Image by Unsplash THE MEZCAL OLD FASHIONED RECIPE As a mezcal cocktail enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for unique and exciting recipes to elevate my cocktail game. One such drink that has caught my attention recently is the Mezcal Old Fashioned. This twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail brings a smoky and complex flavor profile to the table, thanks to the addition of mezcal. In this article, I will take you through the ingredients, tools, and step-by-step process of crafting the perfect Mezcal Old Fashioned. Key Ingredients To craft the perfect Mezcal Old Fashioned, it is importa ..read more

At MezcalCulture.com, we love a good jicara! So much so we used it as the symbol in our logo! But what is a jicara? And what is its significance to the mezcal industry? Well…let’s explore! What is a Jícara? A jícara is a cup or bowl made from the dried outer shell of a calabash fruit. Also called a gourd, the fruit comes from the calabash tree (Cresecentia cujete) which tends to grow in warm, subtropical climates. In these areas, the dried gourd holds a special place in the local culture.  This unique and versatile vessel has been used for centuries in various aspects of daily life, inclu ..read more

For a listing of mezcal bars and events, visit the Chicago mezcal bar page. Chicago is known for its vibrant nightlife and diverse dining scene. When it comes to mezcal bars, the Windy City doesn't disappoint. Whether you're a seasoned mezcal connoisseur or a curious beginner, there are plenty of establishments in Chicago where you can experience the unique flavors and aromas of this agave-based spirit. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the top mezcal bars in the city, their offerings, and the neighborhoods where you can find them. 1. Salsa17: Mezcal Paradise in the Heart of ..read more

  It’s that time of year again! Time to find that special one-of-a kind gift for that certain someone who happens to be a mezcal fanatic. Our research team plowed through a couple hundred mezcal brand websites to find a handful of the best direct-from-the-source mezcal gifts for this holiday season. We can’t speak to their ability to deliver on time or even have items in stock, but we found some interesting box sets, salts, t-shirts, mezcals and more. https://convitemezcal.com/tienda/ https://www.erstwhilemezcal.com/our-mezcals/ https://shopmadremezcal.com/ https://www.magueymelate.com/sh ..read more

I love a good book. And a good mezcal. So, naturally, I love a good mezcal book. With agave-based spirits taking over the drinks market, bartenders and mezcal lovers need to stay ahead of the curve by reading the best books about mezcal. A great way to do that is by diving into understanding what goes into the history and making of mezcal. I've compiled a list of six agave-centric books that I personally own and have read. I think you should read them too!  The Best Mezcal Books You Need to Read RIGHT Now 1. Mezcal: The History, Craft & Cocktails of the World’s Ultimate Artisanal Spir ..read more

I’ve introduced mezcal to hundreds of people who had never tasted it before. What I’ve learned is that you have to choose the right mezcal or they won't like it. And they will never try it again. In this article, I'll help you navigate some of the basics of mezcal and help you avoid picking one that will literally leave a bad taste in your mouth. You'll learn the best variety to choose for beginners, how the most affordable brands are made, and how much you should expect to pay. Finally, I’ll give you three good mezcal suggestions for beginners that cost under $50 USD. Is All Mezcal Smoky ..read more

When it comes to entertaining your friends or business associates, the typical host just phones it in. Instead of throwing a great event that people talk about for months, a gathering today usually involves random bottles of wine and five different kinds of buffalo-something-dip. That’s what happens when no one takes the reigns. But not you.    You aspire to greater things! You aspire to one-up your neighbor’s lame “wine & cheese” parties.   You long to show your boss how worldly you are so she gives you a raise.   And you yearn to catch the eye of that ..read more

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, f ..read more

We turned left onto a dirt road about ninety minutes outside of Oaxaca City, still grinning ear-to-ear from our first visit to a real palenque. As we barreled down unpaved roads surrounded by mountains and fields of agave, we passed around a jícara of private-stock Mezcal that magically appeared from our guide’s trunk. It was an unexpected treat. One of many that we would have throughout the day. Our guide roughly explained to us that we would be visiting a variety of palenques. Our next stop; however, would be to someone’s house. Maybe they were home, maybe they weren’t. In Mexico, timelines ..read more