Barsys
Painted Desert
About
The Painted Desert cocktail is a study in contrast done right. It brings together two expressions of agave - smoky mezcal and clean blanco tequila - and lets them play off each other instead of competing. Del Maguey VIDA Clásico provides earthy smoke and roasted depth, while Teremana Blanco keeps things bright, grassy, and sharp.
Fresh watermelon juice softens the intensity with natural sweetness and a juicy mid-palate, while agave syrup ties everything together without pushing the drink into dessert territory. Served up in a coupe, Painted Desert feels elegant but grounded - layered, expressive, and surprisingly easy to drink for something this complex.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. Shaking blends the dual agave base with the fruit and smooths the transition from smoke to sweetness.
What You'll Need
For one Painted Desert cocktail:
- 1.0 oz Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal
- 1.0 oz Teremana Blanco Tequila
- 1.0 oz watermelon juice
- 0.5 oz agave syrup
Glass: Coupe
Garnish: Lime twist
Pro Tip: Use freshly juiced watermelon and a light hand with agave - the drink should stay crisp, not sticky.
How to Make It
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Skill Level: Easy
- Add mezcal, tequila, watermelon juice, and agave syrup to a shaker with ice.
- Shake firmly until well chilled.
- Strain into a chilled coupe glass.
- Express a lime twist over the drink and drop it in.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is ideal for Painted Desert. Load both mezcal and tequila for precise equal pours, add watermelon juice and agave syrup, then shake and strain. When working with two agave spirits, accuracy matters.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Split-base cocktails fall apart fast when ratios drift. Barsys keeps the mezcal smoky without overpowering, the tequila crisp, and the fruit perfectly balanced - giving you a layered, intentional cocktail every single time.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed at sunset, before dinner, or when you want a cocktail that feels thoughtful without being heavy.
Garnish Game
A simple lime twist is all this drink needs. It sharpens the aroma and reinforces the clean agave finish without distracting from the layers.
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FAQs
Is the Painted Desert very smoky?
It’s balanced. Mezcal leads, but the tequila and watermelon keep it bright.
Why use both mezcal and tequila?
The contrast creates depth - smoke up front, clean agave on the finish.
Is this cocktail sweet?
Lightly. The sweetness is natural and restrained.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Yes. Batch the liquid ingredients and shake individual servings with ice.
Is this good for mezcal newcomers?
Yes - the fruit and tequila make it approachable without hiding the mezcal.