Barsys
The Oaxacan Mist
About
The Oaxacan Mist is less a cocktail and more an experience. Built on Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal, this drink leans unapologetically into smoke, earth, and aroma. From the first moment the glass reaches your face, absinthe rises like a floral haze — light, herbal, and almost ethereal. Then the mezcal takes over, grounding the drink with deep agave smoke and mineral intensity.
Lime juice plays a quiet but critical role, cutting through the weight just enough to keep the drink focused rather than overwhelming. Shaken and served over ice in a rocks glass, The Oaxacan Mist unfolds slowly. The scorched rosemary garnish seals the ritual, releasing herbal smoke that lingers long before the first sip. This is a cocktail for still moments, intentional pours, and people who enjoy drinks that demand attention and patience.
Shaken or Stirred? Shaken. The shake wakes up the aromatics and softens the intensity just enough.
What You'll Need
For one Oaxacan Mist Cocktail:
- 2 oz Del Maguey VIDA Clásico Mezcal
- 1 oz absinthe
- 0.5 oz lime juice
Optional garnish: Scorched rosemary sprig
Pro tip: Lightly scorch the rosemary until aromatic, not charred - smoke is the goal.
How to Make It
Prep time: 3 minutes
Skill level: Confident
- Add mezcal, absinthe, and lime juice to a shaker with ice.
- Shake briefly but firmly until well chilled.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with large ice.
- Garnish with a lightly scorched rosemary sprig.
Using Barsys Cocktail Maker?
Barsys Coaster 2.0 Cocktail Maker is ideal for a cocktail like The Oaxacan Mist, where intensity needs control. Load the mezcal and absinthe for precise pours, add lime juice, then shake. This keeps the drink powerful without letting the absinthe overwhelm the mezcal.
For the full recipe, download the Barsys App.
Tasting Notes
The Barsys Edge
Absinthe and mezcal are both dominant spirits. Barsys ensures neither overpowers the other, keeping the drink intense but balanced, aromatic but controlled.
Sip Setting
Best enjoyed late night, lights low, conversation minimal. This is a sit-with-it drink, not a social one.
Garnish Game
The scorched rosemary isn’t decoration - it’s part of the drink. Let the smoke rise, pause, then sip.
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FAQs
Is this a strong cocktail?
Yes - it’s bold, smoky, and spirit-forward.
Does it taste heavily of absinthe?
It’s aromatic rather than aggressive.
Can I reduce the absinthe?
Yes, but it will change the character.
Can I batch this cocktail?
Not recommended - it’s best made fresh.
Is this for beginners?
It’s better suited for adventurous drinkers.