The expertly-fashioned cocktails at this second-story speakeasy is well worth a trip up north. The cocktail to sip while you soak in the view of the charming downtown Denton square? The spicy-sweet Piers Plowman—a gin/mezcal blend with fresh pineapple juice, muddled cherry tomatoes and habanero tincture.

While enjoying smothered tamales from this Turtle Creek location, be sure and reach for a drink menu. For those that are looking for some serious flavor, order the Holy Smoke. With Xicaru Reposado Private Barrel Mezcal, dry curaçao, triple citrus, agave, liquid smoke and hickory smoked sea salt rim, it’s definitely not shy.

Positioned next door to East Dallas taco favorite El Come, this mezcal-focused bar offers plenty of options for sipping or mixing. And thankfully, the service at the sister bar is just as warm and inviting, so mezcal newbies can get a ton of solid recommendations on the perfect smoky sip.

This Victorian house-turned-bar has been holding it down as one of Uptown’s best happy hour options since it opened. There’s a handful of solid drink options, but those looking for a smokier concoction will love the Passion & Pepper, made with Sombra Mezcal Joven, Giffard Passion Fruit Liqueur and finished off with a bit of black pepper. 

Everyone may be talking about Las Palmas’ quiet brunch menu, but it’s the gorgeous drink selection truly sets them apart from Dallas’ countless Tex Mex spots. For those looking for a little more spice than smoke, try the Future Classic— this concoction of mezcal, Ancho Reyes verde, yellow Chartreuse and charred jalapeno provides just the right amount of heat.

This downtown location is known for its casual happy hour vibe. And if you find yourself there sharing a handful of appetizers (or the jalapeno macaroni and cheese if you’re really doing it right), be sure and order a Sidecar. The flavor trio of mezcal, fresh lemon juice and triple sec is simple and spot on. 

What better place to acquaint yourself with this agave-based spirit than a mezcaleria? This hip location boasts a pretty well-rounded tequila menu, but it’s the Lluvia Púrpura that truly stands out. Its smoky-yet-sweet flavor profile includes blueberry, butterfly pea maraschino, green chartreuse, anise and aquafaba—something you need to try at least once.

This buzzy new addition to Bishop Arts has kept their drink menu pretty under wraps. 

Thankfully there are a handful of cocktails that are already developing quite the reputation around town. One of our favorites? The elusive Mitchell, a hazy yet bright blend of mezcal, cynar and lemon.