Rayu Espadín Joven Mezcal 88 Proof

Rayu Espadín Joven is made in San Juan del Río, Oaxaca, with espadín agave and two distillations in copper stills. Cooked-agave, fruit and herbal notes meet light smoke. Start with a small neat pour; a slice of orange on the side lets you explore a different contrast.

This listing is for the 1 L size. At a 1-ounce cocktail measure, that volume provides approximately 33 pours before allowing for spills or a different recipe.

Begin with a small pour in a glass wide enough to smell the spirit. Take time with the aroma before adding water or ice. Mezcal expressions can differ substantially, so this simple serve helps you decide how you want to use the bottle. An orange wedge can sit alongside the glass without changing the drink itself. Avoid assuming that every mezcal has the same intensity or flavor profile.

For a cocktail variation, shake 1 ounce of mezcal with three-quarters of an ounce of fresh lime juice and half an ounce of orange liqueur, then strain over fresh ice. Taste before adding syrup. You can also split the spirit measure between mezcal and tequila to adjust the balance. Keep the citrus measured and any salt rim partial, giving you control over each element rather than committing the whole glass to one seasoning.