Oaxacan Lemonade

Matthew Kelly/Supercall
Matthew Kelly/Supercall

Sometimes flavored vodka is exactly what a cocktail needs—especially if you’re using one flavored with natural ingredients, like the Square One Organic Basil Vodka found in this twist on spiked lemonade. The spirit’s herbal flavor is delicious alongside earthy mezcal, fresh lemon juice, agave nectar and cilantro. It’s a great introduction (or re-introduction) to vodka cocktails, thanks to its approachable tartness (think Margaritas and Gimlets) and the addition of a second spirit (so you can rest easy in the knowledge that you’re not really drinking a vodka-only cocktail).

"People often think they don’t like vodka cocktails or might not like mezcal’s smokiness, but this combination brings out the best in both spirits," says Allison Evanow, founder and CEO of Square One. The brand created the cocktail as a way of introducing balanced and flavorful vodka cocktails to bars. Whether you’re drawn to the vodka’s fresh herbaceousness or mezcal’s seductive smokiness, this cocktail is a year-round refresher.

Oaxacan Lemonade

FLAVOR PROFILE
Sour
STRENGTH
DIFFICULTY
easy

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 oz Vodka
  • .5 barspoon Mezcal
  • .5 oz Lemon Juice
  • .5 oz agave nectar or simple syrup
  • Cilantro leaf
  • Lemon twist
  • Cilantro leaf

INSTRUCTIONS

Step one

Tear cilantro leaf and add to a shaker.

Step two

Pour in mezcal, vodka, lemon juice and agave nectar, and shake with ice.

Step three

Strain into a chilled coupe glass and garnish with a cilantro leaf and lemon twist.

Contributed by Allison Evanow