Dangerous Don Mandarina Mezcal

Lucia set up Doña, a music and mezcal bar that focuses on showcasing artisanal mezcals and seeks to promote independent creativity and empowered feminine energy.

Light and citrusy, with a soft smokiness. There's also a hint of ginger spice and a herbal zest to this mezcal. It’s truly delicious!

I enjoy this as an aperitivo at the beginning of an evening, but it’s also great during and after dinner, and well into the night!

If you’ve never tried mezcal before, this is a good introduction to it because it's light and fresh, with a medium level of smokiness. It should also appeal to seasoned mezcal drinkers looking to try something different, thanks to the unusual, zesty mandarin character.

Because of its light and delicate hint of orange, the Mandarina is a delicious mezcal to sip neat. I always add a couple of slices of orange, preferably with a sprinkle of Tajín on top. That being said, this double-distilled mezcal is also brilliant served with tonic water. For all those G&T drinkers out there, try out the M&T!

Mezcal is usually always drunk neat, not on the rocks. If you are sipping it straight I wouldn’t add any ice. It doesn’t even need to be especially cold. Often in Mexico, you will be served mezcal at room temperature. If you’re drinking it in an M&T, I would always add plenty of ice to keep it super fizzy and fresh.

Veladora shot glasses are the classic vessel to drink mezcal from, if you’re drinking it neat. Otherwise, for a M&T I’d always use a highball so that you can fit a good amount of ice in.

Salted and roasted corn are the ultimate salty snack with mezcal, and of course, slithers of orange with a generous sprinkling of Tajin … *chefs kiss* At Doña we are so thrilled to have Tigre Tacos as our upstairs neighbours, so I would always say tacos are the best accompaniment for mezcal for the full Mexican experience.