NYC's Best 3 Bars For Drinking Mezcal
Mayahuel
304 E. 6th St.
New York, NY
(212) 253-5888
mayahuelny.com
If you're new to mezcal, the Oaxacan tasting flight here--Sombra Mezcal, Del Maguey Santo Domingo Albarradas and Del Maguey Tobala ($28)--offers a high-end introduction. Plus, all tasting flights as this East Village agave den come with a complimentary Sangrita (a Bloody Mary-like drink traditionally served alongside straight tequila). For a mezcal cocktail, try the Smoked Palomino (Amontillado Sherry, Crema Mezcal, grapefruit juice and lime juice with a salted rim).
Casa Mezcal
86 Orchard St.
New York, NY
(212) 777-2600
casamezcal.blogspot.com
This three-story shrine to agave spirits and Latin culture offers a basement performance space and an upstairs gallery and private event space in addition the main-level bar. The cocktail menu, designed by Junior Merino (aka "The Liquid Chef") includes highlights such as The Horchatini (mezcal blanco, Combier orange liqueur, horchata, gomme syrup, jicama juice and lemon juice).
La Biblioteca
622 3rd Ave.
New York, NY
(212) 808-8110
richardsandoval.com/labiblioteca
This romantic "library" bar offers three-glass tastings ($16) along with a "catalog" of 400 agave spirits. For cocktails, try the Mezcal con Pepino (Scorpion Silver Mezcal, cucumber, serrano chiles and lime juice with a chili pequin-infused salt rim) or La Vida Pina (Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, carmelized pineapple, citrus, chili and candied lemon zest).
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Selena Ricks-Good writes about drinks and produces events as The Dizzy Fizz.
