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Mezcal Sour

A mezcal sour in a Nick and Nora glass with a cherry garnish on a light pink background.
Photograph by Isa Zapata, food styling by Thu Buser, prop styling by Maggie DiMarco

Classic sours follow a simple ratio: 2 parts alcohol, 1 part citrus, 1 part sweetener. This perfectly balanced mezcal version is proof that the basics are best left alone. Easy to remember and simple to make, it’s a timeless drink.

Keeping a jar of simple syrup on hand is always a good practice. Simply heat ½ cup water with ½ cup sugar on medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 months.

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What you’ll need

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    3 minutes

  • Yield

    Makes 1

Ingredients

2 oz. mezcal
1 oz. fresh lime juice
1 oz. Simple Syrup (see recipe)
Maraschino cherries (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine 2 oz. mezcal, 1 oz. fresh lime juice, and 1 oz. Simple Syrup (see recipe) in a cocktail shaker. Fill shaker with ice, cover, and shake vigorously until outside of shaker is very cold, about 30 seconds.

    Step 2

    Strain cocktail into a Nick & Nora or rocks glass. Garnish with maraschino cherries.

TagsCocktailAlcoholBeveragesDairy FreeEasyQuick5 Ingredients or FewerMezcalLimeCitrusFruitBon Appétit

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