The Mezcal Fruit Cup, also known as Difford’s No.8 Cup, is a sophisticated and refreshing cocktail that offers a smoky and complex twist on the traditional fruit cup. Created by Simon Difford, this drink substitutes the usual gin base with mezcal, creating a unique flavor profile that is both fruity and robust. This cocktail is perfect for those looking to explore the smoky depths of mezcal while enjoying a light and summery beverage.
Understanding the Mezcal Fruit Cup
Fruit cups, historically, are English summertime drinks that were invented by the Victorians. They were typically a mix of fruit, liqueurs, and spices, with gin as the base spirit. Pimm’s No.1 is the most well-known bottled fruit cup. Difford’s recipes take this concept further, with cocktails based on 16 different base spirits, showcasing how the different spirits dramatically change the drink’s flavor. The Mezcal Fruit Cup is Difford’s take using Mezcal.
The Key Ingredient: Mezcal
Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from any type of agave plant. It is known for its smoky flavor, which is a result of the agave hearts being roasted in underground pits before fermentation. This distinctive smoky character sets it apart from tequila, which is made only from blue agave and typically doesn’t have the same smoky notes. The choice of mezcal can significantly influence the final taste of the cocktail. Some popular choices for cocktails include:
- Del Maguey Vida: This is considered a classic, entry-level mezcal with a traditional Espadín flavor. It is known for its balance of smoke and sweetness.
- Montelobos Espadín: This is another good option that is affordable and beginner-friendly, offering a good amount of smoke with an earthy and slightly sweet taste.
- Creyente Mezcal Joven: This mezcal has received positive reviews for its use in cocktails.
- Ilegal Mezcal Joven: Another great mezcal option for mixing in cocktails.
While these are good starting points, other mezcals can also be used, depending on personal preference and the desired level of smokiness.
Ingredients for the Mezcal Fruit Cup
The Mezcal Fruit Cup (Difford’s No. 8 Cup) combines the smoky notes of mezcal with the sweetness of vermouth, the citrus of orange liqueur, and the subtle spice of bitters. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients:
- 1 oz Mezcal: The base spirit, providing the signature smoky flavor.
- 1 oz Orange Curaçao: An orange-flavored liqueur that adds a layer of citrus and sweetness.
- 1 oz Sweet Vermouth (Rosso): This Italian fortified wine brings a rich, sweet, and slightly herbal dimension to the drink.
- 2 dashes Lavender Bitters: Adds a floral and aromatic complexity. Difford’s recipe indicates the use of lavender bitters, but aromatic bitters could be substituted.
- Club Soda: This is used to top the drink, adding effervescence and diluting the drink to a comfortable strength.
- Garnish: Lemon, orange, and strawberry slices, mint sprigs, and borage.
Why These Ingredients Work
The combination of mezcal, orange curaçao, and sweet vermouth creates a balanced cocktail, with the smoky mezcal being softened by the sweet and citrus notes. The bitters add another layer of complexity and the club soda makes it a refreshing long drink. The fresh fruit garnish is not just for show, the fruit flavors subtly infuse into the drink as it sits, adding further complexity.
How to Make the Mezcal Fruit Cup
Making the Mezcal Fruit Cup is straightforward, focusing on building the drink in a glass and adding fresh ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Chill the Glass: Select a Collins glass and pre-chill it to keep your cocktail cold for longer.
- Prepare the Garnish: Slice the lemon, orange, and strawberries. Gather your mint sprigs and borage.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the mezcal, orange curaçao, sweet vermouth, and lavender bitters into the chilled glass.
- Add Ice: Half-fill the glass with ice.
- Add Citrus and Mint: Place a citrus slice and a couple of mint leaves from the garnish into the glass.
- Fill with Ice: Fill the glass to the brim with ice.
- Top with Club Soda Add club soda, leaving a small amount of room for the garnish.
- Finish the Garnish: Place the rest of the garnish artfully on top of the drink, ensuring that the fresh fruit and herbs are visible.
This method ensures that the drink is well-chilled and the flavors meld together effectively. The final presentation is just as important as the taste, making it a visual treat.
Variations and Customizations
While the classic Mezcal Fruit Cup recipe is excellent, there is room for variations and customizations to suit individual preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Spice it up: Add a dash of fiery ginger syrup to give the cocktail a spicy kick.
- Sweetness level: Adjust the sweetness of the drink by adding or subtracting a touch of simple syrup or agave nectar.
- Fruit choices: Experiment with different fruits for garnish. Consider using berries, cucumber, or even a slice of star fruit for a tropical twist.
- Bitters: Try other types of bitters, such as orange or aromatic bitters, to change the flavor profile.
- Substitute the Club Soda: Use ginger ale or ginger beer in place of club soda for a spicier and sweeter version.
- Make it a punch: Scale up the ingredients to make a larger batch for a party or gathering.
By experimenting with these variations, you can tailor the Mezcal Fruit Cup to your own taste and occasion.
Serving and Enjoying the Mezcal Fruit Cup
The Mezcal Fruit Cup is best served immediately after preparation, to ensure the drink remains cold and effervescent. It’s a perfect cocktail for:
- Summer gatherings and barbeques
- Relaxing evenings on the patio
- Brunch or daytime celebrations
- A unique and sophisticated alternative to typical summer drinks
The combination of smoky mezcal, sweet vermouth, and fresh fruit makes this a complex, yet refreshing choice. The use of high-quality ingredients and a fresh garnish are key for the best experience.
Other Mezcal Cocktails to Explore
If you enjoy the Mezcal Fruit Cup, you might also be interested in other mezcal cocktails. Here are a few popular options:
- Mezcal Margarita: A smoky twist on the classic margarita, using mezcal instead of tequila.
- Mezcal Negroni: A richer and earthier version of the Negroni with the substitution of gin with mezcal.
- Mezcal Paloma: A refreshing mix of mezcal, grapefruit soda, lime juice and agave nectar.
- Mezcal Sour: This cocktail combines the smoky mezcal flavor with the tartness of lemon and the sweetness of simple syrup.
- Mezcal and Tonic: A simple mix of mezcal, tonic water, and a squeeze of lime or lemon.
These cocktails highlight the versatility of mezcal and showcase its ability to enhance a variety of flavor profiles.
Conclusion
The Mezcal Fruit Cup (Difford’s No. 8 Cup) is an excellent example of a well-crafted cocktail that balances complex flavors with a refreshing finish. Its smoky mezcal base, combined with sweet vermouth, citrus liqueur, and fresh garnishes, makes it a sophisticated and satisfying drink for any occasion. Whether you’re a mezcal enthusiast or just looking for something new and exciting, the Mezcal Fruit Cup is sure to impress with its unique flavor profile and elegant presentation. It is a testament to Simon Difford’s innovative approach to cocktail creation and is a must-try for those seeking a refined and unforgettable drinking experience.
