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This spicy mezcal cocktail is inspired by one of my favorite cocktail bars in Boston. My take on the cocktail consists of mezcal, simple syrup, fresh lime juice, and spicy bitters—basically, a simple mezcal margarita or mezcal daiquiri served straight up in a chilled coupe glass.
The first time I had a Mezcal Bone Crusher was at the now closed cocktail bar, Drink in Boston’s Fort Point. I’ve come across the same cocktail in a few other spots ever since. Outside of that, it’s hard to find any true origin.
It’s a refreshing tart, smokey, and subtly sweet concoction I frequently indulge in whenever I’m in the mood for sipping mezcal. Mezcal can be alarmingly intense with the very first sip. Some folks love it while others absolutely detest it. It’s certainly an acquired taste thanks to its smokey nature.
If you’ve never tried mezcal, it’s like a complex hybrid of tequila and Scotch. Enjoy a tequila and mezcal sour, spicy Margarita with jalapeños, or give tequila a shot in a bright Tequila Sunrise.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Mezcal: mezcal varies just like tequila in terms of flavor profile, sweetness, fruity notes, etc. I personally prefer the more citrusy and less vegetal-tasting mezcals. Look for Del Maguey, Bozal, and Banhez,
- fresh lime juice: fresh lime juice is always best. Use a citrus squeezer for easy lime juicing.
- Simple syrup: 50-50 simple sugar by weight. You can make it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If you don’t have a scale, just use 1 cup water to 1 cup table sugar.
- Scrappy’s Firewater bitters: this is my favorite way to spice a cocktail because it adds super clean heat with the flick of the wrist. The original cocktail was made with Tabasco, which will add complimentary vinegar/briny flavor that I love.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities below.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1.
Combine mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters/hot sauce in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Step 2.
Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Expert Tips
- Always freeze your glasses! This is going to keep your drink colder and decrease warming by pouring into a room temp glass. I keep a few coupe glasses in the freezer at all times.
- Omit the spicy bitters/hot sauce if you’re unsure. it’s still a fantastic cocktail and great way to drink mezcal without the spice.
- Double strain shaken cocktails. This prevents tiny ice ships from entering your cocktail and contributing to further dilution.
Mezcal Recommendations
There are a bunch of great mezcals out there. You’ll typically find one of the below recommendations in my home bar.
- Del Maguey: They have several different variations. I recommend Vida or Chichicapa.
- Banhez: I picked this bottle up randomly and really enjoy it. It’s balanced and seems like a great starter mezcal. It should be easy to find.
- Bozal: Again, a handful of different variations but look for Bozal Mezcal Ensamble. It’s super approachable and a greater starter mezcal.
- Casamigos: a very popular teuila brand that also has a really solid Mezcal. Look for Casamigos Mezcal Joven.
More Cocktails You’ll Love
Enjoy this recipe? If you made this cocktail, please leave a ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ star rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments!
Mezcal Bone Crusher Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces mezcal, Del Maguey, Bozal, Banhez
- 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice
- 1/2 ounce simple syrup
- 2-3 dashes Scrappy's Firewater bitters, or Tabasco
Instructions
- Combine mezcal, lime juice, simple syrup, and bitters/hot sauce in a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously and double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Margaritas are made with triple sec, lime juice, and Tequila. This is a spicy mezcal daiquiri