How will you celebrate National Mezcal Day on October 21? It's a perfect occasion to try Ojo de Tigre – an artisanal mezcal created by renowned Mexican actor and producer Luis Gerardo Méndez. Although Méndez might be better known for his film work (Club de Cuervos, Nosotros Los Nobles, Murder Mystery and Charlie’s Angels), his partnership with Casa Lumbre, a distinguished producer known for its farm-to-bottle Mexican spirits like Ancho Reyes, Montolobos and Abasolo Ancestral Corn Whisky will likely push him further into the spotlight.
While mezcal has had an incredible boom in the US over the last few years, many drinkers are still intimidated by the smokier profile of brands currently on the market. This spirit was created with the intent to redefine drinker’s expectations of the category by offering an approachable spirit both in price and taste. It features two types of sustainably cultivated agave: Espadín from Oaxaca harvested after seven years, and the rarer, premium Tobalá which matures for between 10-14 years in Puebla, creating a bright and fresh spirit with hints of green apple, citrus, lemongrass, cooked agave, and cocoa.
Serve it neat to toast National Mezcal Day or try it one of these below cocktails:
TAHITI PEARL
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
8-10 Mint Leaves
1 oz Simple Syrup
2 Dashes Lemon Bitters
3 Drops Olive Oil
Method: Place all ingredients except olive oil in a shaker with plenty of ice and give it a good shake. Serve in a cold coupe glass and use a fine strainer to catch stray pieces of leaves. Finish with 3 drops of olive oil on top and decorate with a mint leaf.
TIGER LILY
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
1.5 oz Pineapple Juice
2 oz Ginger Beer
Method: Build all ingredients over ice in a Highball Glass. Garnish with a pineapple slice or lime.
AMETHYST
Ingredients:
1.5 oz Mezcal Ojo de Tigre
.5 oz Lime Juice
¾ oz hibiscus syrup
2 oz ginger beer or ale
Method: Combine all ingredients and shake well. Strain and top with ginger beer.
TIOLITA 