Mezcal, tequila’s potently flavored cousin, is smoky, peppery, and best enjoyed as a funky embellishment to a cocktail rather than as the main event. Here it’s mixed with maple liqueur and apple cider, then topped with ginger beer to fizz it up. This isn’t a terribly boozy drink, so you won’t feel guilty making yourself a second or third.

What to buy: Unlike tequila, which must be made from the blue agave plant and produced in the Tequila region of Jalisco, mezcal (or mescal) is a smoky liquor distilled from various species of agave and is made throughout Mexico.

We like Sortilège maple liqueur for its smooth and not-too-sweet blending of Canadian whisky and maple syrup.

See more recipes for fall cocktails.

  • Yields: 1 drink
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: Under 5 mins 
  • Active: Under 5 mins 

Ingredients (6)

  • 2 ounces unfiltered apple juice or apple cider
  • 1/2 ounce maple liqueur, such as Sortilège
  • 1/2 ounce mezcal
  • Ice
  • 2 ounces ginger beer, such as Bundaberg
  • Apple wedge, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place the juice or cider, maple liqueur, and mezcal in a 12-ounce highball glass and stir to combine.
  2. Add ice, top with the ginger beer, and gently stir to combine. Place the apple wedge in the glass (if using) and serve.