Berry Smash: A Botanical, Juicy Mezcal Highball
Flavor Profile: Botanical, Juicy, Tart
Sip into a floral and fruit-forward delight as gin meets the Fósforo Ensamble Mezcal, creating a luscious and full-flavored highball that’s perfect for leisurely afternoons in the sun.
Explore how Fósforo is crafted from heirloom agave in Puebla using traditional methods on our process page.
How to Make the Berry Smash
1 oz. Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble
1 oz. London Dry Gin
¾ oz. Fresh Lime Juice
1 oz. Berry Simple (sub. 1 tbsp berry preserve)
10 Fresh Black Berries
Sparkling Water
Muddle blackberries at the base of a Collins glass. Fill with ice and combine ingredients. Top with a splash of sparkling water.
Why Use Fósforo Mezcal in a Berry Smash?
With its blend of Espadilla and Tobalá agave, Fósforo Mezcal Ensamble brings balance and refinement to cocktails with layered ingredients. Its subtle smoke, earthy undertones, and hints of papaya and white pepper pair beautifully with the tartness of blackberries and the herbal lift of London Dry gin.
This mezcal berry cocktail doesn’t overwhelm with sweetness – instead, it’s all about balance: bold fruit, bright acid, and the complexity of two distinct spirits working in harmony.
The Story Behind the Smash
The Smash is a classic cocktail style that dates back to the 1800s – traditionally combining a spirit, fresh fruit, sugar, and herbs. Over time, bartenders have adapted it into longer, more refreshing highballs using seasonal fruit and sparkling water.
The Berry Smash modernizes this structure with a split base of mezcal and gin, offering both earthiness and botanicals, while ripe berries and lime keep it fresh and sessionable. It’s ideal for warm weather and easy customization.
Tips for a Perfect Berry Smash
Use ripe blackberries for maximum juice and the perfect color.
Homemade berry syrup (equal parts berries, sugar, and water) enhances flavor and depth.
Swap in different berries – raspberries or blueberries work beautifully, too.
FAQ: Berry Smash with Fósforo Ensamble
Q: What makes this a “smash” cocktail?
A: A Smash includes fresh fruit that’s muddled or mashed with a spirit and citrus. This version uses blackberries, lime, mezcal, and gin – finished with sparkling water for lift.
Q: Can I use jam or preserves instead of syrup?
A: Yes! A tablespoon of quality berry preserve works well and adds body. Just stir thoroughly to blend.
Q: What kind of gin should I use?
A: A classic London Dry gin keeps the flavors clean and balanced, letting the berries and mezcal shine.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
A: You can pre-mix everything except the sparkling water and blackberries. Muddle and top just before serving for the freshest result.
Q: Is this mezcal smoky?
A: Fósforo Mezcal has a subtle, nuanced smokiness that supports – rather than dominates – the fruit and botanicals in this cocktail.
