Peyote Cocktail Recipe
Peyote Nutrition Facts
Calories:180
Fat:0g
Protein:0g
Carbohydrates:12g
Alcohol:14%
Created by
Nic Polotnianko
I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.
Last Updated: August 23, 2024
Contents
History
The Peyote cocktail is inspired by the psychedelic effects of the peyote cactus, which has been used in Native American rituals for centuries. This cocktail aims to capture the essence of the peyote experience in a drinkable form, making it a favorite among adventurous drinkers and fans of unique flavor combinations.
How Peyote Tastes?
The Peyote cocktail offers a complex and intriguing taste profile, with sweet, sour, and herbal notes. The sweetness of the agave syrup balances the tartness of the lime juice, while the earthy flavors of the mezcal and cactus juice create a unique and memorable experience.
Interesting facts about Peyote
- The peyote cactus, from which this cocktail takes its name, is native to the southwestern United States and Mexico and has been used for its hallucinogenic properties for thousands of years.
- Mezcal, a key ingredient in the Peyote cocktail, is a distilled spirit made from the agave plant and is often compared to tequila, although it has a smokier flavor.
- The Peyote cocktail is not a traditional drink, but rather a modern creation inspired by the flavors and history of the peyote cactus.
Ingredients
- Mezcal: 1.5 oz(45ml)
- Cactus juice: 1 oz(30ml)
- Lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Agave syrup: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Orange bitters: 2 dashes
- Ice: As needed
- Salt: For rimming
- Garnish: Lime wheel and cactus leaf
Mezcal
The bold, smoky character of 1.5oz mezcal provides the backbone for the cocktail. It's just enough to give it a punch without knocking your sombrero off. Skip the mezcal, and you'll miss the smokey fiesta—definitely a no-go! Substitute with tequila if you want to turn down the smoke signals.
Emma Rose
Cactus Juice
1oz cactus juice adds a unique, subtle sweetness and a touch of desert mystery. Too much could turn your cocktail into a thorny situation, while too little might make you ask, 'Where's the cactus in this fiesta?' No cactus juice? Try kiwi or aloe vera juice for an interesting twist!
Alex Green
Lime Juice
The 0.5oz lime juice is here to add a tangy zing and bright acidity, balancing the sweet and smoky like a tightrope walker at a circus. Less juice, and it might be too sweet; too much, and you'll pucker up like you've kissed a cactus. Lemon juice can step in, but it's like swapping salsa for flamenco—still good, just different.
Mary Mitkina
Agave Syrup
0.5oz agave syrup brings the sweetness to smooth out the mezcal's fiery passion. It's the peacekeeper between the tangy and the smoky. Skip it, and your drink may feel a bit too much like a desert. If you're out, try simple syrup, but remember, it's not quite as sultry.
Emma Rose
Orange Bitters
Two dashes of orange bitters act like the spice of life, giving depth and complexity with just a hint of citrus flair. It's the secret handshake of the cocktail world. Leave it out, and your cocktail might be like a dance floor without music. A drop or two of grapefruit bitters can dance to the same beat, though with a different groove.
Alex Green
Ice
Ice is not just to chill; it's to mellow the fire and blend the flavors. It's the cool friend who calms down the party. No ice means a hot mess, literally!
Mary Mitkina
Salt
Salt on the rim is like the party hat—without it, the celebration feels a little incomplete. It contrasts the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Missing salt is like a fiesta without decorations. Try a chili-salt rim for a caliente kick!
Emma Rose
Garnish
The lime wheel and cactus leaf are the final festive touches—the confetti on your cocktail. They add visual appeal and a hint of fresh zest. No garnish is like a piñata with no candy inside—it's just not as fun.
Alex Green
Recipe. How to make Peyote Drink
- Rim a rocks glass with salt by running a lime wedge around the edge and dipping it into a plate of salt.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine the mezcal, cactus juice, lime juice, agave syrup, and orange bitters.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well until chilled.
- Fill the prepared rocks glass with fresh ice and strain the cocktail over the ice.
- Garnish with a lime wheel and a small cactus leaf.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Chill the glass before serving to keep the cocktail cold longer.
- Shake the cocktail shaker vigorously to properly mix the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
Perfect Pairings
Food
- Grilled meats: The smoky notes of mezcal pair beautifully with barbecued or grilled meats.
- Fish tacos: A zesty complement to the fresh flavors of seafood in a light taco.
- Ceviche: The acidity of lime juice in the cocktail complements the fresh citrusy flavors of ceviche.
Drinks
- Cold Mexican beer: A light, refreshing beer can be a great palate cleanser alongside the Peyote cocktail.
- Sangria: For those who prefer a sweeter beverage, a fruity sangria can balance the smokey mezcal.
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What you could change in Peyote
- Tequila can be used in place of mezcal for a less smoky flavor.
- Honey can be used as a substitute for agave syrup.
- If cactus juice is not available, aloe vera juice can be used as a substitute.
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Spicy Peyote
- Use a chili-salted rim: For added heat.
- Add a slice of jalapeño: To the shaker for a spicy kick.
- Swap agave syrup for honey: For a richer sweetness. The spicy version will warm your taste buds and turn the heat up in your desert cocktail. It's the wild cousin who arrives unannounced at the family reunion.
Peyote Verde
- Substitute cactus juice with kiwi juice: For a tropical note.
- Add a hint of mint: For freshness.
- Top off with soda water: For a fizzy lift. The Verde twist brings an oasis of tropical flavors to your desert drink. It's like finding water in the middle of the sand dunes—refreshing and unexpected.
Smoky Sunrise
- Add orange juice: For a touch of sunrise in your glass.
- Garnish with an orange twist: Instead of a lime wheel.
- A splash of grenadine: To sink to the bottom for a sunrise effect. This twist introduces a citrus glow to the smoky essence of the original Peyote. It's a colorful spectacle, much like watching the daybreak over a vast desert landscape.
In case you forgot basics how to make Peyote
Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.
Learn everything on how to shakePlace your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.
Learn everything on how to strainGarnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
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Frequently Asked Questions on Peyote
What is the difference between mezcal and tequila?
While both mezcal and tequila are made from agave, they are derived from different varieties of the plant and are produced in different regions of Mexico. Mezcal has a unique smoky flavor due to the traditional method of cooking the agave in earthen pits.
What are some other uses of agave syrup?
Agave syrup is a popular sweetener often used in cooking and baking. It's also a common ingredient in a variety of cocktails beyond the Peyote.
What does Peyote mean?
Peyote is a Spanish word, derived from the Nahuatl (Aztec language) term 'peyotl'. The cocktail's name comes from the bitter, psychedelic cactus native to Mexico and southwestern Texas.
Is there alcohol-free version for Peyote?
Yes, for an alcohol-free version of the Peyote, you could skip the mezcal and use a smoky non-alcoholic spirit instead, along with the other ingredients in the recipe.
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