How to Celebrate Mezcal Day October 21!

(Gerry Furth-Sides) Celebrate Mezcal Day October 21st or any other day with this refined spirit.  All you need to remember is that  All Mezcal is Tequila but not all Tequila is Mezcal — because of the unique way that mezcal is processed from a variety of agave plants (like tequila is) that instills a special smoky taste. The heart of the agave plant, the piña, is traditionally slow- cooked in pit ovens, giving it a characteristic smoky flavor. The type of agave plant, as well as the aging process, make each mezcal unique. It is produced in several different states in Mexico, the most prominent being Oaxaca.

(1) Laurel Hardware in WEHO designed a dedicated Mezcal Bar offering seasonal Mezcal-infused cocktails and contemporary Mexican cuisine.  The enticing, intricately designed bar area boasts nearly 100 different Mezcals sourced from over 50 distillers.

(2) At the Newport Beach location of Malibu Farms, Natasha (below) serves the Smoke of mezcal, shishito chipotle agave, fresh lime juice, and chipotle sea salt. The standout cocktail, worth a visit on its own, can be enjoyed with the farm-fresh dishes

Dishes that complement the mezcal include a Burrata Salad with seasonal fruit (peaches here), arugula, fresh figs, and candied pecans, laced with a maple balsamic vinaigrette.  Lively Avocado Huarache arrives on a long rectangular platter.   Jalapeño ricotta spread, malibu honey and a lemon vinaigrette top a flatbread, crunchy enough to provide texture but not brittle enough to break in your hand.  For vegetarians, there is also a Cauliflower Crust Pizza.

Malibu Farm Restaurant: (949) 791-2096, ‬3420 Via Oporto – Newport Beach, California.  Easy, accessible parking structure (the restaurant validates for 90 minutes) and some street parking.

(3) Nixon Chops & Whisky in Whittier has three separate bars to enjoy mezcal, two easy lounges open to the street.   Mezcal is a specialty at the under the capable eye of Barkeep and mixologist Greg who looks over 200 whiskeys in the house.  Manager Lucy’s choice for us was a SILVER MEZCAL ARTESANA, the best.  The agave type is a special San Dionisio Ocotepec blend of Tobola and Espadin, matured seven to ten years, from Oaxaca.  Distilled twice in a copper column, it is close to 42% alcohol by volume and has a smokey finish to the notes of grilled pineapple, papaya and mango with lingering floral notes to the taste.

The Mezcal would go with a number of dishes on the inspired menu of Mexican-Japanese chef Katsuji Tanabe at the Nixon Chops & Whisky.  We recommend from the CHILLED section one that already has a smokey broth: Tongue & Kamapachi Ceviche with Avocado, Pickled Tongue, Smokey Chipotle Broth.

A mezcal cocktail would also be perfect with the Iberico ham.  Almost anything Spanish would be complemented by the mezcal.

the NIXON CHOPS & WHISKEY, 13033 Philadelphia Street, Uptown Whittier, CA 90601 (562.698.3355). For more details, hours and reservations, please see  www.thenixoncw.com.

(4) The Venetian Resort Las Vegas celebrates National Mezcal Day and the completion of The Cocktail Collective bar complex with the opening of their Electra Cocktail Club.  expert mixologist Sam Ross’ Mezcal cocktails include the following, with the recipe for his Mosquito below.

• Age of Aquarius – Mezcal, passionfruit syrup, fresh lime juice, honey, Campari (Electra)
• Banco de Mexico – fresh mint, crème de cacao, Mezcal, Altos Anejo Tequila, rose water mist & a sprinkle of powdered sugar (Rosina)
• Mosquito – Mezcal, Campari, ginger, lemon juice, shy, ginger candy (The Dorsey)

The Mosquito mezcal cocktail from The Dorsey at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas is one of the hits.  Also popular are the.

The Mosquito Cocktail

• 1 oz. Mezcal*
• 1 oz. Campari
• 1 oz. homemade ginger syrup
• 1 oz. Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice just shy of 1 oz
• Shake ingredient in tin & strain into a coupe glass
• Garnish with candied ginger

For details on the three venues at the hotel, please see: The Venetian Resort Las Vegas

(5) In Santa Monica,  MOON BAR at Lunetta at Night offers the Mariposa Calor with mezcal, Aperol, Amaro notion, lime and firewater bitters in the lounge area. It is a testament to the care that the bartending team mixes their original cocktails.  The Moon Bar itself is smoky in feel and stocked with eclectic varietals.  Dark and clubby, the room is done up in green velvet and navy blue with walnut,  soapstone and satin brass accents, a fireplace, brass-topped bar and a skylight.

Anyone of the legendary Chef-owner Raphael Lunetta’s small dishes pairs beautifully with the mezcal cocktail.

All-day diner & upscale American Eats, 2420 Pico Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90405.The Moon Bar at Lunetta hours: For information and reservations, please visit www.LunettaSM.com or phone 310.581.9888.