Over the last several years, the Mezcal category has experienced an extraordinary rise in interest, education, awareness and “it” factor – and it shows no sign of slowing down. As the category continues to gain momentum, Mezcal El Silencio has emerged as a leader to indoctrinate both the bartender community and consumer enthusiasts alike. With Mezcal’s growth popularity, it is extremely exciting to see how bartenders from different backgrounds incorporate this Mexican spirit into various beverage programs and cocktails.
Natalia Garcia Bourke, Brand Director at Mezcal El Silencio, shares some background on the brand.
There is a constant search for new and different products that manage to cut through the noise. Experiencing mezcal creates a longing to be a part of its evolution and enables consumers to become storytellers, particularly of the story that only this agave distillate can tell.
El Silencio is a very approachable mezcal and a great introduction to the category. It is a versatile product that can be sipped or mixed into cocktails. It is this versatility that fueled the early adoption of using El Silencio in cocktails by the trade and then trickled into the at-home consumer.
Even though mezcal is an ancient spirit, the category itself is young, which requires a lot of education and guidance. As an emerging brand, everyone on the team speaks directly with trade and expands our consumer reach through our social circles. This provides a personal brand touch that taps into people’s emotions and has fueled our growth, especially in our industry, which is driven by personal relationships.
Mezcal El Silencio Cocktails Around New York City
We recently got to experience Mezcal El Silencio with Natalia and Jen Collins, New York Market Manager, at several different bars around NYC. Along the way, we had the opportunity to taste exciting diversity in how the spirit is being used in various styles of cocktails.
Luis Ramos at Ovest Pizzoteca & Bar presents “Mezcalito”
Mezcal El Silencio, elderflower liqueur, peach liqueur, fresh cucumber, fresh lime juice, fresh pineapple juice, tamarind chili sirop and homemade spicy salt, shaken.
“When I think back on growing up in Mexico, one of my fondest memories is dipping fresh fruits and vegetables in spicy tajin salt; a healthy snack with a kick,” Ramos tells thirsty. “The fresh cucumber and pineapple pair perfectly mixed with hints of spice and the smokiness of Mezcal El Silencio.”
Joanna Carpenter, consultant, presents “That’s What She Said” special appearance at Tetsu
Mezcal El Silencio, Chicory bitters, angostura bitters, lime, Coco Lopez and Q Kola.
“El Silencio has this beautiful, rich earthiness to it that other mezcals don’t always have, and I wanted to show that off in a long drink that can be enjoyed across multiple seasons,” explains Carpenter. “The smoke meeting the tang of citrus, creamy sweetness of Coco Lopez and earthiness of the bitters all balanced out with bright, dense carbonation in the Kola lets the mezcal be the star while hitting the rest of the palate with a huge burst of flavor.”
Nate Serrano at Rosie’s Mexican presents the “Piña Loca”
Mezcal El Silencio, pink-peppercorn and pineapple syrup and lime juice
“El Silencio works great with this cocktail because at 43% ABV, the extra 3% stands out when mixed in cocktails,” says Serrano. “The notes of clay and medium smoke accentuate the tropical flavors of pineapple and spice from the peppercorn. There’s a nice balance of smoke, sweet and citrus. Also, mezcal and pineapple are a dream together.”
Bryan Tate at Artechouse NY presents the “Theater District”
Mezcal El Silencio, peaches, sweet corn, Cholula, tajin and lime
“The cocktail is based on the most popular ingredients found in restaurants in the NY theater district,” reveals Tate. “We felt the combination of traditional Mexican flavor and the sweetness of peach would play beautifully with the earthy vegetal notes of El Silencio. The spice of Cholula brings out some of the smoke notes, and gives the guest the sensation of drinking a bite of Mexican Sweet Corn.”
For more information on Mezcal El Silencio visit silencio.com / @mezcalelsilencio
All Photography by Anthony Nader (@52Chefs) exclusively for Thirsty & Mezcal El Silencio
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