It´s Undone - Mexican Smoky Agave
Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald
From scepticism to conviction
I have always been sceptical about the hype surrounding mezcal. I never liked the original, i.e. the alcoholic version. But the effect and the theatrical fiddling with salt and lemon were of course very welcome. Rituals help with drinking. The salt and lemon thing (Mexico is the land of mezcal and limes ....) is just a marketing gimmick and the swill with the red hat has as little to do with tequila.
If you look at one of the reasons for the mezcal craze, it is as confusing as it is obvious. A health-conscious approach to alcohol is said to be one of the reasons. The aromatic mezcal probably has advantages here, as even small quantities are enough to create new flavour experiences. Until now, the question remained: what is an alcohol-free mezcal supposed to be?
The discovery: an alcohol-free mezcal alternative
Until Sebastian Schneider, at It's Undone, served me a 0% Paloma with his No.6 - Mexican Smoky Agave, the mezcal alternative. Wow, obviously the smoky notes of mezcal, which are created by roasting the agave in earth pits with charcoal, can be excellently transferred to the alcohol-free version. And of course - what more do you need than these unmistakable flavours? I can very happily do without the burning of the ethanol. Sebastian's alcohol-free Paloma won me over straight away and made me a mezcal fan, alcohol-free of course!
My path to the alcohol-free margarita
What's more, I then turned my attention to the topic of margaritas. A topic that had completely passed me by. Zero Margarita, what the mock? Yes, it is possible. Very good, in fact. The smoke in the glass, the salt on the rim and the tartness of a triple sec are also great in the non-alcoholic version. On this occasion, however, I realised that there is no alcohol-free alternative to a triple sec that is easy and uncomplicated to obtain. Without further ado, I looked for a recipe base and made the triple sec myself. Stay tuned
The alcohol-free mezcal alternative from It's Undone
Back to the alcohol-free mezcal alternative: it's not just the smoky flavours that impress. Notes of pear and, according to the manufacturer, cooked pumpkin also make up the flavour experience. While I miss the pumpkin, the pear and other dried fruit flavours are unmistakably present.
Conclusion
Overall, the alcohol-free mezcal alternative is a clear recommendation for me. It offers a flavourful and interesting alternative to many whiskey or gin alternatives. So the coming summer promises to be all about Palomas - as a delicious 0% version, of course.
Cheers Sober Buddies!
Photo: Oliver Schwarzwald
