Barbacoa Cocktail

Named after the traditional Mexican cooking method, this deeply savory cocktail embraces the smoke. It uses mezcal mixed with ginger syrup, fresh lime juice, and a touch of agave for a bright but earthy drink.

Ingredients:

  • 2 oz. mezcal

  • 3/4 oz. agave nectar

  • 1/2 oz. ginger syrup (1:1)

  • 1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp. puréed chipotle pepper

  • 3 wedges of lime

  • 3 pieces of red bell pepper

  • 1 thin slice of red Fresno chile

Instructions:

  • In a cocktail shaker, combine all of the ingredients and gently muddle them together. Add ice and shake well until chilled. Pour into the glass, and top up with fresh ice. Garnish with a piece of high-quality beef jerky.

Attribution:
Recipe: Julian Cox for Rivera, circa 2009, Los Angeles
Photo: John Valls | March 02, 2026
Origin: Imbibe

Mezcal CocktailClarence Mailwas