Best food pairings for mezcal cocktails

Mezcal brings campfire and earth. Pair with char, fat, and citrus so the glass stays bright — not buried under sweetness or competing smoke.

Quick rules of thumb

• Smoky palomas and highballs: grilled corn, fish tacos, and grapefruit-forward salads.
• Stirred agave with mezcal splits: mole, short rib, and dark chocolate with minimal sugar.
• Use salt rims or pinch finishes when the dish runs hot — capsaicin and smoke need a buffer.