This weekend, I'll be hosting a Día de Los Muertos dinner and mezcal pairing for my family. "Day of the Dead" is a spiritual celebration primarily observed across Mexico (parts of Latin America) and by people of Mexican heritage worldwide. Far from a somber occasion, it is a joyous and colorful commemoration of life, a time when families gather to remember and honor their loved ones who have passed.

Central to this tradition are the ofrendas, elaborately decorated altars built in homes, cemeteries, and public spaces, designed to welcome the spirits of the departed back to the world of the living for a fleeting, precious visit.

Every element on an ofrenda carries symbolic weight. Pan de muerto (bread of the dead), favorite foods, and photographs bring personal touches, inviting the spirits to partake in the earthly pleasures they once enjoyed. Among these offerings, a special place is often reserved for mezcal.

For many, mezcal was a drink enjoyed in life, perhaps during celebrations, quiet evenings, or moments of reflection.

The act of placing mezcal on an ofrenda embodies the belief that the spirits are not truly gone but are merely on a journey, and Día de Los Muertos is their homecoming.

This weekend, I'll be sharing a mezcal with my friends and family on the other side. Learn more about Día de Los Muertos here...

…IN THIS EDITION

…The Role of Mezcal in Día de los Muertos
...A Sample of Events this Weekend
...The First Ever Sotol Week is a Huge Success!
...A Woman-owned Brand Launches a New Expression
...Creador arrives in New York
...Rosa Luna earns a rare certification
...An Evil Cocktail Just in time for Halloween
...Beautiful mezcal bars of the world
…Christmas Is Coming

…GET OUT AND ENJOY SOME MEZCAL

Over 100 agave-themed events in November! Here are just a few…

Los Angeles, CA​
​Tesla Owners Dia de los Muertos Dinner & Tasting​
​Sat | Nov 1 | 5p - 11p

Chicago, IL​
​Day of the Dead Brunch & Tequila Tasting​
​Sat | Nov 1 | 12p - 2p

Los Angeles, CA​
​Dia de los Muertos - Tesla Diner on the Skypad - Tesla Mezcal Night​
​Sat | Nov 1 | 5p - 11p

Baltimore, MD​
​Day of the Dead Tequila Pairing & Sugar Skull Painting!​
​Sat | Nov 1 | 6p - 8p

Find 100+ agave-themed dinners, tastings, happy hours, festivals, bar crawls, and other exciting events @ mezcalculture

Panorama Mezcal - a NY based experiential group focused on preserving the integrity of agave spirits, launched the first-ever Sotol Week on October 6th. This was a significant milestone for this rapidly growing category.

The core mission of the week was to give a larger voice to the category, its producers, and the distinct culture of Northern Mexico from which it originates.

While the successful week is over, the work is far from done. The stated goal for the industry remains the same: to continue honoring Mexico's heritage, its culture, and the people behind every bottle of sotol.

Mark your calendars. Mocel's highly anticipated fourth release is almost here. This 2023 batch of Cupreata and Ensamble is a micro-distillation of less than 400 liters. Crafted by the award-winning hands of Juan and Don Livorio in Michoacán.

Pre-orders go live on November 6th. Get On The Wait List Here

Creador, known for its ancestral, clay-pot distilled mezcal has partnered with Zev Rovine Selections to bring its premium lineup to New York State. Zev Rovine works closely with producers who farm organically and biodynamically with as little intervention as possible. Learn more about the partnership here and ask for Creador at your favorite New York hangouts.

The best mezcal brands are deeply committed to sustainable production. Rosaluna Mezcal was recently named the first-ever mezcal brand to receive the "Distintivo Verde" certification from COMERCAM, recognizing its years of commitment to advanced environmental responsibility and organic production practices in Oaxaca. Learn how Rosaluna is setting a new benchmark for quality and environmental stewardship.

The "See No Evil" cocktail is a beautifully balanced drink with a medley of smoky, spicy, sour, and sweet flavors that come together to create a truly unforgettable experience. Courtesy of Anders Erickson

HOW TO MAKE IT...

INGREDIENTS:

• 1.5 oz. Del Maguey Vida Mezcal

• 3/4 oz. homemade orgeat

• 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice

• 3 dashes Tabasco

• 4-5 dashes Angostura Aromatic Bitters (float)

• Grated nutmeg and mint sprig for garnish

• OPTIONAL: Garnish with a mini Tabasco bottle

INSTRUCTIONS:

• In a shaking tin, pour in 1.5 oz Mezcal.

• Add 3/4 oz. of orgeat.

• Next, add 3/4oz. fresh lime juice.

• Then, 3 dashes of Tabasco (more if desired).

• Get your crushed ice and fill tin about half way.

• Shake about 5 seconds, we don’t want to over dilute.

• Open pour into your chilled glass but leave room at the top.

• Over top of the cocktail add 4-5 big dashes of Angostura bitters.

• Garnish with a sprig of mint and grated nutmeg.

• Cheers!

ATTRIBUTION:

Recipe: Anders Erickson, Door County, WI​
Origin: anderserickson.com

…MEZCAL BAR INSPIRATION

Who doesn't love a beautifully designed mezcal bar? Like these...

Little Mez - Queenstown, New Zealand
​View the pic​

Case Convite - Oaxaca, Mexico
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Mamazul - Tulum, Mexico
​View the pic

Odin Mezcaleria - Oakland, CA​
​View the pic