Citrus Kombucha Mezcal cocktails

How to do you make a healthier tequila and mezcal cocktails? Simple, just add a zippy flavored Kombucha! This Citrus Kombucha Mezcal cocktails recipe is one of my most made drink recipes in the cotter household. A healthy cocktail that adds a probiotic punch! Ditch the sugary cocktails with refined juice and syrups and make kombucha your mixer instead.

I know what you may be thinking, what the heck is Mezcal, what does it tastes like, and what is Kombucha doing in a cocktail?

Well, my friends, I’ll get to all that, promise! But first, let me tell you how grapefruit mezcal cocktails became a favorite healthy cocktail recipe in the cotter household. Mmm k?

What makes a healthy cocktail?

mezcal cocktails

Do you remember that Paloma cocktail I posted back in December? Actually, I updated it from 2014 and then shared it again. It truly is delicious! Well, the kiwi and I loved making different versions of that cocktail but wanted to find a way to make it healthier or lighter in alcohol. Haha, is that even allowed with tequila cocktails? Yes, yes it is!

You see, my other favorite kombucha cocktail I make is with Rosé wine and a Berry or Lemon Kombucha. I love that wine spritzer recipe because it adds in natural sweetness and lightens the wine consumption without affecting taste. Whenever I added a sparkling water to the Rose, I almost always have to add a sweetener to “pump up” the taste. Well, not with kombucha! It adds the perfect sweet touch and bubbles.

kombucha cocktails with lim

Anyways…that’s when the idea hit! I should totally try this with tequila! Wam bam a healthy cocktail recipe was made! Better yet, a PROBIOTIC cocktail… kinda sorta. I have mentioned this before (in this Paloma cocktail post), but did you know that mezcal and tequila can be good for the gut? I know, shocker!

Tequila and Mezcal are made from fermented agave, and fermented foods are really good for the gut and brain. Now, combine that with probiotic rich fermented drinks (like kombucha), vitamin C rich fruit, and medicinal herbs (like mint), and you’ve got yourself a light and fresh drink to enjoy during happy hour!

See, this just proves that Kombucha and booze (unprocessed gluten free booze) are made for each other. So let’s do it, ditch the sugary cocktails with refined juice and syrups and make kombucha your mixer instead.

Why did I choose to make a Mezcal cocktail versus a kombucha cocktail with Tequila?

Good question, and my inner nutrition science nerd is happy to tell you!

What is the difference between tequila and mezcal?

I’m just going to quote the spirits writer himself, John McEvoy!

Tequila is a type of mezcal, much like how bourbon and scotch are types of whiskey. Mezcal is defined as any agave-based liquor.

Make sense?

Other FACTS about Mezcal –

Mezcal can be made from over 25- 30 varieties of agave
Mezcal can be produced in SEVERAL different regions of Mexico
Mezcal is distilled differently that tequila. Mezcal is cooked inside earthen pits that are lined with lava rocks and filled with wood and charcoal before being distilled in clay pots.(Source)

The distillery process creates an amazing earthy yet smooth smokey flavor! And OMG it’s such a good flavor with citrus, or in this case, a sweet and sour grapefruit!

How to drink mezcal with kombucha!

First, squeeze that fresh juice and mix together! I highly recommend making grapefruit juice to be the star, but feel free to add any fresh fruit! Once you have your citrus fruit base (in a large container), then mix in mezcal and the honey or agave. Divide into individual glasses rimmed with salt. The amount of sweetener you add depends on the flavor of kombucha. I have found that when using a stronger flavor Kombucha (like mango, guava, etc.), you really don’t need to add much additional sweetener. I recommend tasting your kombucha before you use it in a cocktail.

Now, before you add the kombucha, you can add crush ice or one large ice cube. Totally optional, but not needed. Finally, top off each glass with the kombucha. You want add the kombucha last to preserve the fizzy goodness (carbonation), like you would seltzer.

Garnish with any herbs and citrus slices. Mint is totally divine with this, just sayin.

And finally, raise your glass and give a toast! Cheers, you’ve got yourself Kombucha Mezcal Cocktails to share!

Need a MOCKTAIL Version? Just skip the mezcal and add more kombucha!

One last note, okay maybe two!

My 75 year old dad (who doesn’t drink kombucha, tequila, or mezcal for that matter) was a huge fan of this cocktail. I told him it would help his gut. Haha!

Also, I’d like to thank this gimme some oven girl (ALLIE) for getting me hooked on mezcal. Her mezcal cocktails are legit.