The appealingly rustic relative of tequila, mezcal is made from the maguey plant (a kind of agave) in Oaxaca, Mexico. In recent years, small-batch artisanal mezcals like Del Maguey have replaced cheaper versions, and local bartenders are deploying the floral, smoky spirit with panache. 

TRY THESE:  

Irving Street Kitchen 
The Deceiver Del Maguey Vida mezcal, lemon, lime, simple syrup, Laphroaig Scotch whisky, soda water

The Driftwood Room 
Spaghetti Western Del Maguey Chichicapa mezcal, El Jimador tequila, Aperol, basil simple syrup, lime

Beaker & Flask
End of Days Del Maguey Vida mezcal, Campo de Encanto pisco, Cocchi Americano, yellow Chartreuse, grapefruit bitters