Try something a little different with this Mezcal Sunset Cocktail – a play on a Tequila Sunrise – with the smoky nuances of Mezcal mixed with sweet and sour pomegranate syrup.
» Try this blueberry basil mezcal cocktail and more mezcal cocktails you might enjoy!
If you like a Tequila Sunrise, made with tequila, grenadine, triple sec and orange juice, you’ll definitely like this Mezcal Sunset. The flavors are similar, but this cocktail has more attitude.
In this variation, orange juice is mixed with a darker pomegranate syrup or molasses to give it a darker, broodier tone, meant to resemble the muted brilliance of a sunset.
I first discovered this cocktail on Epicurious. They use a pomegranate simple syrup for their cocktail. I used a store-bought pomegranate molasses, which is a thick syrup. It’s not too difficult to find.
If you can’t find it, you can make the pomegranate simple syrup with just pomegranate juice and sugar. Add half a cup of pomegranate juice and 1/2 cup of sugar to a small sauce pan and heat it until the sugar dissolves and it’s slightly reduced and syrupy. Let it cool before using it in the drink.
What is Mezcal?
Mezcal is one of my favorite liquors because of its unique smoky flavor. It adds an extra flair to a cocktail that is usually sweet and sour. The smoky element makes it so much more complex.
If you don’t already have a good bottle or two of Mezcal, you’re gonna need to get some. Order one of our favorites below and take $5 off your first order + free delivery with code SAS at Saucey.com!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Mezcal – Mezcal has a unique smoky flavor. It adds an extra flair to a cocktail that is usually sweet and sour. The smoky element makes it so much more complex.
- Sparkling wine or Prosecco
- Orange juice
- Pomegranate simple syrup or molasses – I used a store-bought pomegranate molasses, which is a thick syrup. It’s not too difficult to find. If you can’t find it, you can make the pomegranate simple syrup with just pomegranate juice and sugar. Add half a cup of pomegranate juice and 1/2 cup of sugar to a small sauce pan and heat it until the sugar dissolves and it’s slightly reduced and syrupy. Let it cool before using it in the drink.
How to Make a Mezcal Sunset
Step one: Pour the mezcal, sparkling wine and orange juice into a glass over ice.
Step two: Stir it gently so you don’t disturb the bubbles.
Step three: Pour in the pomegranate molasses or syrup. It’s heavier than the liquid so it will sink to the bottom, making the sunset.
What Bubbly to Choose
The Champagne doesn’t need to be the most expensive bottle. You can go with a Brut, which is the middle of the road for sweetness, or something a bit sweeter, if you like. You can substitute with Prosecco, Cremant, or Cava. Each will change the cocktail slightly due to the varying sweetness levels, but it’s definitely acceptable.
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Mezcal Sunset Cocktail
Try something a little different with this Mezcal Sunset Cocktail and enjoy the smoky nuances of Mezcal mixed with sweet and sour pomegranate syrup.
Ingredients
- 1 ounce Mezcal
- 1 ounce sparkling white wine or Prosecco
- 2 ounces orange juice
- 1/2 ounce pomegranate simple syrup or molasses
Instructions
- Pour the mezcal, sparkling wine and orange juice into a glass over ice. Stir gently. Pour over the pomegranate molasses.
Other Mezcal Cocktails To Try
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Laura is the founder and editor of the travel blogs Savored Sips and Savored Journeys. She is dedicated to sharing the best information about drinks found around the world.