally with beef jerky and red bell pepper strips for a savory twist.
Ingredients
1 California avocado, cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups crushed ice
4 ounces mezcal
2 ounces lime juice
2 ounces ginger syrup (see below)
2 ounces agave nectar
1 teaspoon minced chipotle pepper
Optional garnish: 2 pieces beef jerky, 4 strips red bell pepper
Ginger Syrup:
1 cup water
1/2 cup agave nectar
2-inch piece fresh ginger, cut into coins (unpeeled)
Instructions
- Place avocado chunks, crushed ice, mezcal, lime juice, ginger syrup, agave nectar, and minced chipotle pepper into a blender.
- Puree until smooth and creamy.
- Divide between two highball glasses.
- Garnish with beef jerky and red bell pepper strips, if desired.
Make the Ginger Syrup:
- In a small saucepan, combine water, agave nectar, and ginger coins. Bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
- Cover, remove from heat, and let steep for 30 minutes.
- Strain syrup into a container and discard ginger pieces.
- Store leftover syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Fresh lime juice provides the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.
- Adjust chipotle pepper to control spice level.
- Swap mezcal with tequila for a milder, less smoky drink.
- Use honey instead of agave in the ginger syrup for a floral sweetness.
- The cocktail is best enjoyed immediately after blending.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes steeping for syrup)
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (for syrup)
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
