Is mezcal good in coffee? Indeed! Tess Rose shares tips for making the most of a DIY mezcal and coffee tasting, including an espresso mezcal martini recipe and ideas for getting extra geeky.
Mezcal and coffee make an easy and delicious pairing that exemplifies one of the most basic pairing principles: like with like. The mutual roastiness, acidity, and astringency of mezcal and coffee provide ample opportunities for the unique floral, fruity, and earthy flavors of each to shine through.
A coffee mezcal cocktail? Yes please!
This tasting format is designed to go above and beyond swapping an agave spirit into your favorite coffee-based cocktail, but by all means, don’t skip that step! If I were hosting on a warm day, I would serve mini mezcal-espresso-martinis. In cold weather I might consider cafe de olla with cream, spiked with mezcal. Another option would be to set up some simple mixers in order to create new and unique mezcal cocktails as a side quest to the main tasting.
This DIY is probably one of the geekiest yet, which is fitting, because if you have any serious coffee nerd friends, you probably already know how intense they get, similarly to us mezcal-obsessed types! In almost two decades of professional tasting and judging wine and spirits, I can say without a doubt that the most intense tasters are coffee tasters, and I tip my hat to their insanely refined professional palates.
How to choose the best mezcals for this tasting
Let’s look at a few options for how to organize your mezcal selections to enhance the experience–in terms of learning about mezcal in general and your preferences. I recommend sticking to 3-6 bottles in total. Here’s four options:
1) Choose mezcals from different regions that are each typical of that region in variety and production method.
2) Choose mezcals from the same region with similar production methods but using different agave varieties.
3) Select mezcals from the same region that are made using different production methods.
4) Choose mezcals from the same agave variety but made using different production methods.
Each of these options offer a point of comparison and difference, which will allow you to dig a little deeper into the unique qualities that may impact flavor, and your preference. Some of you may be wondering, can I just use whatever 3-6 bottles I have on hand? Yes, absolutely, you can just choose random bottles of high-quality mezcal and the tasting will be just as fun and delicious–if a little less geeky.
The best coffees for a mezcal and coffee pairing
The same basic idea applies here, which is to diversify a couple of elements of the coffee to get an idea of how characteristics like preparation and the starting material impact the final drink. I recommend three coffee options total, or up to as many options as there are mezcals. Keeping in mind what is reasonably accessible to most people, here are three options.
1) Use the same coffee but prepare it differently, such as pour over, drip, and french press.
2) Get the same coffee orders, but from different local coffee shops.
3) Use different coffees that are all prepared using the same method.
Espresso mezcal martini recipe
1oz mezcal, such as soft cenizo from Durango like Sacro Imperio.
1oz coffee liqueur, such as Mr. Black
1oz cooled espresso
Add ingredients to a shaker filled with ice. Shake to combine and strain into a chilled coup.
Snacks to pair with mezcal and coffee
With 3-6 mezcals and 3-6 coffees to taste, that is a total of 9-36 combinations depending on how many mezcals and coffees you have, which is a lot–to say the least. You are going to need some bites to keep the stimulation balanced. Sticking to my usual format of categories, here are some snack suggestions to get you started.
- Chocolate: Obviously chocolate needs to be invited to the party. Stick with something light or crunchy, like chocolate covered pretzels, airy meringues, or a fluffy mousse.
- Citrus: Candied citrus peel packs a lot of flavor without being too heavy, and the sweetness balances the intensity of the pairing. You could also employ dehydrated citrus wheels, a not-too-sweet citrus cake, or crunchy cookies.
- Crackers: Tostadas or totopos would work well, or simple salted lavash crackers. In a pinch, buttered toast would also be a nice complement.
- Chapulines or pepitas: Protein is a must. I’d consider some sort of roasted and salted seed or legume to add something substantial to the snacking plate. Smoked almonds could be fun, but the flavor could be overpowering so be sure to include an unsmoked option.
- Fresh: Instead of fresh fruit, have plenty of sparkling mineral water on hand to cleanse and refresh the palate.
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