Mezcal and Tonic
The Mezcal and Tonic is a simple two-ingredient cocktail that has surged in popularity alongside the global appreciation for mezcal. It pairs the complex, earthy, and smoky flavors of the agave spirit with the bittersweet quinine notes and effervescence of tonic water. This creates a drink that is both incredibly easy to make and surprisingly complex in flavor. It serves as an excellent introduction to mezcal and a fantastic warm-weather refresher.
Preparation
Preparation time: 2 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Mezcal and Tonic is a modern cocktail, classified as a highball due to its simple composition of a spirit topped with a larger portion of a carbonated mixer served in a tall glass. While the drink itself is modern, it belongs to the classic family of highball cocktails.
Serving
This is a cold, refreshing highball served over ice in a tall glass. The alcohol content is moderate, similar to a standard mixed drink or a glass of wine.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Highball or Collins
Glass treatment
None
Backstory
Unlike cocktails with a specific origin story, the Mezcal and Tonic emerged organically as mezcal became more widely available outside of Mexico. Bartenders and enthusiasts, familiar with the classic Gin and Tonic, naturally began to experiment by substituting the base spirit. This simple swap proved to be a perfect match, and the drink spread quickly through bars in the 2010s as a modern, smoky alternative to its botanical predecessor.
Origin
The drink is a modern creation with no single inventor, originating in the 2010s in Mexico and the United States as part of the global mezcal trend.
Mezcal and Tonic
The drink is most commonly known as the Mezcal and Tonic, a simple and descriptive name that highlights its two primary ingredients. It is sometimes shortened to Mezcal Tonic or abbreviated as M&T, similar to how a Gin and Tonic is called a G&T.
Original name
Mezcal and Tonic
Alternative names
- Mezcal Tonic
- M&T
Characteristics overview
The Mezcal and Tonic offers a smoky aroma and a bittersweet flavor profile, with a light, effervescent texture. Its clean, refreshing character makes it an excellent choice for warm weather, though it can be enjoyed year-round.
Flavor
Smoky, earthy, bittersweet, citrusy, herbal, quinine
Aroma
Smoky, agave, citrus, botanical (from tonic)
Taste balance
Bitter, slightly sweet
Aftertaste
Lingering smoke, clean, crisp bitterness
Fizziness
Effervescent, bubbly
Color appearance
Clear, transparent, highly carbonated
Texture
Light, crisp, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, year-round
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor intensity is moderate, defined by a balance between the assertive smoke of the mezcal and the sharp bitterness of the tonic. It is a highly carbonated and refreshing drink with low sweetness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You only need two primary ingredients for this drink: mezcal and tonic water. A citrus wedge for garnish is highly recommended to complete the flavor profile.
- Mezcal60 ml / 2 ozA joven (unaged) mezcal is typically used to provide a clean, smoky flavor. Espadín is a common and excellent choice.
- Tonic Water120 ml / 4 oz, or to topUse a high-quality, chilled tonic water. A neutral or citrus-forward tonic works best to complement the mezcal.
- Lime or Grapefruit Wedge1 pieceUsed for garnish. Can be squeezed into the drink for extra citrus flavor.
Ice type
- Cubed
Mixing equipments
No special equipment is needed beyond a glass and ice. A bar spoon can be used for a quick, gentle stir to combine the ingredients.
- Bar spoon for a gentle stir
Instructions
This is a built-in-the-glass cocktail, meaning you simply add ice to a glass, pour in the mezcal, top with tonic, and garnish. A gentle stir is all that's needed to mix it.
1. Fill a highball or Collins glass to the top with fresh ice cubes.
2. Pour the mezcal directly over the ice.
3. Slowly top with chilled tonic water to preserve carbonation.
4. Give the drink a very gentle stir with a bar spoon to combine the ingredients without losing fizz.
5. Garnish with a fresh wedge of lime or grapefruit before serving.
Garnishing
A simple citrus garnish is key. A lime wedge adds a classic sharp acidity, while a grapefruit peel or wedge offers a different, complementary bitterness.
- A fresh lime wedge or a grapefruit peel/wedge placed in the drink or on the rim of the glass.
Dietary Information
This cocktail is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and free of major allergens such as dairy, eggs, soy, and nuts.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
The drink is relatively low in calories. Most of the carbohydrates and sugar come from the tonic water; using a light or diet tonic can significantly reduce these amounts.
Calories
Averagely 160-180 kcal / 670-750 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 12-15 grams
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-15 grams
Sugar level
Occasions
This is an ideal drink for casual occasions, from a relaxing afternoon on the patio to a lively happy hour. Its refreshing nature makes it particularly well-suited for summer parties and barbecues.
- Happy Hour
- Summer Barbecue
- Casual Get-together
Pairing suggestions
The smoky and citrus notes of the Mezcal and Tonic pair beautifully with Mexican and Latin American cuisine. It cuts through the richness of grilled meats like tacos al pastor and complements the bright, fresh flavors of ceviche, salsa, and guacamole.
- Tacos al pastor
- Fresh ceviche
- Salty chips and guacamole
- Grilled corn (elote)
The Smoky Refresher: A Guide to the Mezcal and Tonic
The Mezcal and Tonic is a simple yet sophisticated highball that brilliantly showcases the unique smoky character of mezcal. As a refreshing, easy-to-make alternative to a Gin and Tonic, it is perfect for warm evenings or as an approachable introduction to the world of agave spirits. Its satisfying complexity comes from the beautiful interplay between the earthy spirit and the bittersweet tonic, lifted by a fresh citrus garnish. It's a modern staple for any home or professional bartender.